The 1980s was an exciting era in the automotive world, marked by technological advancements, innovative design, and a bold approach to performance. From turbocharged engines to digital dashboards, manufacturers around the globe pushed boundaries, resulting in cars that have become rare collectibles today. These rare 1980s cars – featuring everything from advanced aerodynamics to pop-up headlights – tell the story of a decade that redefined luxury, performance, and style. Here, we explore 20 of the rarest cars from the 1980s, detailing their unique attributes and why they continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.

 

 

20 Rare Cars from the 1980s: Here’s a list of the most iconic and rare cars from the 1980s that have captivated car enthusiasts and collectors for decades:

 

• 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO

• 1987 Buick GNX

• 1986 Porsche 959

• 1984 Audi Sport Quattro

• 1989 Ferrari F40

• 1986 Lamborghini LM002

• 1981 DeLorean DMC-12

• 1985 BMW M5 (E28)

• 1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

• 1982 Aston Martin Lagonda Series 2

• 1983 Renault 5 Turbo

• 1985 Toyota MR2

• 1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo X180

• 1984 Ferrari Testarossa

• 1987 Nissan Skyline GTS-R

• 1988 Mazda RX-7 Turbo II

• 1989 Lotus Carlton

• 1981 BMW M1

• 1982 Lamborghini Jalpa

• 1985 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16

These rare and iconic cars highlight the best of 1980s automotive design, from turbocharged performance to unique, era-defining aesthetics.

 

 

1. 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO

The Ferrari 288 GTO was a limited-edition supercar designed for homologation into the Group B racing series. Equipped with a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 400 horsepower, the 288 GTO could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. Its lightweight construction, featuring composite materials and aluminum body panels, made it a high-performance marvel of its time.

• 
  

• Engine: 2.9-liter twin-turbo V8

• Top Speed: 189 mph

• Notable Features: Advanced aerodynamics, pop-up headlights, limited production of 272 units

• 
  

 

2. 1987 Buick GNX

The Buick GNX was a turbocharged beast known for its incredible performance and understated appearance. With a 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine, the GNX produced 276 horsepower and could sprint to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. It’s widely recognized as one of the fastest American cars of the 1980s, representing the era’s fascination with turbocharging.

• 
  

• Engine: 3.8-liter turbocharged V6

• Top Speed: 124 mph

• Notable Features: Turbo Lag, limited slip differential, stealthy design, only 547 units produced

• 
  

 

3. 1986 Porsche 959

The Porsche 959 was a technological marvel and one of the world’s fastest production cars. It featured a 2.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine that produced 444 horsepower, enabling it to reach a top speed of 197 mph. The 959 introduced all-wheel drive to Porsche’s lineup, setting the standard for future high-performance models.

• 
  

• Engine: 2.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six

• Top Speed: 197 mph

• Notable Features: Advanced aerodynamics, all-wheel-drive (Quattro influence), digital dashboard

• 
  

 

4. 1984 Audi Sport Quattro

The Audi Sport Quattro was developed for Group B rallying and became a legend on the track. With a 2.1-liter turbocharged inline-five engine, it produced 302 horsepower. Its all-wheel-drive system, known as Quattro, made it a rally icon and changed the trajectory of high-performance all-wheel-drive vehicles.

• 
  

• Engine: 2.1-liter turbocharged inline-five

• Top Speed: 155 mph

• Notable Features: Quattro all-wheel-drive, short wheelbase, limited production of 214 units

• 
  

 

5. 1989 Ferrari F40

The Ferrari F40 was built to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary and was the last model personally approved by Enzo Ferrari. Its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V8 delivered 471 horsepower, making it the fastest and most powerful Ferrari of its time. The F40's raw performance, lightweight construction, and gated shifter made it an icon of 1980s supercars.

• 
  

• Engine: 2.9-liter twin-turbo V8

• Top Speed: 201 mph

• Notable Features: Gated shifter, lightweight construction, iconic rear wing

• 
  

 

6. 1986 Lamborghini LM002

Dubbed the “Rambo Lambo,” the Lamborghini LM002 was Lamborghini’s first SUV, blending luxury with off-road performance. It featured a 5.2-liter V12 engine from the Countach and was designed with a military-grade body. This unique luxury off-roader offered a glimpse of the high-performance SUV market that would emerge decades later.

