Remembering The 15 Coolest Cars from the 1980s
The 1980s were a time of bold design and unforgettable pop culture. From neon-lit arcades to iconic TV shows, the era left its mark on everything — especially cars.
These legendary cars from the 80s remain some of the most iconic vehicles ever made. Their unique designs, powerful engines, and role in pop culture ensure they still turn heads today. Let’s explore 15 coolest cars from the 1980s that stand the test of time.
1. DeLorean DMC-12 (1981)
- Why It’s Cool: Stainless steel body, gullwing doors, Back to the Future fame
- Fun Fact: The DeLorean’s appearance in Back to the Future made it one of the most famous cars of all time.
2. Ferrari Testarossa (1984)
- Why It’s Cool: Sleek, wide body design, iconic red paint, featured on Miami Vice
- Fun Fact: Its wide rear track gave it a unique stance that stood out in traffic.
3. Lamborghini Countach 5000S (1982)
- Why It’s Cool: Futuristic design, scissor doors, exotic appeal
- Fun Fact: This poster-worthy car symbolized 80s luxury and excess.
4. Porsche 911 Carrera (930 Turbo) (1980)
- Why It’s Cool: Turbocharged performance, classic design, rear-engine legend
- Fun Fact: Known as the “Widowmaker” for its challenging driving dynamics.
5. BMW M1 (1981)
- Why It’s Cool: Rare mid-engine design, motorsport pedigree, wedge-shaped body
- Fun Fact: The M1 remains BMW’s only production mid-engine supercar.
6. Buick Grand National GNX (1987)
- Why It’s Cool: All-black, turbocharged V6 engine, stealthy design
- Fun Fact: It’s one of the fastest American cars of its time, beating many European sports cars.
7. Mazda RX-7 (1981)
- Why It’s Cool: Rotary engine, lightweight design, affordable performance
- Fun Fact: Its rotary engine gave it a unique sound and smooth power delivery.
8. Toyota AE86 (Hachiroku) (1983)
- Why It’s Cool: Lightweight, rear-wheel drive, drift car legend
- Fun Fact: The AE86 became famous in the anime Initial D and is a drifting icon.
9. Ford Mustang GT (Fox Body) (1987 Refresh)
- Why It’s Cool: Affordable performance, V8 power, beloved by drag racers
- Fun Fact: The Fox Body Mustang is one of the most modifiable muscle cars ever.
10. Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z (1985)
- Why It’s Cool: Performance trim, street cred, and racing heritage
- Fun Fact: The IROC-Z name comes from the “International Race of Champions.”
11. BMW M3 (E30) (1986)
- Why It’s Cool: Compact, rear-wheel drive, motorsport roots
- Fun Fact: The E30 M3 is one of the most celebrated performance cars in history.
12. Volkswagen Golf GTI (MK2) (1984)
- Why It’s Cool: The original “hot hatch,” sporty handling, daily drivability
- Fun Fact: The GTI set the template for what a hot hatch should be and still inspires modern models.
13. Porsche 959 (1986)
- Why It’s Cool: All-wheel drive, twin-turbo engine, 197 mph top speed
- Fun Fact: It was the world’s fastest production car when released.
14. Audi Quattro (1980)
- Why It’s Cool: All-wheel drive rally legend, turbocharged engine
- Fun Fact: The Quattro revolutionized rally racing with its AWD system and dominated motorsport for years.
15. Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit (1980)
- Why It’s Cool: Ultimate luxury, handcrafted quality, iconic status
- Fun Fact: The Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit featured advanced self-leveling suspension, delivering one of the smoothest rides of its time.
What Made 80s Cars So Iconic?
The 80s brought new ideas to the world of performance cars. Here’s why they stand out:
- Design Trends: Bold, boxy shapes, turbocharged engines, and pop-up headlights defined the decade’s look.
- Advanced Tech: Wheel drive systems like front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive became more popular.
- Pop Culture Influence: TV shows like Knight Rider and movies like Back to the Future made cars essential to the stories.
The coolest cars from the 1980s are more than just vehicles — they’re cultural icons that embody an unforgettable era. From sci-fi stardom to track-day triumphs, these machines continue to fuel the passion of car lovers and collectors alike. For even more 80s nostalgia, check out 80 Photos That Totally Sum Up the 80s, revisit the hits with Summer Songs That Take Us Back to the 80s, or explore the wild side of automotive history with 53 of the Strangest and Most Obscure Vehicles to Ever Roll on 4 Wheels.”