By Robert Emslie
For many of us, the 1980s represents a sort of agreed upon unofficial delimiter of the modern auto age. Cars before then are considered oldies, while those from the Mtv era are often thought of as being modern enough to roll today. There were also a lot of epochal automobiles and trucks that debuted in the ’80s. Just consider the Chrysler K-cars and minivans, Ford’s Sable and Taurus twins, Toyota’s MR2, and the Pontiac Fiero. All of those are important for one reason or another, and all are children of the ’80s.
Of course not all of the cars and trucks that first saw the light of day in the ’80s have made a lasting impression, and as evidence I bet right now you can’t think of one. For every Mustang GT there was an EXP, and the yin of the Audi 5000 was countered by the yang of the… well, Audi 5000. Yeah, sometimes the blade cuts both ways. In fact it’s interesting that of all the cars introduced in the 1980s, some almost seem contemporary today – first generation MX5 anyone? – while others look as dated as an MC Hammer video.
Today, I want to hear from you which are which. I want you to tell me which cars debuting in the ’80s – in your opinion – have really stood the test of time. That’s a tall order I know, but you’re not dome yet. I also want to know which ’80s cars haven’t aged well. Yep, it’s a Tuesday twofer, with an ’80s beat.
Image source: BackToThe80s.it
Jeff Glucker
For which has aged best…that's easy.
This car still look contemporary.
<img src="http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp29/mckellyb/Asperfectasitgets.jpg" width="400">
Worst…that's gonna take some sifting…and eye bleach.
The Japanese version introduced in 1989 has aged even better.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/Lexus_LS_400_UCF10_I.jpg/800px-Lexus_LS_400_UCF10_I.jpg"width=500>
I knew the Japanese copied Mercedes, but good grief, seeing the two side by side like this… it's scary. Even down to the wheels!
How did I know you were going to pick that one? 🙂
I'm psychic….
…yo.
I'd actually put forth the W201 and W124 as aging slightly better, seeming slightly less of the 80s. To be fair though, the W126 is older, and still very, very handsome.
What did you expect me to say?
<img src="http://www.cbt.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Feb89ChicagoShow_04.jpg">
It's aged better than her hairstyle.
The 2nd gen Mr. Two still looks spectacular.
The worst… This is gonna be painful
*post-post research indicates that gen 2 came out in '89, but want sold in the US until 90 as a 91 model.
Mentioning the MR2 without providing a picture is not allowed. I'll get it for you this time.
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7mFhHLi5Ww4/TkEu91EbwfI/AAAAAAAAEWk/keKt29DlCag/s1600/Toyota+MR2+Wallpapers+2.jpg" width="600">
TYVM. image search, copy/pasta isn't the easiest on the phone at the office…
Oh, nice selection, BTW
… Didn't these come to market in 1990, since in 1989 you could still get an AW11 supercharger?
Also, you posted a picture of a 1986.5 Fiero GT
/trolling
They were right on the edge. In the North American market the first model year was 1990, but in Japan 1989. They started production in 1989. Japan does their model years differently.
See my post-post research note, or Kogashiwa's note…
The troll, however, remains
inbredunfed. (a most excellent autocorrect!)The MK2 has aged better, in that it looks more modern, but I like the MK1 better. It looks very of it's time, but that's part of the appeal.
<img src="http://img.favcars.com/toyota/mr2/toyota_mr2_1987_pictures_1.jpg".
<img src="http://img.favcars.com/toyota/mr2/toyota_mr2_1987_pictures_1.jpg">
It too, is a good looking car. Also, width ="600" is very valuable.
<img src="http://img.favcars.com/toyota/mr2/toyota_mr2_1987_pictures_1.jpg" width="600">
Thanks, sorry about hugeness
<img src="http://bimmerin.net/pics/e/e34.jpg" width="600">
The E34 BMW, which might be from the tail end of the 80's, still fits on modern roads just fine. Probably because it wasn't designed with a straight edge.
These came out in the 1980s too.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/76/BMW_M3_E30_front_20090514.jpg"width=500>
The 80s were the best decade bmw ever had.
One of the worst, the 1980 Chevrolet Citation.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/Chevrolet_Citation_II_front.jpg/800px-Chevrolet_Citation_II_front.jpg"width=500>
Chrome bumpers and whitewalls haven't aged well.
The jingle hasn't aged well, either, and it's now stuck in my head.
Chevy Citaaaaaaaaaation! For those who weren't yet suffering with me.
Now I want to hug one.
When you look at the citation one can't help but conclude that they just stopped trying.
Best: Countach. I count it as 80's because that's when the first US-spec model came out.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Lamborghini_Countach_US_spec_5000QV.jpg" width=500>
Worst:: Chrysler TC by Maserati. Production problems delayed introduction to about the same time the similar-looking and much cheaper Lebaron convertible came out. They came with a couple of different engine options so you could choose between meh performance or expensive repairs. Buy one today for whatever you need to pay and you can still get into Lemons with zero penalty laps.
