Thanks to deregulation, the Cold War, and new technologies, designers dreamt big in the 1980s. That most definitely included the automotive world, with automakers regularly taking big swings at futuristic designs.
That approach came up with plenty of hits, but plenty of swings and misses as usual. Here are 20 concept cars that embodied the spirit of the 1980s.
1
1984 Ford Maya
American Ford or Italian supercar?
2
1986 Pontiac Trans Sport
A sporty minivan, ready to take the minivan market by storm. The actual production version was different, boring, and dreadful.
3
1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indy
A mid-engined, supercar killing Corvette.
4
1980 Briggs & Stratton Hybrid
A six-wheeled, mostly electric car.
5
1988 GMC Centaur
Want a minivan and pickup combo? Here you go.
6
1988 Pontiac Banshee IV
A surprisingly complete concept that set the stage for GM’s ‘90s styling.
7
1989 Dodge Viper RT/10
Preceding the first Dodge Viper by two years, this 1989 version wasn’t too different from the iconic but temperamental supercar that eventually launched.
8
1987 Lamborghini (Chrysler) Portofino
With Lamborghini having recently been purchased by Chrysler, the American brand tried its hand at a Lambo. This is what they came up with.
9
1987 Lincoln Vignale
An elegant luxury offering.
10
1987 Oldsmobile Aerotech
One of the iconic concept designs of the decade.
11
1981 Ford Probe III
A precursor to Ford’s 1980s European lineup.
12
1982 Ford AFV
This “Alternative Fuel Vehicle” was capable of running on gas, ethanol, alcohol, diesel, and more.
13
1981 Mazda MX-81 Aria
This streamlined concept used a “touch” steering wheel. Interesting, and scary.
14
1981 Mercedes-Benz NAFA
A micro city car from Mercedes.
15
1985 MG EX-E
A futuristic concept from the classic British brand.
16
1984 Peugeot Quasar
Designed with Group B rallying in mind, this French sports car would have been crazy.
17
1987 Pontiac Pursuit
A small, fuel efficient, aerodynamic, and surprisingly powerful… something.
18
1988 Cadillac Voyage
A classic and streamlined car that never made it precisely into production.
19
1989 Porsche Panamericana
What if a Porsche had strangely large wheels, like a beach buggy? Well, now you know.
20
1983 Volvo LCP2000 (Light Component Project)
Testing different types of materials, this Volvo weighed 1500 pounds.
