Massive hair, shoulder pads, Ronnie & Maggie… and a few superb vehicles that usually caught the zeitgeist.
Right here’s the choice that we predict firmly holds the hero automobile medal from the memorable decade that was the Nineteen Eighties:
Porsche 944
The 924 was an essential automobile in Porsche’s yesteryear with the corporate promoting over 150,000 vehicles between 1976 and 1986 – an admirable determine for what was a small agency at the moment. It was well-built and an reasonably priced method into Porsche possession with out having to fork out for the flagship 911. In 1982, Porsche’s fourth mannequin got here to the market, the 944, and though there have been visible similarities to the 924, it had extra business-like mannerisms and was a extra driver-focused machine.
Porsche provided it in an array of guises such because the 944 2.5, 944 S, 944 2.7, 944 S2 and S2 cabriolet, and the range-topping Turbo. All vehicles bought pop-up headlights, a rear glass lid with a black spoiler, body-coloured bumpers and a 2+2 structure. All through its manufacturing run between 1982 and 1991, Porsche trumped the 924’s gross sales figures by promoting 173,238 944s.
BMW M3 E30
Earlier than the instances of twin-turbocharged six-cylinder vehicles with a superfluity of onboard tech, M3s of outdated had been primary, however quick, 2+2 coupes. The E30 M3 had a 200bhp 2.3-litre four-cylinder tied to a dog-leg five-speed transmission that drove energy to the rear wheels. And, whereas it isn’t thought-about quick by trendy requirements, it might crack the 0-62mph sprint in 7.0sec and climb to 146mph; it additionally weighed simply 1200kg which meant simple and quick cornering.
Setting it apart from its common siblings, was the go sooner M division bodywork. It was lined in M3 badging, muscular rear arches engulfed the 16in cross-spoke alloys and a distinguished rear spoiler accomplished the racer look. The E30 M3 developed a big cult following with its design alone and stays on many petrolheads’ bucket lists at present.
Audi Quattro
Like with many songs or motion pictures, there are few phrases wanted to determine among the world’s most well-known vehicles. In 1976, Audi engineers determined to stay a four-wheel drive structure in a household automobile, however the concept was met with resistance as most off-roaders had been industrial and strong. The engineers, nevertheless, continued the Quattro mission which grew to become a Frankenstein between the physique of an Audi 80 and the drivetrain from a Volkswagen Iltis 4×4 army automobile.
This led to the well-known mud-throwing Audi Quattro rally automobile successful 23 world championships, and the road-going Audi Quattro. Whereas the glossy Ferrari 308GTB of the identical period might obtain the 0-62mph dash in 6.5sec, the boxy manufacturing Quattro was timed at simply 6.3sec.
Peugeot 205 GTi
Amidst a era of Porsche 928s and Jaguar XJR-S, the 205 GTi would nonetheless be classed by individuals at present as one of many high vehicles of the Nineteen Eighties. A tuned engine in a light-weight bundle with understated bodywork resulted in massive success. In 1984, the 205 GTi was powered by a 1.6-litre 103bhp powerplant however simply two years later in 1986, the 1.6-litre was revised and the facility was upped to 113bhp.
In the identical yr, the successful 1.9-litre GTi was launched with a punchy 128bhp. Due to its 875kg weight, 0-62mph was handled in just below 8sec and 127mph was achievable. Its finely tuned chassis allowed it to duck and dive round corners and even entice lift-off oversteer on some events. The 205 GTi was an ideal reminder that you just didn’t want quite a lot of visible aero to have enjoyable, whichever aspect of the 1.6 v 1.9 debate you’re on.
