Driving through a lineup of wedge-shaped coupes, turbocharged hatches and classic GTs still evokes the energy of that era—weekend meets, spirited canyon runs and an obsession with chassis balance and sound. The 1980s produced cars that mixed emerging electronics with pure driving feel, and many remain beloved by collectors and hobbyists.
There are 46 1980s sports cars, ranging from Alfa Romeo GTV6 to Toyota Supra (A70). For each entry you’ll find below Production years,Engine (L) & power (hp),Origin country to help you compare at a glance; scan the full list you’ll find below.
What should I check before buying a used 1980s sports car?
Inspect for structural rust (sills, floors, strut towers), oil leaks, service history and timing belt/chain condition; verify that suspension and brakes are roadworthy and ask about parts availability or known weak points for that model to avoid surprises.
Are parts and service still available for these cars today?
It depends on the model—common favorites like the Supra have strong aftermarket support and community knowledge, while rarer cars may need specialist suppliers, donor parts or club networks; factor rebuild and maintenance costs into any purchase.
1980s Sports Cars
| Model | Production years | Engine (L) & power (hp) | Origin country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari F40 | 1987–1992 | 2.9L & 471 hp | Italy |
| Ferrari 288 GTO | 1984–1985 | 2.9L & 400 hp | Italy |
| Ferrari Testarossa | 1984–1991 | 4.9L & 380 hp | Italy |
| Ferrari 328 | 1985–1989 | 3.2L & 270 hp | Italy |
| Ferrari 308 | 1975–1985 | 2.9L & 255 hp | Italy |
| Lamborghini Countach | 1974–1990 | 5.2L & 455 hp | Italy |
| Lamborghini Jalpa | 1981–1988 | 3.5L & 255 hp | Italy |
| Lamborghini Silhouette | 1976–1988 | 3.9L & 245 hp | Italy |
| Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 | 1984–1989 | 3.2L & 231 hp | Germany |
| Porsche 930 Turbo | 1975–1989 | 3.3L & 330 hp | Germany |
| Porsche 959 | 1986–1989 | 2.8L & 444 hp | Germany |
| Porsche 944 | 1982–1991 | 2.5L & 143 hp | Germany |
| Porsche 928 | 1978–1995 | 4.5L & 240 hp | Germany |
| BMW M1 | 1978–1981 | 3.5L & 277 hp | Germany |
| BMW M3 (E30) | 1986–1991 | 2.3L & 200 hp | Germany |
| Audi Quattro | 1980–1991 | 2.1L & 200 hp | Germany |
| Lancia 037 | 1982–1984 | 2.0L & 205 hp | Italy |
| Lancia Delta S4 (road) | 1985–1986 | 1.8L & 250 hp | Italy |
| Lotus Esprit | 1976–2004 | 2.2L & 264 hp | UK |
| Lotus Excel | 1982–1992 | 2.2L & 160 hp | UK |
| DeLorean DMC‑12 | 1981–1983 | 2.85L & 130 hp | USA |
| Chevrolet Corvette C3 | 1968–1982 | 5.7L & 200 hp | USA |
| Chevrolet Corvette C4 | 1983–1996 | 5.7L & 205 hp | USA |
| Alfa Romeo GTV6 | 1980–1986 | 2.5L & 160 hp | Italy |
| Alfa Romeo Spider (Series 3) | 1982–1993 | 2.0L & 118 hp | Italy |
| Maserati Merak | 1972–1983 | 3.0L & 190 hp | Italy |
| TVR 350i | 1983–1991 | 3.9L & 190 hp | UK |
| Ford Capri | 1978–1986 | 2.8L & 160 hp | UK |
| Ford Sierra RS Cosworth | 1986–1992 | 2.0L & 204 hp | UK/Germany |
| Mitsubishi Starion | 1982–1994 | 2.6L & 165 hp | Japan |
| Nissan 300ZX (Z31) | 1983–1989 | 3.0L & 205 hp | Japan |
| Nissan 280ZX | 1978–1983 | 2.8L & 165 hp | Japan |
| Nissan Skyline GT‑R (R32) | 1989–1994 | 2.6L & 276 hp | Japan |
| Toyota Supra (A70) | 1986–1992 | 3.0L & 232 hp | Japan |
| Toyota MR2 (AW11) | 1984–1989 | 1.6L & 112 hp | Japan |