<img src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/09/28/automobiles/600-Chrysler-TC.jpg" width=500>
I mustache you to make those bumpers stop!
I think I would flip your answer, TC looks much better today than the Countach ever did.
I wasn't basing that on looks. More on overall appeal. Lebaron is a decent looking car that borrowed heavily from the design of the TC. And it was way less expensive, which diluted the appeal of the TC and stole sales from it. And the "by Maserati" was supposed to be a halo car, but not only did it look like its less-expensive cousin, but only a small percentage of production received the performance drivetrain.
I wanted to drive a Countach in the 80's. I still do. Even people who think the scissor door thing is played out can't fault the originator. I can't say I would particularly care to drive a TC. Of course, I do own two Lebarons.
Only on Hooniverse would the defense not focus on the looks, also you win (obv)
I saw a TC in my neck of the woods a few weeks back. First time I've ever seen one!
While not a great car, the Cadillac Allante has aged well.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/Cadillac_Allante.jpg/800px-Cadillac_Allante.jpg"width=500>
Unlike the majority of those who purchased it.
Hey, what's wrong with combovers?
/
Still looks good.
<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6ojrmRu6f1raqx62o1_1280.jpg" width="600">
The other side will be trickier because everyone has tried and mostly succeeded to forget them.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/F40ferarri20090509.jpg/800px-F40ferarri20090509.jpg">
and the other 1980s 200mph supercar.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Porsche_959_34_rear.jpg"width=500>
Not a Porsche fan myself, but this is the prettiest Volkswagen.
Boris Becker bought one of these for his very first car.
Can you imagine that? Last time I tried, my head popped.
F40.
/thread
..and a contender for worst, the Austin Ambassador.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/Austin_Ambassador_Front.JPG">
Why does it look so much like the Chevy Citation above?
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/Austin_Ambassador_Front.JPG" width="600">
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/Chevrolet_Citation_II_front.jpg/800px-Chevrolet_Citation_II_front.jpg" width="600">
Conspiration theories, anyone?
<img src="http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Professor_Zundapp_3_7604.png">
I just keep seeing an Audi, by way of the video for Genesis's Land of Confusion.
I surprise even myself saying this, but I don't think it's so bad, really, at least from an aesthetic standpoint. It looks sort of Italian in the pleasant-but-unremarkable way of some of the commission work the Italian design houses have done over the years. It also looks like it could have been from the early to mid-90s, so in that sense I don't think it aged terribly (again speaking strictly from a visual standpoint).
It's hard to believe the Peugeot 205 is 30 years old this year!
<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hWEjR8FxpIo/TADqfucvB8I/AAAAAAAAA7E/oJkAoie3r1w/s1600/205 GTi-001.jpg">
I'm crying just looking at that. I miss you soo much.
http://i.imgur.com/jAHFIEU.jpg
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/jAHFIEU.jpg" width=600>
Such big a car, needs two pictures.
Still want one. Will have one.
<img src="http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Porsche/85_911_Turbo_KM_05_Por_00.jpg" width ="600">
shamelessly stolen from Conceptcarz.com
8 tries later, I got the image posted right…
Best? The W201. I can't think of another car, other than perhaps the Porsche 911, which both is date-able visually to the 1980s but still looks gorgeous on the road today.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/W201.jpg" width="600">
The worst has to be the Chevy Citation, mentioned above. Yuck.
W201 or slightly bigger brother W124 and then you can get a choice of body styles….
Coupe
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/99/Mercedes_W124_Coupe_rear_20071022.jpg"width="600">
Sedan
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b2/1990-1993_Mercedes-Benz_230_E_(W124)_sedan_01.jpg"width="600">
Wagon.Sorry, Estate.
<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/chazola/mercwoods2.jpg"width="600">
Convertible
<img src="http://oldbenz.ru/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cabriolet-mercedes-A124-025.jpg"width="600">
Limousine
<img src="http://img4.annuncicdn.it/58/15/58155f947716837bb0221be27ba903e1_orig.jpg"width="600
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Renault_Fuego_front_20080123.jpg/280px-Renault_Fuego_front_20080123.jpg">
Is that a best or worst nomination?
'round here, a guy's gotta ask…
The coin is still in the air…
But in my eyes, it was bad then, & still is now
Worse than the Renault 14? I don't think so… <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/R14_001.JPG/800px-R14_001.JPG" width="500">
While the first two were not introduced in the 80's, the 80's models are still good looking and perform well, in their age bracket and purpose group.
American
<img src="http://motoburg.com/images/chevrolet-camaro-iroc-z-02.jpg">
Japanese
1)<img src="http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/plugins/PostviaEmail/images/1985_Mazda_RX7_GSL_SE_For_Sale_Survivor_For_Sale_resize.jpg">
2) <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/dangerflammable/starion-4.jpg">
European
<img src="http://all-cars.biz/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/1984-bmw-m635-csi-6.jpg">
While good cars all, they are all very dated to me.
