Many consider the 1980s to be a dismal era for V-8's and performance in general. Emission standards and high fuel prices nearly led to its extinction. However, a few manufacturers managed to hang on and produce some fascinating examples of automobile history that can be as fun to drive as they are to admire. While many '80s sports cars have climbed to astronomical heights in value, these examples are in reach of the average enthusiast. These examples can be found on your local Craigslist or Facebook marketplace in fair condition without breaking the bank. Or even find yourself a "ran when parked" special for an even better deal.
While initially, these cars were downtrodden with 1980s technology, many have fantastic aftermarket support. They can easily bump up to figures we could have only dreamed about forty years ago, making an even better case as a candidate for your next project car. So let's take a look at the cheapest V8 80's sports cars on the market today.
9 C4 Chevrolet Corvette - $7,500
For many years the C4 Corvette has always seen the least amount of love from enthusiasts. However, stepping away from the traditional stereotypes associated with these cars, you have a competent sports car that you can find on the cheap.
With excellent handling and a 0-60 of 6.7 seconds, this car provides copious amounts of fun for the money, even by modern standards. Under the hood, you have GM's venerable 350 cu in V-8. While early examples have a meek 205 hp, aftermarket support for the engine is abundant.
The amount of power you can squeeze out is mainly limited to your wallet. However, even in its original pure form, it still can serve as a fun driver. An excellent clean example with a manual transmission (the only appropriate choice) is easy to find under $10k, with driver quality examples running even less.
8 Cadillac Allante - $4,000
While many consider "sports" to be a strong word for the quiet and comfortable Cadillac Allante, the car still can provide an enjoyable and unique ride. While early examples produced a relatively sedate 170 horsepower, later variants carrying the controversial Northstar V-8 produced a much beefier 295 horsepower.
Updated versions could reach 60 in a mere 6.4 seconds, a very competitive number for the era. However, the Allante is more about grand touring than it is 0-60. Overstuffed seats and wonderfully weighted steering make for a beautiful roadster to cruise the coast in, with plenty of power to pass in as well.
When purchased new many individuals expected the Allante to become an instant classic. Many examples of excellent quality cars can be found with under 100k miles for $7,000 or less, with more well-loved vehicles coming in a few grand below that. Indeed a lot of car for the money.
7 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class - $9,000
Americans were not the only ones who were still producing V-8s by the 1980s; the iconic R107 and C107 Mercedes-Benz SL rolled through the 1980s, offering several options for V-8 engines. Towards the end of its production run, examples could reach 0-60 in just 6.6 seconds.
The sleek classic Mercedes design draws attention no matter where you stop.
6 Mercury Capri - $10,000
With the popularity of the iconic Fox-body Mustang continually rising, it should come as no surprise that its re-trimmed cousin, the Mercury Capri, is also growing in popularity. The Capri was available with all of the same engine options as the standard fox body Mustang.
Thanks to all the shared drivetrain components, performance upgrades are abundant. While values for Mercurys first pony car since the Cougar are trending upward, you can still find excellent examples around $10k.
5 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z - $7,500
The third-generation Chevrolet Camaro was already an incredibly competent car when the IROC-Z was introduced in 1985. With a lowered ride height, Bilstein shocks, and other suspension upgrades, the IROC-Z became a great value on the sports car scene. The LB9 305 made a modest 215 horsepower.
While this generation of Camaro has never reached high popularity, there is a terrific community and aftermarket support. You can find clean examples of the IROC-Z with relative ease for under $8k.
4 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am - $8,500
The third-generation Pontiac Firebird, the third-generation Camaro's platform partner, is another fun example of 1980s GM. This car receives all third-generation Camaro performance bits, while higher trim levels received a slightly nicer interior. The real fun, however, is outside. With a sloping hood and pop-up headlights, it's everything you want in a classic 80s car.
If you're looking to open up the t-tops and let the wind blow through your hair, clean examples are still modestly priced. You can find a clean well kept original example of the third-generation Firebird easily for under $9k.
3 Porsche 928 - $13,500
While the 928 never captured 911 buyers like Porsche originally intended, it came standard with its own set of unique driving characteristics that inspired a fanbase of its own. Choices of several V-8's were available over its production run with horsepower ratings ranging from 219 to 345 hp. Very healthy numbers for this era, especially when combined with the car's beautifully engineered suspension that even included passive rear-wheel steering.
While pristine and rare-optioned examples can fetch high-values at auction, you can often find driver-quality examples for under $14k. The 928 also has a helpful community backing it to help understand common issues and find sources for replacement parts.
2 Pontiac Grand Prix - $5,000
In stock form, the fourth generation Pontiac Grand Prix was never really built to win any races. It was made for an aging customer base that wanted a sizeable coupe with a competent and traditional American V-8. Thanks to somewhat dated emission systems, the Chevrolet 305 V8 pushed out a meager 150 horsepower.
However, fast forward to 2021, and performance parts for the classic small-block are more than abundant. With a few bolt-on modifications, you could have yourself a very fun sleeper. If you are fortunate enough to live in an area with quite a few senior citizens, head to your local craigslist, where you can often find a clean unmolested example for $5k or less.
1 Dodge Diplomat/Plymouth Gran Fury Police Package - $6,000
By the 1980s, the Dodge Diplomat and Plymouth Gran Fury were the last rear-wheel-drive passenger cars in the Chrysler lineup. While sales to the general public proved to be relatively poor compared to their K car alternatives, they remained a success on the commercial vehicle front. With larger brakes, stiffer suspension, and a 170 horsepower 318 cubic inch V-8, police package cars served well.
Today a clean example is hard to come by due to the abuse fleet cars often find; however, civilian vehicles are seen with relative ease and are easily upgraded. However, if your heart is set on an actual former police car with enough patience, you can find one. Values on these cars have stayed relatively low over the years. Clean examples of the Gran Fury and Diplomat can be found for $5k or less, not a very high entry for something very unique.