| Mazda RX‑7 (FB/SA) | 1978–1985 | 1.1L rotary & 120 hp | Japan |
| Mazda RX‑7 (FC) | 1985–1991 | 1.3L rotary & 160 hp | Japan |
| Renault 5 Turbo | 1980–1986 | 1.4L turbo & 160 hp | France |
| Peugeot 205 GTI | 1984–1994 | 1.6L & 105 hp | France |
| BMW Z1 | 1989–1991 | 2.5L & 170 hp | Germany |
| Morgan Plus 8 | 1968–2004 | 3.9L & 190 hp | UK |
| Lancia Beta Montecarlo | 1975–1981 | 2.0L & 128 hp | Italy |
| Toyota Celica GT‑Four (ST165) | 1986–1989 | 2.0L & 190 hp | Japan |
| Subaru XT | 1985–1991 | 1.8L & 135 hp | Japan |
| Honda CR‑X | 1983–1987 | 1.6L & 108 hp | Japan |
| Isuzu Piazza (Impulse) | 1981–1992 | 1.6L & 109 hp | Japan |
Images and Descriptions
Ferrari F40
Ferrari’s raw, no-frills halo supercar developed for the company’s 40th anniversary. Twin‑turbo V8, blistering performance, and lightweight composite construction made it an icon of 1980s speed and a prized collectible among enthusiasts and investors.
Ferrari 288 GTO
A homologation special built to dominate Group B rallying that became a road legend. Twin‑turbo V8, aggressive styling and very limited numbers make the 288 GTO extremely collectible and historically important for Ferrari aficionados.
Ferrari Testarossa
The Testarossa’s wide hips, side-strake intakes and flat‑12 engine defined 1980s Ferrari glamour. It combined exotic looks with strong mid‑range power, becoming a pop‑culture staple and a desirable GT for collectors.
Ferrari 328
Evolution of the 308 with improved performance and refinement: a 3.2L V8, sharper handling and updated cosmetics. It’s regarded as a user‑friendly classic Ferrari that balances everyday usability with collectible appeal.
Ferrari 308
The 308 brought accessible mid‑engine V8 Ferrari style to a broader audience in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Charming handling, iconic design and pop‑culture fame have made good examples increasingly collectible.
Lamborghini Countach
The Countach’s wedge shape and scissor doors became the poster car of the 1980s. V12 power, extreme styling and limited production runs make it one of the decade’s most recognizable and sought‑after supercars.
Lamborghini Jalpa
A more affordable, V8‑powered Lamborghini aimed at broader buyers than the Countach. The Jalpa blends classic wedge styling with usable performance and is appreciated today for relative rarity and 1980s character.
Lamborghini Silhouette
A low‑volume, angular Lamborghini with a targa top and V8 power that bridged GT fashion and exotic appeal. The Silhouette is a niche collectible for enthusiasts of small‑series Italian sports cars.
Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2
A widely loved 911 generation known for mechanical reliability and classic air‑cooled character. The 3.2L Carrera balances sporty handling with everyday usability and has become a core collectible 1980s Porsche model.
Porsche 930 Turbo
The 930 Turbo defined 1980s Porsche performance with brute turbocharged torque and distinctive flared bodywork. It’s known for thrilling performance, engaging handling, and strong vintage demand among collectors.
Porsche 959
A technological tour de force of the 1980s: all‑wheel drive, twin‑turbo flat‑six and cutting‑edge electronics. Extremely limited production and landmark engineering make the 959 one of the decade’s most collectible supercars.