• 
  

• Engine: 5.2-liter V12

• Top Speed: 118 mph

• Notable Features: Four-wheel drive, massive body shell, high-performance V12 engine

• 
  

 

7. 1981 DeLorean DMC-12

The DeLorean DMC-12, famous for its role in Back to the Future, was designed with a stainless steel body and iconic gull-wing doors. Though its 2.85-liter V6 engine was modest, the car’s unique design made it instantly recognizable. Today, it remains a cultural icon and a highly collectible 1980s classic.

• 
  

• Engine: 2.85-liter V6

• Top Speed: 110 mph

• Notable Features: Stainless steel body, gull-wing doors, futuristic design

• 
  

 

8. 1985 BMW M5 (E28)

The BMW M5 (E28) was the world’s first sports sedan, featuring a 3.5-liter inline-six engine producing 286 horsepower. Combining performance with luxury, the M5 offered a new driving experience that catered to enthusiasts who wanted speed without sacrificing comfort.

• 
  

• Engine: 3.5-liter inline-six

• Top Speed: 153 mph

• Notable Features: High-performance sedan, luxury interior, M-tuned suspension

• 
  

• 
  

• 
  

 

9. 1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth was a high-performance hatchback built for racing homologation. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine delivered 204 horsepower, and it quickly gained a reputation as one of the best “hot hatches” of its time. Its bold rear wing and performance specs made it a popular choice among rally enthusiasts.

• 
  

• Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four

• Top Speed: 149 mph

• Notable Features: Turbo Lag, rear wing, homologation special

• 
  

10. 1982 Aston Martin Lagonda Series 2

The futuristic Aston Martin Lagonda featured cutting-edge technology, including a digital dashboard and touch-sensitive controls. Powered by a 5.3-liter V8, it prioritized luxury over performance, becoming one of the most distinctive cars of the 1980s with its angular design and luxurious interiors.

• 
  

• Engine: 5.3-liter V8

• Top Speed: 143 mph

• Notable Features: Digital dashboard, touch-sensitive controls, luxurious interior

• 
  

• 
  

 

11. 1983 Renault 5 Turbo

The Renault 5 Turbo was a mid-engine hot hatch developed for rally racing. Its 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four produced 160 horsepower, impressive for such a small car. Its lightweight and rear-wheel-drive setup made it a favorite in rally circuits and a highly collectible 1980s classic.

• 
  

• Engine: 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four

• Top Speed: 130 mph

• Notable Features: Mid-engine layout, rear-wheel drive, rally pedigree

• 
  

 

12. 1985 Toyota MR2

The Toyota MR2 was one of the first affordable mid-engine sports cars, powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four engine producing 112 horsepower. Its light weight and agile handling made it an instant success, offering a fun driving experience at a fraction of the cost of European sports cars.

• 
  

• Engine: 1.6-liter inline-four

• Top Speed: 124 mph

• Notable Features: Mid-engine layout, lightweight design, affordable performance

• 
  

 

13. 1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo X180

The Lotus Esprit Turbo X180 introduced a more modern design for the Esprit, with a 2.2-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 215 horsepower. Known for its sharp handling and sleek styling, the Esprit became an icon after being featured in The Spy Who Loved Me and For Your Eyes Only.

• 
  

• Engine: 2.2-liter turbocharged inline-four

• Top Speed: 150 mph

• Notable Features: Sleek design, sharp handling, lightweight body

• 
  

 

14. 1984 Ferrari Testarossa

The Ferrari Testarossa became an icon of the 1980s with its wide body and distinctive side strakes. Its 4.9-liter flat-12 engine produced 390 horsepower, offering impressive performance and luxury. The Testarossa’s design and power made it a status symbol and one of Ferrari’s best-known models.

• 
  

• Engine: 4.9-liter flat-12

• Top Speed: 180 mph

• Notable Features: Wide-body design, side strakes, rear-wheel drive

• 
  

 

15. 1987 Nissan Skyline GTS-R

The Nissan Skyline GTS-R is a rare, high-performance variant of the Skyline, built for Group A racing homologation. With a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 210 horsepower, it was a powerful and agile car that became the foundation for the legendary Skyline

GT-R series that followed. The Skyline GTS-R featured a limited production run of only 800 units, making it a highly sought-after collectible among Nissan enthusiasts. Its lightweight body and turbocharged engine made it ideal for the track and an icon of Japanese performance.

