Here Is The List Of Fastest Cars From The 1980s

The 1980s saw the birth of some of the fastest and most iconic cars in automotive history. As the automotive industry embraced advancements in engineering and aerodynamics, a breed of high-performance vehicles emerged, captivating enthusiasts and setting new benchmarks for speed. In this journey down memory lane, we’ll delve into a lineup of some of the fastest cars from the 1980s that left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape.

1. 1989 Ruf CTR Yellowbird 
2. 1987 Ferrari F40 
3. 1988 Porsche 959 
4. 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO 
5. 1987 Aston Martin Vantage V8 Zagato 
6. 1985 Lamborghini LP5000 Quattrovalvole 
7. 1986 Ferrari Testarossa 
8. 1982 Ferrari 512i BB 
9. 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 E AMG Hammer 
10. 1984 Isdera Imperator 108i 
11. 1989 Corvette ZR-1 (C4) 
12. 1986 Porsche 911 Turbo 
13. 1986 Ford RS 200 Evo 
14. 1986 Ferrari 328 GTB 
15. 1981 BMW M1 
16. 1985 De Tomaso Pantera GT5 

From the sleek lines of the 1986 Ford RS 200 Evo to the raw power of the 1987 Buick Regal GNX, these iconic machines not only defined an era but also laid the foundation for the high-performance vehicles we know today. Join us as we revisit the glory days of automotive speed and explore the prowess of the 1980s’ most exhilarating rides.

16. 1985 De Tomaso Pantera GT5

The first car on the list of the fastest cars from the 1980s is the 1985 De Tomaso Pantera GT5, which is a car you might remember from the fifth movie in the Fast and Furious franchise. Yes, the first car to be robbed out of the moving train was the 1985 Pantera GT5.

The Pantera GT5 had a top speed of 165 mph, which is the same as the next car on this list, the BMW M1. It had a naturally aspirated 5.8-liter Ford V8 under its hood that produced 345 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. It also had a 0–60 time of 5.2 seconds.

Funny story: the Pantera used to get the Ford Windsor V8 motor when it was launched, but then it was upgraded to the Ford Cleveland V8 motor. However, when the Cleveland motor supply was stopped, the Italian supercar maker chose the Windsor V8 motor again to be used in the De Tomaso Pantera.

De Tomaso was an Italian automaker that made sportscars back in the day, and before the Pantera, it was their third road car after the Vallelunga and the Mangusta. Over 7,000 units of the Pantera were sold in its production run, which is quite a big number considering it was a supercar that fought in the market back in the 70s and 80s. Funny story: the Pantera used to get the Ford Windsor V8 motor when it was launched, but then it was upgraded to the Ford Cleveland V8 motor. However, when the Cleveland motor supply was stopped, the Italian supercar maker chose the Windsor V8 motor again to be used in the De Tomaso Pantera.

15. 1981 BMW M1

Next up is the BMW M1, which is one of many by-products of the homologation rules of motorsports that we’ll find in this article. Powered by a 3.5-liter inline-six engine, the M1 boasted an impressive 277 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, propelling it to a top speed of around 165 mph. It also had a 0–60 time of 5.2 seconds. Its performance was not only notable on the road but also on the track, where it competed in various racing series, including the Procar Championship. The M1’s racing pedigree is underscored by its association with legendary drivers like Niki Lauda and Nelson Piquet.

The 1981 BMW M1 was a distinctive and rare sports car that looked Italian from every angle, even though it was BMW. This is because the car’s body was made out of fiberglass, and it was manufactured by an Italian company. Italdesign, an Italian automotive design firm, as the name suggests, finished the body. Also, the chassis was built by another Italian firm, and most importantly, Lamborghini was the initial co-developer of the BMW M1. The only German BMW DNA in the car was probably the handbuilt inline-6 motor.

There were a total of just about 450 units of these ever produced, and 399 were up for sale while the remaining 53 were used for motorsport purposes. This exclusivity makes the M1 fetch nearly half a million dollars in auctions these days.

