You have probably been surprised (like we are) by the rising prices of '80s cars. For people who grew up during that decade, those cars will never be considered classic in the same way as the 1963 Corvette. But, the reality is that the '80s were 40 years ago and that the cars produced in that period are bona fide classics worth investing in, cherishing, and collecting.
To be honest, '80s cars really deserve attention from collectors since it was an immensely exciting time in the car industry. After the boring '70s, cars become exciting again with rising power, turbocharged engines, wedge-shaped design, and fuel injection. The '80s could be considered the dawn of modern cars, and that is why car enthusiasts appreciate the wonderful cars from this period. So, if you are looking to jump in this trend and start collecting '80s motoring icons, now is the time. Here are ten gorgeous but still affordable classic cars from the period.
10 Chevrolet Corvette C4
The C4 was the car that saved Corvette from extinction. It was fast (by the standards of the day), looked great, had advanced technology, and it was cool. Quite like what the new C8 is like today.
The C4 started with just over 200 hp in 1984 but soon get more powerful engines and a sublime ZR1 version. The prices are still low, but hurry up since more and more collectors are starting to recognize its value.
9 Mazda RX7
The original RX7 was introduced in the late '70s, but its second generation (called the FC) debuted in 1985. It was much improved, more powerful and better equipped and was available with the turbocharged engine.
Of course, the Wankel engine, as its main feature, was still a bit of an unreliable unit, but the RX7 was a unique offering and one of the coolest Japanese cars of the period.
8 Ford Mustang GT 5.0
The legendary “Five0” was the definitive muscle car of the late '80s and the first Mustang in decades that actually had respectable power and exciting performance.
With simple but effective 5.0-liter V8 and 225 hp, the Foxbody was brisk and one of the coolest American cars you could buy in the late '80s. The prices have been rising for a few years now, and you better hurry up.
7 Volkswagen Sirocco
The small but brisk Volkswagen Sirocco was one of the best affordable FWD sports cars of the decade. With cool styling and peppy four-cylinder engines, the Sirocco Mk2 was introduced in the early '80s and sold through 1992.
Even though the Golf GTI Mk2 is kind of expensive nowadays, the Sirocco isn’t; so it is a perfect time to find yourself an excellent example.
6 Chrysler Le Baron
The Chrysler Le Baron was one of the most successful American convertibles from the late '80s, and it combined a reliable K-Car platform with a competent front-wheel-drive layout and cool styling. Le Baron was a perfect alternative to expensive foreign open-top models, and even today, it looks elegant and modern.
Do not expect much from its 2.2-liter engine, but it has enough power for cruising.
5 Dodge Daytona
If the Le Baron was a convertible cruiser, the Daytona was its street-fighting, turbocharged twin. Designed as a muscle car and pitted against the Camaro and Mustang, the Daytona lacked the rear-wheel-drive and big V8, but it had more than the respectable performance from the 2.2-liter turbocharged engine, and it could be ordered in Shelby trim.
This makes it one of the cheapest real Shelby cars you can buy.
4 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
The '80s muscle scene wouldn’t be complete without the Mustang's arch-enemy – the Chevrolet Camaro. Bigger and better constructed than the Mustang, Camaro was also heavy but packed the 5.7-liter V8 and IROC-Z package.
Most of the Camaros were destroyed by neglecting owners, but if you find a decent one, buy it.
3 Jeep Cherokee XJ
There were several cool '80s off-road SUVs, but most of them are out of average car enthusiasts' reach. However, one of the cars you can still get for a relatively small amount of money is the iconic Jeep Cherokee XJ.
We suggest you only look for rust-free and well-equipped examples with the indestructible 4.0-liter straight-six engine under the hood.
2 Pontiac Trans Am
Mechanically almost identical to the Camaro, the Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am was positioned slightly upmarket from its Chevrolet cousin.
With better interior features, a premium feel, and a sublime GTA version, the Pontiac's muscle car was well-respected amongst the muscle car fans. Since the Pontiac as a company is gone, the prices of good examples will only rise.
1 Cadillac Allante
It is incredible how you can get one of the most exclusive '80s cars for the price of the used economy hatchback. The Cadillac Allante was envisioned as a competitor to the Mercedes SL, and it had better technology, more modern V8 engine, and Pininfarina styling.
In fact, Allante was shipped to Italy to be assembled and then returned to Detroit before delivered to the customer. So, every single Allante already crossed the ocean even though the previous owner never took it out of the garage.