Porsche 944
A balanced front‑engine Porsche sports car praised for handling and affordability. The 944 range later added turbo and S models; early cars are accessible classics while turbo variants are more sought after by collectors.
Porsche 928
A grand tourer blending a V8 front‑engine layout with Porsche dynamics. The 928 aimed to be a modern, high‑speed cruiser in the 1980s; today it’s a distinctive and sometimes undervalued classic with collector interest.
BMW M1
BMW’s mid‑engine sports car was a low‑volume halo model developed for homologation and racing. With sharp handling and exotic looks, the M1 is rare and highly collectible among 1980s supercar enthusiasts.
BMW M3 (E30)
The E30 M3 redefined compact sports sedans (and coupes) with race‑bred chassis dynamics and a high‑revving four‑cylinder engine. Its competition pedigree and sharp handling make early M3s hugely desirable to collectors.
Audi Quattro
Audi’s pioneering all‑wheel‑drive sports coupe shook up rally and road performance. The Quattro’s turbocharged five‑cylinder power and AWD grip made it competitive everywhere and cemented its status as an 1980s icon.
Lancia 037
A rear‑wheel‑drive homologation rally car: lightweight, supercharged two‑liter power and dramatic styling. The 037’s limited production, rally victories and rarity make it a highly collectible 1980s homologation special.
Lancia Delta S4 (road)
Built as a Group B homologation road car with a supercharged and turbocharged mid‑engine layout. Very limited numbers, exotic engineering and rally heritage make the road S4 a prized rarity for collectors.
Lotus Esprit
The Esprit’s sharp wedge styling and nimble chassis made it Lotus’s flagship sports car through the 1980s. Turbocharged variants offered strong performance; collectors value originality and the Esprit’s distinctive 1980s design.
Lotus Excel
A more refined, GT‑oriented Lotus coupe introduced in the 1980s with improved comfort and a tuned engine. The Excel combines Lotus handling with better usability and has a small but enthusiastic collector base.
DeLorean DMC‑12
Famous for its gullwing doors and stainless‑steel body, the DMC‑12 was a short‑lived sports car with modest V6 power. Pop‑culture fame since the 1980s has turned it into a collectible oddity with passionate fans.
Chevrolet Corvette C3
The late C3 Corvettes of the early 1980s offered classic American V8 character and distinctive styling. While not as powerful as later models, well‑preserved examples are popular for period American sports car collectors.
Chevrolet Corvette C4
A modernized Corvette generation introduced in the 1980s with improved chassis, digital dashboards and renewed performance. Early C4s blend 1980s technology with V8 performance and are sought by era enthusiasts.
Alfa Romeo GTV6
A sporty coupe with a distinctive V6, sharp handling and classic Alfa charm. The GTV6 is prized for its driving feel and 1980s character, making good examples popular with European sports car collectors.
Alfa Romeo Spider (Series 3)
A classic Italian roadster updated in the 1980s with fuel‑injection engines and modernized trim. The Spider offers open‑top motoring, Italian styling and is a desirable, accessible collectible for enthusiasts.
Maserati Merak
A mid‑engine Maserati coupe offering V6 performance and Italian exotic flair into the early 1980s. The Merak combines Maserati character with a more approachable price and is appreciated by collectors of classic Italian sports cars.
TVR 350i
TVR’s 1980s wedge coupe used a Rover V8 to deliver lightness and engaging handling. The 350i’s raw driving experience and low production numbers make it an appealing, characterful British sports car for collectors.
Ford Capri
A sporty coupe aimed at European buyers, the late‑generation Capri offered V6 power and accessible performance through the early 1980s. It’s remembered fondly and sought after by fans of affordable classic European coupes.
Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
A hardcore homologation model built for touring car success: turbocharged 2.0L power, aerodynamic bodywork and big performance. The RS Cosworth is an iconic 1980s performance car prized by driving enthusiasts and collectors.
