Interesting you say? Aren’t we talking about the decade that delivered such doldrums as the minivan and the K-car? The decade of downsize, where tiny cars with names like Escort and Chevette tried to compete with the import invasion? The decade where dull, underpowered cars with cheesy graphic packages dominated 55 MPH roadways?

Look closer however, and you’ll discover a major shift in automotive trends propelled by the development and application of computer technology. Not since the development of the assembly line as a technological step forward made such a dramatic impact on the automotive world, and as a result, the 1980s could well represent one of most significant turning points in the history of the automobile. Manufacturers were frantically trying to reboot their approach to automotive engineering in an effort to meet tough new vehicle emission standards, all while trying to restore some measure of performance that had disappeared during the 1970s. As is so often the case with such a change in direction, there were some monumental duds while manufacturers sorted out the details on how to utilize new, computerized technology with old-school engineering. On the flip side however are some very notable success stories, some of which were years ahead of their time, while others simply grew into automotive legends.

1982 Ford Mustang

Though technically a 1979 redesign, the Mustang regained some of its machismo through the decade to become one of the most recognizable cars of the era, having shed its Pinto-esque associations of the 70s in favor of the now-infamous Fox Body platform that underpinned a wide range of Ford automobiles. While the outgoing Mustang II was generally unloved, the new Mustang delivered a strikingly modern style that, minor cosmetic updates aside, served the stallion for 14 years. Though initially offered with a V-8 engine, the modern performance Mustang didn’t appear until 1982, with the return of the Mustang GT. Though it only produced 157 horsepower, it was the most powerful factory Mustang in nine years and it marked the beginning of Ford’s return to performance. It also marked the introduction of the now-iconic chrome 5.0 fender badges, a staple of Mustang bragging rights throughout the decade. 1983 continued to build on the new Mustang’s momentum, with the return of a convertible model, 176 horsepower in the GT version, and a new turbo GT that became the forerunner to the SVO Mustang of the mid-80s.

Where are they now?: Early 80s Fox Body Mustangs are coming into the collector fold, with nice clean examples commanding $5,000 to $6,500, with the rarer 1983 GT turbo fetching a bit more. 

1982 Buick Regal Grand National

Like the Mustang, the Regal’s styling dates to the late 1970s, but unlike the Mustang, it wasn’t designed to be a full-on performance car. Nor was it ever destined to be a V-8 muscle car, relying instead on a turbocharged 3.8 liter V-6 engine for performance. The Regal is significant because it marked the beginning of what would become a bit of a turbo revolution, signifying a fundamental shift from brute, big-block power to small-displacement performance. Though the turbo V-6 was initially offered with the redesigned Regal in 1978, the legend that would become Grand National didn’t arrive until 1982, and even then production was limited to barely a couple hundred examples. In turbo V-6 form (a lower power, naturally-aspirated V-6 was also available), the 1982 Regal Grand National made 175 horsepower, trumping both the Mustang and its GM stable mates, the Camaro and Firebird. The Regal Grand National offered shoppers a taste of luxury with performance, and its modern styling earned it a spot on the NASCAR circuit where it experienced significant success. When the model returned for 1984 (no Regal Grand Nationals were built in 1983) it became known simply as the Grand National, and it went on to become the most powerful—and one of the most sought after—muscle cars of the 1980s despite the fact that it never offered a traditional V-8 engine.

Where are they now?:  By the book, the first installment of the Grand National commands anywhere from $17,500 to $25,000 in prime condition, but having such a limited production run—with most of those cars being the naturally-aspirated version—means prices can jump significantly for the “perfect” turbo car.

1983 Audi Quattro

All-Wheel Drive may seem commonplace in today’s market, but when Audi introduced the original Quattro in 1980, it set a new standard for performance vehicles. Audi certainly wasn’t the first to offer such an arrangement; traditional four-wheel drive vehicles emphasizing off-road prowess had been around for decades, but such applications could not withstand daily on-road usage. AMC unveiled the Eagle in 1980, which utilized its own full-time all-wheel drive system, but like traditional four-w heel drive applications, these vehicles emphasized a more utilitarian, off-road approach to the concept. Full-time all-wheel drive systems in a higher-power, performance function was thought to be too complicated and far too heavy to be practical, but Audi proved the critics wrong by absolutely dominating the World Rally Championship through the early 80s, in the process setting a new performance bar for street cars that wouldn’t be matched until years later. Audi didn’t offer the Quattro in the U.S. market until 1983, and even then, sales were very weak due to the $35,000 sticker price (more than a Porsche 911 of the day) and diminished performance from the turbocharged five cylinder engine, which made only 160 horsepower (down from 200) after modifications to meet U.S. standards.

Where are they now?: While not a common collector car in the U.S., its rarity, unmistakable 80s styling, and technological mastery make it a true 80s keeper that can pull upwards of $15,000 to $20,000 for well-kept examples.