14. 1986 Ferrari 328 GTB

The first of five Ferraris on this list is the 1986 Ferrari 328 GTB. The 328 GTB had a top speed of 166 mph, which is one more than both the M1 and the Pantera GT5. Under the hood, the 328 GTB featured a mid-mounted 3.2-liter V8 engine, producing around 270 horsepower and 231 lb-ft of torque.

The Italian exotic carmaker released the 328 model in two different variants: the Ferrari 328 GTS and the Ferrari 328 GTB. The GTS stood for Gran Turismo Spider, and the GTB stood for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, and these two terms are still used to this day in the Ferrari lineup to define convertibles and coupes, respectively. The price of a Ferrari 328 model in the 1980s was reportedly around $60,000. However, these days, people sell their 328 models for around $100,000 if they are in decent condition.

13. 1986 Ford RS 200 Evo

Have you thought about a Ford being the fastest car of an era—not a GT or a Mustang? Me neither, but here it is: the 1986 Ford RS 200 Evo, one of the fastest road-legal cars of the 1980s. The RS 200 Evo had a top speed of 170 mph thanks to its 2.1-liter turbocharged Inline-4 engine, which produced 600 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. It also had a 0–60 time of 3.3 seconds, which made it the fastest-accelerating car from the 1980s.

Back in the 70s and 80s, Group B rally racing was one of the most breathtaking and popular motorsports across the world, and every manufacturer wanted to get a big chunk of this popularity by winning the races and championships every year. Ford was also one of the many competitors, and their car was the RS 200, which initially came with a 1.8-liter motor, but thanks to the issues the car faced with the engine, it was replaced with a new 2.1-liter turbocharged motor that pumped out 600 horses, which is more than some Lamborghini Huracans.

This meant an amazing improvement in terms of top speed, and a bigger displacement also resulted in better low-end power. Thanks to the homologation rules, this one made it to production, but obviously in limited numbers. These were called the RS 200 Evo, and most of them were fitted with the 1.8-liter engine, however, only a few got blessed with the bigger turbocharged powerhouse. And if you want one with a 2.1-liter liter, you’ve got to spend about half a million dollars to get your hands on one of these RS 200 Evo models. 

12. 1986 Porsche 911 Turbo

The 1986 Porsche 911 Turbo, also known as the Porsche 911 Turbo (930), is a legendary sports car that stands out for its distinctive design, potent performance, and enduring appeal.

Underneath its iconic exterior, the 1986 911 Turbo featured a rear-mounted 3.3-liter flat-six engine with a single turbocharger. This powerplant delivered an impressive 282 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, providing exhilarating acceleration, a top speed of around 171 mph, and a 0–60 time of 4.6 seconds. The characteristic turbolag, a delay in power delivery inherent to early turbocharged engines, added an element of excitement to the driving experience.

The 1986 Porsche 911 Turbo had a lightweight body, rear-wheel-drive setup, and most importantly, a 6-cylinder turbocharged motor pumping 300-ish horsepower, which required a lot of skills to handle. Not that it wasn’t safe or stable; it was glued to the road like nothing else and cornered flawlessly, thanks to the mid-engine layout and lightweight chassis. But it accelerated quicker than you’d have imagined, and that’s where it requires a skilled driver to handle all the power and balance it well. These days, if you want one in good shape, you’ll have to shell out around $100K to take it home. And with the recent popularity of older Porsches, prices have risen by a good margin.

11. 1989 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1

Next up is the 1989 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1, often simply known as the Corvette ZR-1 or the “King of the Hill.” Introduced as the flagship model of the Corvette C4 generation, the ZR-1 aimed to push the boundaries of American sports car performance. It had a top speed of 175 mph, which is good enough for it to be the 11th fastest car from the 1980s.