Mitsubishi Starion
A turbocharged front‑engine sports coupe from the 1980s with aggressive styling and rear‑wheel drive. Starions offered tunability and sporty dynamics at an accessible price, earning a niche following among classic J‑car fans.
Nissan 300ZX (Z31)
Part of Nissan’s Z heritage, the Z31 combined V6 power, available turbocharged performance and distinctive 1980s styling. It remains a popular collectible for enthusiasts of classic Japanese sports coupes.
Nissan 280ZX
A softer, more comfortable evolution of the original Z car produced into the early 1980s. The 280ZX offered grand touring comforts with sports‑car roots and is valued for period style and reliability.
Nissan Skyline GT‑R (R32)
Introduced at the end of the 1980s, the R32 GT‑R married advanced AWD and twin‑turbo power with racing pedigree. Its performance, technology and limited early production make it a standout collectible.
Toyota Supra (A70)
The third‑generation Supra combined a smooth inline‑six with strong tuning potential and balanced handling. Gaining fame in the late 1980s, A70 Supras are sought after for their performance and modification potential.
Toyota MR2 (AW11)
Toyota’s mid‑engine two‑seater delivered lively handling and lightweight dynamics in a compact package. The AW11 MR2 is celebrated for its driving purity and is an affordable, collectible icon of 1980s sports cars.
Mazda RX‑7 (FB/SA)
The original RX‑7 offered a lightweight chassis and smooth rotary engine through the early 1980s. Its nimble handling and unique powerplant established Mazda’s sports‑car reputation and made early RX‑7s desirable classics.
Mazda RX‑7 (FC)
Second‑generation RX‑7 added refinement and optional turbocharging for improved performance. The FC’s balance, rotary character and 1980s styling make it a highly regarded and collectible Japanese sports car.
Renault 5 Turbo
A radical mid‑engine, turbocharged hatch built for rally homologation. The Renault 5 Turbo’s striking looks, short wheelbase and peppy power created a thrilling driving experience and made it a rare, collectible 1980s homologation special.
Peugeot 205 GTI
A benchmark hot hatch of the 1980s celebrated for light weight, sharp steering and enthusiastic driving manners. The 205 GTI is hugely popular with collectors and remains a defining small sports car of the era.
BMW Z1
BMW’s quirky roadster debuting at the close of the 1980s featured novel vertical doors and a unique removable body design. The Z1 is collectible for its rarity, unusual engineering and late‑decade modern classic status.
Morgan Plus 8
A traditional British roadster that continued production through the 1980s, pairing a lightweight chassis with V8 power. The Plus 8’s handcrafted character and old‑school driving feel make it a beloved collector’s car.
Lancia Beta Montecarlo
A mid‑engine Italian coupe with distinctive styling and lively handling, the Montecarlo carried Lancia’s sporting intentions into the early 1980s. Its rarity and period charm draw interest from classic sports‑car collectors.
Toyota Celica GT‑Four (ST165)
A turbocharged, all‑wheel‑drive homologation model developed for rallying. The GT‑Four combined practical coupe packaging with serious performance and rally pedigree, making it a desirable 1980s sports model for collectors.
Subaru XT
A futuristic, aerodynamic coupe from Subaru featuring front‑wheel drive and optional turbocharged engines. The XT’s eccentric styling and period technology make it an interesting and collectible example of 1980s Japanese sportiness.
Honda CR‑X
A lightweight, agile two‑seater known for superb handling and efficiency more than outright power. The CR‑X gained a reputation for driver engagement and tunability, earning long‑term appeal with enthusiasts of 1980s sporty compacts.
Isuzu Piazza (Impulse)
A stylish Japanese coupe with distinctive Pininfarina styling and a lively driving feel. Marketed as the Piazza (Impulse in some markets), it offered unique 1980s looks and remains a niche collectible among era fans.
