The 1980s were a fantastic decade. Sony Walkman, Rebook Pumps, and of course, the Back To The Future trilogy. Stoked. It was also the era that witnessed the creation of cars with a lot of hidden potential. They amounted to ten cars at best. However, cars such as the Foxbody Mustang from Ford and Buick's GNX are muscle cars of the 1980s that are actually desirable.
When looking at the evolution of the Ford Mustang, it is safe to assume that die-hard fans would look for ways to turn some of the less exciting engines into overly powered beasts. The Buick GNX is equally awesome and is easily one of the greatest American cars of the 1980s. Despite their differences, both the Foxbody Mustang and the Buick GNX are awesome classic muscle cars.
10 Ford: 5.0L V8
The 1980s were preceded by a very obscure era. From the early 70s, muscle cars started losing their appeal. Due to stringent regulations in place and a major oil crisis, their power was drastically decreased. Moreover, carmakers started adopting extremely bland designs, this adding insult to injury.
The 5.0 Fox Body is far from being the worst cars from the 1980s one can own. In fact, it is the only car that helped the Mustang rise from its ashes. The 5.0L V8 produced a modest 210hp, but even if it was a bit sluggish, it was far more powerful than the previous editions.
9 Buick: 3.8L V6
Buick has released some amazing vehicles over time. During the golden era of muscle cars, Buick granted the public with the awesome GSX. However, in the 1980s, while most domestic car manufacturers were incapable of building a respectable vehicle, Buick came up with the Grand National Experiment (GNX) in 1987.
The GNX is one of the coolest Buicks ever made. Its 3.8L turbocharged V6 produced 276hp, though it is believed it actually produced about 300hp. The only issue is that only 547 units of the GNX were ever manufactured. Consequently, the GNX is among the rarest muscle cars of the 1980s.
8 Ford: Family Matters
When it comes to the Fox Body Mustang, the first thing that comes to mind is a restomod project. With the technology available nowadays, most oldies can acquire the bells and whistles found on most modern muscle cars. The boxy design of the car combined with a powerful modern engine is the key to an awesome project.
This edition of the Fox Body is not among the least desirable Mustangs ever. In fact, it is among the most sought after throwback Mustang. Though fitting a huge Coyote engine under an old school 5.0 might be challenging, the result is always really satisfying. A 1980-something 5.0 rated at 400hp and up? Yes, please.
7 Buick: Can't Touch This
The GNX is already quite powerful, unlike its counterpart, the Grand National which is quite sluggish. Though the cars use the same body, the engines have drastically different power outputs.
A twin-turbo, supercharged Buick GNX would be a cool thing to see. Though it sounds absolutely amazing, it would be a sacrilege to touch the only engine that was worth something in the 1980s. Purists may lose their minds, so it's better to leave the GNX in pristine condition.
6 Ford: Monster
A roaring Fox Body Mustang that has been professionally tuned is nothing but pleasure for the ears and eyes. With the right amount of money and time, a basic 5.0 can become a quarter-mile ready beast.
Since this version of the Fox Body Mustang is one of the coolest cars from the 1980s, it is quite normal that people have looked into installing much newer engines. This awesome turbo and supercharged 5.0 cranks out more power than a Shelby GT500 - the cowl hood is not just for show.
5 Buick: Clone
The Buick GNX is too rare to allow a LS engine under its hood. Even if the idea sounds great, the car would lose value in a heartbeat. Currently quoted at $200,000, the GNX is not your typical Buick. It is also likely that the value of the GNX will appreciate over time.
The best solution is to find a Grand National, and fit an LS engine under its hood. Aftermarket parts are widely available to turn a Grand National into a GNX clone. The GNX-looking Grand National, fitted with a supercharged LS engine, will definitely turn more heads than a modded 5.0.
4 Ford: Wheelies
The 1987 5.0 Mustangs are very popular for obvious reasons: they are robust and fast. Following some of the most anti-climactic Mustangs ever made, Ford decided to step up its game. With a 5.0L V8 developing 230hp, tuners out there decided to turn the increasingly wild Mustang into a true stallion.
Doing wheelies is one thing. Most overly modified cars can pop wheelies. The difference is, '87 5.0 Mustangs look really cool doing it. Since they were some of the most stylish cars of the 1980s, it is quite normal that drag fans enjoy seeing 5.0's with their nose up.
3 Buick: Have You Lost Your Mind?
The Grand National has received its fair share of modifications. From the drag-ready to the pro touring treatments, the Grand National has satisfied its owners in multiple ways. As far as the GNX is concerned, things are drastically different. The GNX is a very special car that deserves to be treated in a very special way.
While the '87 5.0 was proudly boasting 230hp, the GNX was still trumping the 5.0 by 46hp. The GNX has always been a very special kind of muscle car, and unlike the bland Grand National, the GNX was ready to take on any stock Mustangs or Camaros. The GNX does not need to pop wheelies to be impressive.
2 Ford: Restomod
Over the last couple of years, restomod projects became so popular that the value of some older cars started increasing. In the early 2000s, 5.0 Mustangs were not as popular as they are today. All the rage was about newer cars. Things have completely changed. The 5.0 is now becoming a really popular project car.
There are several reasons why the Fox Body Mustang is becoming so valuable. The car is stylish and packs quite some punch, moreover, it is possible to modify its original engine thanks to a plethora of aftermarket part dealers. This particular Mustang costs over $50,000.
1 Buick: Do Not Even Think About It
The amount of rusting, abandoned, and forgotten Grand Nationals is pretty high. In the same fashion, it is possible to acquire a below-average Grand National for less than $8,000. As a result, the Grand National is the perfect car for a restomod project. The car in the picture above is absolutely gorgeous. The GNX, however, is a whole different ballgame.
Though modifying a GNX may be perceived as an absurdity, the car would look seriously sporty with better rims and a loud exhaust system. Those two modifications would make any Fox Body Mustang look tame in comparison. Ultimately, the GNX would trump the Fox Body in any field if it was mass-produced. However, for almost $30,000 in 1987 Dollars, the GNX was far from affordable.