Ah, yes, the nostalgic ‘80s. A decade known for flamboyant big hair, snazzy tunes, and a generally awesome vibe. Aside from featuring Madonna, Michael Jackson, and other pop culture idols, the ‘80s also came with a long list of cool cars. After all, you needed a groovy ride to make an appearance at the parties of the ‘80s! From high-end sports cars to beaten-down classics, the ‘80s features an intriguing mix of vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at ten of the coolest classic cars that we wish we could easily get our hands on today!
10 Acura Integra
Number one on our list is the Acura Integra, a vehicle introduced in 1986 by the famous Japanese company Honda. The company is well known today for producing relatively inexpensive, yet very reliable cars. However, reliability isn’t the only thing great about the first generation of the Acura Integra! This classic car also has some pretty cool features both inside and out. The exterior features a classic, angular design that still holds a special place in a plethora of collectors’ hearts today, featuring pop up headlights and sleek edging. On the inside, the $10,000 car sports a fun 118 horsepower to add some excitement into your everyday commute!
9 BMW M3
BMW remains a well-loved luxury car brand throughout the decades, and the company dabbles in racing cars every now and then. The BMW M3 is a classic example of a beefed-up sports car with its bold bodywork design and an aggressive selection of spoilers and body flairs. With a smooth 192 bhp, drivers in the ‘80s revved those engines in confidence. The rare car was coveted even back then, and its fame only grew when it rose to become the champion of European Touring Cars. Today, a plethora of collectors would love to get their hands on one of these muscular racing beauties!
8 Buick Grand National GNX
As a part of Buick’s Regal collection, the Grand National GNX is one of the most treasured cars in the lineup. Specifically, folks love the all-black 1984 Buick Grand National GNX for its sleekness and unmatched power, at 245 bhp. The turbocharged engine could handle almost any situation, and no one could say no to a luxurious classic design mixed with a slightly futuristic look. The performance of the GNX was also greatly ahead of its time, beating even the famous Chevrolet Camero in both quarter-mile time and 0-60 time. There’s no doubt that quite a few of us out here are itching to head back to the ‘80s and experience the GNX in its prime!
7 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
Although we just talked about how the Grand National beat the Camero, there’s no question that Chevrolet’s classic car also belongs on this list. Specifically, the 1985 Camaro IROC-Z took a spot on the 10 Best of Car and Driver magazine the year it was introduced, and it’s no surprise considering its amazing specs.
This 215 hp baby came in a classic red color, featuring nostalgic linework and an old-timey frame coupled with a newer sports-car vibe. Owners love it not only for its beautiful exterior, but also for its comfortable seating, fast engine, and overall handling. One thing’s for sure, you’ll have a good time if you can get your hands on one of these!
6 Ferrari F40
Next up, we’ll be heading into the high-end waters with the Ferrari F40, which was introduced in 1987 for a hefty price of $400,000. Nowadays, there have been buyers who paid over $3 million for this classic beauty, and the car remains one of the most coveted choices in nostalgic sporting vehicles. The unique styling of the F40 separates it from any Ferrari that came before it, and not even modern Ferraris can match its special looks. The shape, the huge rear spoiler, and the gently sloping front hood coupled with the sharp edging make the F40 truly unique. Plus, at 513 max horsepower, this car’s definitely for partying.
5 Ford Mustang GT 5.0
Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, you’re probably familiar with the classic Ford Mustang look, which remained on the top lists from its introduction in the ‘60s to even now. The ‘80s variations didn’t sport too many aesthetic differences, but still features the amazing qualities that put it on this list. Specifically, the 122 hp Mustang of the ‘80s featured a comfortable and spacious interior for a coupe of its size, and you just can’t go wrong with a classic angular Mustang body. Furthermore, you could also choose a convertible or hatchback variety to add some twists to the otherwise timeless design!
4 Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984)
Since the Jeep Cherokee has long since been a notoriously reliable American-made car for rough terrains, it’s no surprise that the ‘80s Cherokee XJ was hugely popular during its era. The 177 hp all-terrain, 4-wheel drive vehicle is both fun to drive and safe for families.
It was in 1984 when the classic one-piece frame was first introduced, and it’s been a hit among people of all ages since then. Although it was considered a lavish purchase, the Jeep Cherokee XJ remains a comfortable mix between luxury and affordability. Although the modern Cherokees are pretty cool too, quite a few collectors wouldn’t be able to say no to the XJ.
3 Lamborghini Jalpa
With the Lamborghini Jalpa, we’re taking a trip to the high-end section once again. Like the Ferrari F4, the Jalpa remains one of the most unique, timeless luxury cars of all time. Although the $200,000 price tag may seem quite expensive, it actually falls on the lower end of the sports car price scale. The Jalpa features an interesting linework style and general shape meant for driving as fast as you can, and owners have described the experience as absolutely exhilarating. It’s easy to imagine both girls and guys absolutely fawning over anyone who owns this vehicle in the ‘80s, and we’d be lying if we said we weren’t jealous!
2 Mazda 323 GTX
As far as hatchbacks go, the Mazda 323 GTX is a must-have for car collectors. Contrary to modern hatchbacks, the Mazda 323 features a delightful combination of space and nostalgic design. Furthermore, the GTX features comfortable sport seats and many great safety features, making it great for both lone adventurers and families. The $10,000 car features a turbocharged engine that packs a serious punch. With 132 horsepower, you can cruise in style to any destination in mind. Although hatchbacks have been greatly innovated since then, there’s no doubt that the Mazda 323 GTX is the envy of many collectors.
1 Mitsubishi Lancer 2000 EX Turbo
Last but not least, we have a compact car of the early ‘80s made by the Japanese company Mitsubishi. The Lancer EX 2000 Turbo is just as fascinating as the extravagant name makes it sound. With a nice 159 bhp and decent space for storage, the Lancer 2000 EX Turbo is another great option for both casual racing and family trips. Furthermore, this versatile car also features all-wheel drive and a powerful 8-valve engine that can tackle almost anything you throw at it. Although it’s no longer in production, the Mitsubishi Lancer simply cannot be replaced. One thing’s for sure, we definitely know which car to get when time travel becomes a trend!