At the heart of the ZR-1 was its groundbreaking engine, the LT5. Developed in collaboration with Lotus and built by Mercury Marine, this 5.7-liter V8 featured dual overhead camshafts and 32 valves, producing a remarkable 375 horsepower. This was a substantial increase over the standard Corvette’s power, showcasing Chevrolet’s commitment to competing with the world’s top sports cars.

The ZR-1 also boasted an advanced suspension system, wider rear bodywork, and a unique convex rear end, distinguishing it from its stablemates. The six-speed manual transmission, developed by ZF, complemented the powerful engine, allowing the ZR-1 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. While the ZR-1 had a limited production run, its impact on subsequent Corvette generations is evident, as it paved the way for the development of high-performance variants that continue to define the Corvette’s legacy.

10. 1984 Isdera Imperator 108i

The 1984 Isdera Imperator 108i was the first production car from Isdera, a German manufacturer known for its exclusive and handcrafted vehicles. It was created by Eberhard Schulz, a former Mercedes-Benz engineer. The first few Isdera Imperators have a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 300 HP. It had a top speed of 176 mph, and it could go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds.

The Isdera Imperator 108i had a lot of engines over its 10-year lifespan. All V8s, but with different displacements and tuning, while a couple of them were tweaked by AMG. Just like the BMW M1, the Isdera Imperator had a fiberglass body over a steel tubular chassis, which became quite a common type of chassis in the supercars of the 1980s. Talking about the price, the Isdera Imperator 108i fetches between $560,000 and $850,000 in auctions these days, depending on the trim and the condition.

9. 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 E AMG Hammer 

Next up is the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 E AMG Hammer, an iconic high-performance sedan that marked a significant collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and AMG. This model, also known simply as the “Hammer,” is celebrated for its remarkable blend of luxury, practicality, and exhilarating performance.

Under the hood, the Hammer featured a potent 5.6-liter V8 engine, a significant upgrade from the standard 300 E. With the AMG treatment, the engine produced around 355 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. AMG had a target speed of 186 mph as its top speed. Unfortunately, they could only reach a speed of 180 mph. This made the Hammer the fastest sedan of its time.

The 300 E AMG Hammer was a bulky, boxy, and not-so-swift-looking car, but it had the ability to rip off the supercars of its era like a piece of cake. Coupes and convertibles might be great crowd-pullers, but the Hammer hammers them all on a sprint down an open road. However, the problem was that not many of these were built. Only 30 units of the Mercedes-Benz 300 E AMG Hammer were ever built, and only 13 of these made their way to US shores, making it too rare in the current automotive world. And rarity means big money, and without any doubt, the Mercedes-Benz 300 E AMG Hammer would easily fetch nearly a million dollars if it’s in well-maintained condition.

8. 1982 Ferrari 512i BB

The next Ferrari on this list is the 1982 Ferrari 512i BB. At the heart of the 512i BB was a 4.9-liter flat-12 engine, positioned longitudinally behind the driver and passenger seats. The “i” in its nomenclature denoted the inclusion of fuel injection, replacing the carburetors of its predecessor. This modification aimed to enhance fuel efficiency and emissions performance while maintaining the engine’s impressive power output. The 512i BB produced around 340 horsepower, propelling the car to a top speed of approximately 180 mph.

The 1982 Ferrari 512i BB, also known as the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer 512i, It was a Berlinetta, but it didn’t really have a boxer engine inside. Or you can say it had three boxer engines! Yes, it had a flat-12 engine, which is literally three boxer motors coupled together. Something that’s super rare to find these days, and you won’t usually see more than six cylinders in flat engines, and that too only in Porsches. Currently, in the used classic car scenario, the Ferrari 512i BB easily fetches around $250,000 if it’s in good condition. And we’d add that it is quite reasonably priced, as this particular type of engine is pretty unique in the automotive industry, especially in the current era of cars.

