12 Classic ’80s Cars That Are Now Collector’s Items

There are a lot of vehicles from the 80s that have become amazing collector’s items and are a great reminder of our youth, but the cars from the 80s also show the evolution of style, class, and technical advancement that we, of course, love. We have always loved both the 80s and the vehicles of the 80s and are excited to revisit some of these classics.

1. 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

With today’s pop culture, shows, and street racing dreams, we have the third generation Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. This car is a head turner with it’s sleek design and signature hood decals. With collectors loving the vintage, foldable headlights and T-roofs of the Firebird, as well as the easily modable V8 engines, there is a growing demand for Firebirds. Expect to see countless people introducing the trans am to their collections, as this is the perfect car to relive the days of the 80s hair metal blasting from the cassette player.

2. 1984 Chevrolet Corvette (C4)

Upon the release of the 4th gen Corvette, it was the definition of futuristic performance. Drivers were able to enjoy the lightweight digital dash and cadre design. The C4 has solidified itself as the 80s icon Corvette and now as the 90s and 2000s Corvettes have taken over, we see the C4 becoming a greater weekend cruise vehicle. Much to our excitement, this is now available as a prized possession to both fans of the 80s as well as to newcomers.

3. 1987 Buick Grand National GNX

A beast among legends in street racing, this turbocharged monster also had the name of being “Darth Vader’s car.” Its black-on-black appearance matched the menacing look of this car and its lethal turbocharged engine made it the ultimate performance car of its time. The 1987 Buick Grand National GNX is the final year Grand National and the last one before the Buick brand was discontinued. The original models have become a collectors item and are selling for ridiculous prices as a legend in the racing industry. This car was capable of defeating Corvettes in a quarter mile race and proved that Buick wasn’t afraid of going all out with a car. They created a true powerhouse sleeper.

4. 1985 Toyota AE86

While the AE86 wasn’t going to win any prizes for being the fastest car on the road, its rear-wheel-drive configuration, lightweight construction, and balanced chassis made it an incredible tool for slicing through and dominating race tracks. AE86s have become a favorite among tuners and there are no shortage of these vehicles in drift events. Despite its Corolla derivative platform, the AE86 exceeded the expectations of its badge. Enthusiasts throughout the 1980s Tokyo street racers and local track AE86 quickly became the car to collect. To this day the AE86 is a highly sought-after piece of JDM history.

5. 1985 Ferrari Testarossa

If any exotic car perfectly captured the eighties spirit of big hair and neon lights then it’s the Testarossa. The Testarossa made instant icons of its dramatic side strakes and its flat-12 engine that roared like a caged beast. For an entire generation, the Testarossa was the ultimate poster car. Many people own pastel suits and flip-up sunglasses, and of course, they all watched television or visited an exotic dealership in their local suburb and saw a Testarossa. The Testarossa is still a ‘must have trophy’ for serious collectors of classic supercars.

6. 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32)

The R32 Skyline GT-R is a legendary car that allows you to own a piece of history. The Skyline GT-R devoured race tracks around the world, leaving competitors to drool at the sight of its turbo inline 6 engine, and the advanced all wheel drive system. The Skyline GT-R was built in Japan, therefore race tracks in the United States were off limits. Fans would pour in from every country, as the car was considered a “myth” or “unicorn” due to its rarity and exclusivity. The Skyline GT-R became a target for all vehicle imports, especially considering the specifications and price.

7. 1982 DeLorean DMC-12

Another 80s vehicle with cult status is the DeLorean. Not only was it the star of the movie franchise called “Back to the Future” but it also had the futuristic design with stainless steel, and gull-wing doors. Owning a DeLorean would give you instant status at car shows as well as time traveling. The DeLorean was not a fast car, however, as a result of its unique design, it was destined to be a show stopper, as its presence made everything cooler.

8. 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo

The 944 Turbo was a Porsche that introduced an entire new wave of customers with its perfect balance of speed, handling, and price. As a result of the new 944 steering components, the price was lower than all other competitors in the market. The steering wheel and driver seat buckets of the car were from a German sports car. Because of these components, and the interior of the car, it allowed for the customers to create their own “German sports car”.

9. 1986 BMW E30 M3

The first M3 was designed for racing which gave the road versions a legacy of fender flares and great weight balance. Driving enthusiasts from the 1980’s saw the E30 as a revelation. It was lithe, with a high revving character, and sported a lot of motor racing pedigree. Whether you were a weekend track day hero or a highly refined collector, you wanted a BMW E30. The boxy body and understated spoilers of the E30 remind us of a time when driver engagement was the most important thing, and when roads had twisty sections, it elevated the skill level of the driver.

10. 1989 Mazda RX-7 Turbo II

Rotor heads cheered for the second generation RX-7 as it fine-tuned the Wankel engine into a well balanced high rev performer. The Turbo II variant was more powerful and allowed this lightweight sportscar to hold its own against stiff competition. Anyone who heard a rotary engine loved these 1980’s coupes. With its pop up headlights and curvy body, the RX-7 Turbo II still attracts respect and a lot of nostalgic smiles at car shows.

11. 1987 Ford Mustang GT (Fox Body)

Ford’s Fox Body Mustangs were one of the most popular cars in America, and they often had big V8’s with low aggressive stances. By 1987, with a front end restyle, they looked more modern, but still had the 1980’s funk. Everyone had a friend who modified the 5.0 engine in the Mustang to increase power. The Fox Body Mustang has become an American classic that is easy to modify and even more popular.

12. 1989 Saab 900 Turbo

Originally quirky competition in the marketplace owned by Sweden Saab boasted the hatchback design and airplane cockpit with a turbocharging system that intrigued every free spirit. Turbocharging added an unusual ability and zippy performance. It was the Scandinavian design and practical utilization of spice that made performance stand out. In the 1980’s it began attracting the attention of the artistic community including professors that were looking for something outside of the main choices. Now, the design, engineering, and charm of the 900 Turbo is appreciated by collectors.