1982 DeLorean DMC-12

Had it not been for a certain Steven Spielberg movie called Back to the Future, the angular, gull-wing, rear-engine DeLorean may well have faded into the halls of automotive history with barely an echo. Instead, the futuristic sports car with the brushed stainless steel body became forever tied to 1980s pop culture despite the fact that it wasn’t a terribly exciting car to drive. Even though it offered a very supercar-like layout of four-wheel disc brakes, fully-independent suspension, low center of gravity and a rear-engine layout, safety regulations for the U.S. market upset the car’s balance and handling enough to where it wasn’t quite as planted as many other sports cars of the day. To make matters worse, emission standards required a retuning of the DeLorean’s 2.8 liter V-6 engine to the point where it struggled to make 130 horsepower. It was still quite a novel car to drive however, thanks to its radical styling, bare-metal finish, and of course the infamous gull-wing doors. Just over 9,000 copies were built from 1981-1982 before the company filed for bankruptcy, so it did manage to strike a chord with the motoring world before fading to black. Of course, it was the starring role throughout Spielberg’s epic Back to the Future trilogy series that propelled the car to superstar status, so much so that a loyal group of DeLorean devotees have continued to support the car over the years, culminating with the purchase of original DeLorean assets and the rebirth of the DeLorean Motor Company, where enthusiasts can order everything from original parts to brand new, custom-built DeLorean models.

Where are they now?: Vintage DeLoreans with low miles (under 15,000) can fetch upwards of $35,000 in today’s market, with well-used models coming in closer to the $10,000 mark. Or, you could always have a brand-new DeLorean custom-built through the DeLorean Motor Company, with a base price of $57,500. Though high-tech options such as a hover conversion kit or a Mr. Fusion power converter aren’t in the works for the new cars, modern conveniences such as navigation systems, reverse cameras, and high-end sound systems are available. Rumors of a Flux-Capacitor also persist among the enthusiast community, though there is significant speculation on exactly where the 1.21 gigawatts required for the time-travel device to function will ultimately come. 

1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am

Before Doc Brown built the DeLorean time machine, Burt Reynolds sprinted from Georgia to Texas and back in a black Trans Am, with Sheriff Buford T. Justice hot on his tail. Granted, Smokey and the Bandit was a product of late 1970s Americana, but it spawned two 1980s sequels and solidified the black Trans Am as the machine of choice for the American rebel. That alone is enough to make this ultimate evolution of the second-generation Firebird a worthy collector car, never mind that it was also the first-ever turbocharged V-8 in a production vehicle and paced the Indy 500 that year. While it’s true that the 4.9 liter turbo V-8 suffered from reliability issues, it still produced 210 horsepower and helped to usher in the turbo movement that would continue throughout the decade.

Where are they now?: Even today, the sight of a second-generation black Trans Am with gold trim and a screaming chicken on the hood evokes rebel yells and cravings for rowdy country music, and though it’s not quite as popular as the 6.6 liter, torque monster Trans Ams of the late ‘70s, the 1980 Turbo Trans Am is still a highly sought after car, commanding upwards of $25,000 in good, original condition.

1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

From one black Trans Am to another, the long awaited redesign of GM’s Camaro/Firebird performance icons marked a big step forward when they appeared in 1982. In terms of both styling and technology, the Trans Am especially received considerable praise for its sleek, new look and pop-up headlights. Both cars also received the new Cross-Fire Injection 5.0 liter V-8, which utilized a fuel-injected throttle body as opposed to a traditional carburetor. Though it only produced 165 horsepower and struggled with reliability issues, it served as a technological step forward until the system was improved for the 1985 model year. Hollywood however would once again step in on the Trans Am’s behalf, this time in the form of a talking, crime-fighting, all-black 1982 Trans Am called K.I.T.T.— the star of a new television show called Knight Rider. As with Smokey and the Bandit (which coincidently also used a 1982 Trans Am for the universally-hated third sequel), Knight Rider’s four seasons helped to propel an already great-looking car to superstar status, thus earning it a spot in the 80s motoring hall of fame.

Where are they now?: Whereas the Smokey and the Bandit hype helped propel the popularity of the entire Trans Am line for the previous generation, The Knight Rider factor isn’t quite as impressive, with prime examples of the ’82 and ‘83 cars ranging from $4,500 to $6,500 in prime condition.

If cars from the early-80s represent the initial steps taken by manufacturers to incorporate modern technology into automotive applications, the mid-80s cars revel in the fruits of those efforts, while vehicles of the late-80s point towards the return to naturally-aspirated performance. And that folks, is where things really get interesting. 

Next time: Cars of the mid 80s.

By Christopher Smith

Christopher is a former marketing executive for high-end Ford performance products and a current editor for NextAutos.com/Winding Road magazine.