7. 1986 Ferrari Testarossa

Yet another Ferrari on this list is the 1986 Ferrari Testarossa. As the successor to the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer series, the Testarossa, meaning “redhead” in Italian, was produced from 1984 to 1996 and became synonymous with 1980s automotive extravagance.

The Testarossa had a 4.9-liter flat-12 engine mounted in the middle of the car, producing around 390 horsepower. The Testarossa was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds and reaching a top speed of approximately 180 mph.

One of the most distinctive features of the 1986 Testarossa was its wide rear stance, characterized by side strakes, or “cheese graters,” that ran along the doors to aid in cooling. The design, a collaboration between Pininfarina and Ferrari, was ahead of its time, epitomizing the flamboyant and aerodynamically driven styling of the 1980s.

The Testarossa also gained fame beyond the automotive world, as it became an iconic symbol of luxury and performance in popular culture, appearing in movies, television shows, and music videos. There are a number of celebrities who currently own or used to own the Testarossa. Some notable names who have different models of the Testarossa include Elton John, Michael Jordan, Richard Pryor, and Tommy Lee.

6. 1985 Lamborghini LP5000 Quattrovalvole

The 1985 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 Quattrovalvole, often abbreviated as LP5000 QV, was an evolution of the Countach line and showcased numerous enhancements, including an upgraded engine and refined styling.

Under the rear deck of the LP5000 QV lay a 5.2-liter V12 engine with four valves per cylinder, a configuration referred to as Quattrovalvole, translating to “four valves” in Italian. This upgrade significantly improved engine efficiency and performance, resulting in an output of approximately 449 horsepower. This helped the car reach a top speed of 185 mph and achieve a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds.

Stylistically, the LP5000 QV retained the distinctive wedge-shaped silhouette of the Countach but featured revised aerodynamics, including redesigned air intakes and a smoother front spoiler. The iconic scissor doors, a hallmark of the Countach, remained, contributing to the car’s dramatic and futuristic appearance. The LP5000 QV also featured wider rear wheel arches and larger tires to enhance grip and stability. A total of 610 units of the LP5000 QV were produced, and if you find one in good condition, you’ll have to pay upwards of $650,000.

5. 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato

Next up is the 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato, which is a collaboration between two iconic automotive brands, Aston Martin and Zagato. The coupe version of the Vantage Zagato had a top speed of 186 mph. This is thanks to the powerful 5.3-liter V8 engine under its hood that was equipped with twin superchargers and produced 432 horsepower with 395 lb-ft of torque.

The 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato is a rare and distinctive sports car that represents a collaboration between two iconic automotive brands, Aston Martin and Zagato. Born out of the desire to create an even more exclusive and high-performance version of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, the Vantage Zagato is a limited-production model known for its striking design and enhanced performance. In total, only 89 Aston Martin V8 Vantages were made, of which 52 were coupes. The estimated value of one of these in good condition is over $400,000.

4. 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO

The 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO is considered to be the first halo car made by Ferrari. It comes in at 4th on the list of the fastest cars from the 1980s, with a top speed of 190 mph. This is thanks to the mid-mounted 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which produces 395 horsepower and 366 lb-ft of torque. This engine was a technological marvel for its time, featuring intercoolers and electronic fuel injection.

The 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO holds a special place in Ferrari’s storied history. The “GTO” in its name pays homage to the iconic Ferrari 250 GTO, and this model was initially conceived as a homologation special to compete in the Group B category of the FIA World Sportscar Championship. However, Group B regulations were eventually abandoned, and the 288 GTO remained a road-going masterpiece. With only 272 units produced, the Ferrari 288 GTO is a rare and sought-after collector’s car. And if you wanted to buy one in good condition, you would have to spend upwards of a mouth-watering $3 million.

