20 Photos Admiring the 1980s' Prettiest Cars
The 1980s didn’t do anything quietly. Every car felt like a rolling announcement that you were loud, shiny, and possibly powered by a mixtape that violated several fire codes. Neon lights, plastic trim, and questionable angles combined into a decade-long experiment nobody asked for, but everyone remembers.
Most of these machines weren’t fast. Some were bricks with spoilers, others were triangles pretending to be rockets. People loved them anyway. They posed proudly, mullets fluttered, and interiors glowed like radioactive aquariums.
Keep going, because each car looks like it escaped from an ’80s fever dream and refuses to apologize for it.
Vector W8, 1989
Jet-cockpit interior and ambitious engineering created a machine that felt permanently overstimulated.
Audi Quattro, 1985
All-wheel-drive traction proved its worth every time the weather refused to cooperate.
BMW M3 E30, 1989
Track-ready attitude met weekday practicality in a way few cars managed.
DeLorean DMC-12, 1982
Stainless panels and gullwing doors overshadowed its modest performance.
Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL, 1988
Executive comfort made it the default pick for drivers who preferred quiet confidence.
Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R, 1987
Wide fenders and blocky lines set it apart from rivals chasing smoother shapes.
Mazda RX-7 FC, 1988
Rotary engine and clean handling appealed to anyone tired of conventional setups.
Honda CRX Si, 1989
Lightweight and sharp responses turned everyday commuting into quick, simple fun.
Nissan 300ZX Z31, 1986
Cockpit-style dashboard created the feeling of piloting something more than a car.
Toyota Supra A70, 1989
Balanced manners and dependable turbo power made it a confident long-distance choice.
BMW M1, 1981
Rarity alone pushed it into collector territory long before its engineering did.
Lotus Esprit Turbo, 1984
Bond associations boosted its appeal well beyond its actual production numbers.
Porsche 911 Targa 930, 1983
Air-cooled sound and a removable roof catered to drivers who valued the trip over the company.
Ferrari Testarossa, 1987
Side strakes turned it into a moving billboard for television-era luxury.
Chevrolet Corvette C4, 1984
Digital gauges and sharp angles defined success for anyone who wanted future tech early.
Lamborghini Countach, 1985
Poster-tier styling ensured it stayed iconic, despite doors that required acrobatics.
Buick Grand National, 1987
Turbo V6 performance embarrassed pricier cars and kept gearheads quietly smiling.
Ford Mustang GT Foxbody, 1989
Known for its 5.0 revival, it became the default project car for half the neighborhood.
Pontiac Fiero GT, 1986
Mid-engine layout promised exotic vibes, even when the daily route was just work and back.
Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z, 1987
V8 punch and mall-lot swagger made it the unofficial king of teenage bragging rights.