• 
  

• Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-six

• Top Speed: 140 mph

• Notable Features: Group A homologation, limited production, lightweight chassis, aggressive styling

• 
  

 

16. 1988 Mazda RX-7 Turbo II

The Mazda RX-7 Turbo II featured a unique 1.3-liter turbocharged rotary engine that delivered an impressive 182 horsepower. Its lightweight and balanced chassis, along with the rotary engine’s high-revving nature, made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. The RX-7 Turbo II represented Mazda’s commitment to the rotary engine and remains a beloved model due to its distinct driving experience and innovation.

• 
  

• Engine: 1.3-liter turbocharged rotary

• Top Speed: 140 mph

• Notable Features: Turbocharged rotary engine, lightweight construction, balanced handling, pop-up headlights

 

17. 1989 Lotus Carlton

The Lotus Carlton was developed in collaboration with Opel and featured a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, producing a remarkable 377 horsepower. Known for its shocking speed and luxury, it could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, an impressive feat for a sedan at the time. The Carlton was controversial upon release due to its high speed, making it both iconic and infamous.

• 
  

• Engine: 3.6-liter twin-turbo inline-six

• Top Speed: 176 mph

• Notable Features: Twin-turbocharged power, high-performance sedan, luxury interior, controversial reputation

• 
  

 

18. 1981 BMW M1

The BMW M1 was BMW’s first and only mid-engine sports car, designed as a homologation special for racing. With a 3.5-liter inline-six engine producing 273 horsepower, the M1 offered outstanding performance and handling. Its design was handled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, making it a beautiful blend of German engineering and Italian design. The M1 remains one of the rarest and most collectible BMWs, with only 453 units produced.

• 
  

• Engine: 3.5-liter inline-six

• Top Speed: 162 mph

• Notable Features: Mid-engine layout, Giugiaro design, limited production, racing heritage

• 
  

 

19. 1982 Lamborghini Jalpa

The Lamborghini Jalpa was designed as a more affordable alternative to the Countach, featuring a 3.5-liter V8 engine with 255 horsepower. It retained Lamborghini’s aggressive styling but with a targa roof, providing an open-air experience. While it didn’t match the raw power of the Countach, the Jalpa offered a more accessible entry point into Lamborghini ownership and became a rare gem in its own right.

• 
  

• Engine: 3.5-liter V8

• Top Speed: 146 mph

• Notable Features: Targa top, distinctive Lamborghini styling, accessible performance, limited production

• 
  

 

20. 1985 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16

The Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 was a rally-bred version of the popular 205, built to compete in the Group B rally series. It featured a 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four engine mounted midship, delivering 197 horsepower to all four wheels. The 205 Turbo 16 was exceptionally agile and became a legend in rally racing, with Peugeot winning the World Rally Championship in 1985 and 1986. Its unique design and performance make it one of the most collectible hot hatches of the 1980s.

• 
  

• Engine: 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four

• Top Speed: 130 mph

• Notable Features: Mid-engine layout, all-wheel drive, Group B rally success, limited production

Conclusion: Icons of the 1980s:

The 1980s was a transformative decade for the automotive industry, filled with innovation, daring designs, and engineering breakthroughs. These 20 rare cars from the 1980s reflect the diversity of that era, showcasing everything from turbocharged engines and advanced aerodynamics to unique body styles and groundbreaking technology.

While emissions regulations and economic changes influenced car design, manufacturers rose to the challenge, delivering vehicles that balanced performance, luxury, and style. These rare cars – from supercars like the Ferrari F40 and Porsche 959 to rally legends like the Audi Sport Quattro and Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 – continue to inspire admiration and command high values in the collector’s market.

Whether you’re captivated by the sleek designs, powerful engines, or innovative technologies of these 1980s icons, they each represent a piece of automotive history. These cars are not merely vehicles; they are cultural symbols of an era that celebrated speed, luxury, and cutting-edge engineering. Their legacy endures, influencing modern automotive design and reminding us of a time when car manufacturers weren’t afraid to take risks and push boundaries.