3. 1988 Porsche 959

The Porsche 959 is a legendary car that performed at a level far beyond its contemporaries. It is a ruthless Porsche that shows no mercy to its opponents. Powering the 959 is a 2.8-liter, twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, producing around 444 horsepower. This engine was coupled with an innovative all-wheel-drive system, a six-speed manual gearbox, and a sophisticated suspension setup. The result was a car that could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of around 197 mph, making it one of the fastest production cars of its time.

The 1988 Porsche 959 represents a technological tour de force and a milestone in Porsche’s automotive history. It is one of the few sports machines that has managed to touch perfection if not achieved. Introduced in the mid-1980s, the 959 was initially conceived as a high-performance rally car for Group B racing, but it also became a groundbreaking road-going supercar. The 959 had a flawless design and aerodynamic silhouette that allowed it to cut through the wind like a hot knife through butter. Limited to just 337 units, the 959 is highly coveted among collectors and has an estimated value of above $2.1 million in 2024.

2. 1987 Ferrari F40

The 1987 Ferrari F40 is not only the fastest Ferrari from the 1980s; it is also the second-fastest car from that decade. Created to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, the F40 was the second halo car from Ferrari and was designed as the ultimate road-going performance machine.

Powering the F40 is a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing an impressive 471 horsepower and 426 lb-ft of torque. The F40’s performance was extraordinary for its time, and it was also the first car to break the 200 mph barrier, with a top speed of around 201 mph. It could also go from 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds.

The 1987 Ferrari F40 is often regarded as one of the greatest sports cars ever produced. The design of the F40 is both timeless and purposeful. Penned by Pininfarina, the body is characterized by aggressive lines, wide wheel arches, and a prominent rear wing. Meanwhile, the F40’s interior was stripped down to the essentials, reflecting the car’s focus on raw performance. Beyond its impressive performance and design, the F40 holds significance as the last Ferrari model personally approved by Enzo Ferrari before his death in 1988. A total of 1,311 units were produced, and a F40 in good condition will cost you more than $2.3 million.

1. 1989 Ruf CTR Yellowbird

The fastest car from the 1980s is the 1989 Ruf CTR Yellowbird, which had a top speed of 211 mph. This is fast, even by today’s standards. Under the rear decklid of the Yellowbird was a 3.4-liter flat-six engine that RUF extensively modified. With a pair of turbochargers and an air-to-air intercooler, the engine produced around 469 horsepower and 408 lb-ft of torque. This immense power, coupled with a lightweight chassis and rear-wheel-drive setup, enabled the Yellowbird to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. It could even do the quarter-mile in 11.7 seconds at 133.5 mph.

The 1989 RUF CTR, commonly known as the “Yellowbird,” is a legendary and highly modified version of the Porsche 911 created by the German tuning company RUF Automobile GmbH. The CTR, short for “Group C Turbo RUF,” gained fame for its exceptional performance, agility, and distinctive yellow paint, establishing itself as an automotive icon.

Visually, the Yellowbird maintained the classic silhouette of the Porsche 911 but featured wider wheel arches to accommodate larger wheels and tires. The iconic yellow paint and the RUF logo on the rear spoiler became synonymous with this high-performance 911 variant. The Yellowbird gained international fame through a famous road test conducted by automotive journalist and driver Stefan Roser. The video of the Yellowbird navigating the Nürburgring Nordschleife showcased its exceptional handling and cemented its status as a performance legend.

The Ruf CTR Yellowbird is also one of the rarest cars from the 1980s. Only 29 original units were made as a part of limited production. If you wanted to get one in 2024, you would have to shell out more than $1 million.

FAQs

What was the fastest car in the 1980s?

The 1989 Ruf CTR Yellowbird was the fastest road-legal car in the 1980s, with a top speed of 211 mph.

What was the fastest muscle car of the 1980s?

The Pontiac Firebird 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans AM was the fastest muscle car of the 80s even though it didn’t have a V8 under the hood.

What was the fastest 0-60 car in 1986?

The 1986 Ford RS 200 Evo was the fastest car to go from 0-60 mph, with a time of just 3.3 seconds.