The RX-7 was introduced in the '70s, though, and while the E24 M6 debuted in the '80s, the body dated to the mid-70s. (The main visible differences were just the airdam, wheels, and some minor tinkering with bumpers, so it's not even really a facelift.) I love the E24 and the M635CSi/M6 is the best-looking iteration, but it's really a '70s design.
I immediately thought MB for the best, and being my favorite all time car. W201 190e Cossie
<img src="http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2687/3861/31716930017_large.jpg" width="600">
For worst there are a lot of options, K Minivan?
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c9/87-90_Dodge_Grand_Caravan.jpg" width="600">
I was going to mention the K platform minivans. Unlike my beautiful NS platform Voyager, they have not aged gracefully. At all. Probably exacerbated by the population group that generally owns and drives those vans in my area.
I think the post-facelift ones have aged pretty well. And since they're easily the most abused vehicle out there, it's kind of impressive plenty are still around.
Mk1 VW GTI.
[IMG ]http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/front_website/octane_interact/modelpicture.php?id=3443[/IMG]
Best… I might be a bit biased…
Designed in '87 and '88 and introduced in Japan in '89, but it came to US shores as a '90.
<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8521/8681549999_428d72a5be_z.jpg">
Worst… I've never liked the LeBaron but adding wood only makes me want to see it burn even more.
<img src="http://data.motor-talk.de/data/galleries/0/133/1802/35370224/203768699-w500.jpg" width="640" height=480>
Planes trains and automobiles!
Introduced in 1989, still looks new.
<img src="http://www.downshiftmagazine.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/1991-bmw-850i-v12-1920×1200.jpg" width="600">
It was the very first supercar I saw in the flesh and the impression still stands. Afetr driving one briefly a few years ago, I want one even more! Imagine what it was for a 8 year old boy whose country had been closed forever for imports to see one of these rolling down the street…..
Just look at it. It wants to play!!
<img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll231/brera16/Volkswagen-Golf_II_GTI_1983_800x600.jpg" width="600">
Lotus Turbo Esprit
<img src="IMAGE URL width="600">
<img src=http://classiccarmag.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Lotus-Turbo-Esprit-1981.jpg
Courtesy Embed
<img src="http://classiccarmag.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Lotus-Turbo-Esprit-1981.jpg"width="600">
Thanks!
The glorious year of 1982 produced me and an automobile classic of proportions.
<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REfkrTlOnTQ/TzO3L1UawlI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/5meoLbkjfcU/s320/10533.jpg">
It hasn't really aged that well in terms of still looking modern, but it certainly is a vehicle in demand.
Worst performer? Lots and lots of everyday cars that the tinworm has put out of our memories.
This is the answer to one of the questions…
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/30/1980_Cadillac_Seville.jpg/800px-1980_Cadillac_Seville.jpg">
Yep, bustle back FTL
Yeah, I think all of the American bustle back cars (Imperial and Continental too) are deeply stuck in the '80s styling-wise, but I actually like them for it.
My son finally saw a bustleback this summer.
Pretty much said the 11yr old equivalent to "WTF?"
Since I didn't think they looked that good rolling off the line, I'm going to say this answers the "worst" question.
The only question is do you get a diesel or a V8-6-4 version?
Growing up, a neighbor bought the diesel version in two tone metallic pink and maroon for his wife. It was like riding in a Victorian era whorehouse.
I'll probably get a lot of flack from the commentariat here, but this car looked weird and disproportionate when it was new. Now it looks OLD, weird and disproportionate.
<img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR1lQEw3l7UuBLBxblJelZgw8p_bQIKmCaaeH6Xp8QqOloxsgNVKw">
Only Tanshanomi will come to this litte guy's defense. So many of Datsun/Nissan's products in the 70s and 80s were odd looking.
No, it definitely DOES look old, weird and disproportionate. I'm just twisted.
Do you have the same affection for Datsun's other oddball offerings – original 200sx, F10, b210?
No*, no, and no.
*although I do love the 2nd gen Silva S110-based 200sx.
<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsdjySqKQlI/S0ZhZJ236BI/AAAAAAAABc4/02RB6x1NZzM/s400/1980+Datsun+200SX+Coupe.+-+2.jpg">
It was an interesting little car, and the first vehicle I drove with power brakes. It hasn't aged gracefully, though.
You could probably get away with posting the 1st gen Pulsar as ageing the worst and the 2nd gen ageing, well, not the best, but leagues better than the older car.
Best, it barely counts (introduced in 1989 in Japan, but 1990 in North America) but I love it anyway:
<img src="http://karfarm.com/mag/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/1990-96-nissan-300zx.jpg">
Worst, in that they look old and seem to deteriorate quite quickly, most flavors of Celebrity:
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3213028206_8537fd5189.jpg">
No wonder it's got a broken taillight – you can't see out of half of the back window.
I disagree, the later Celebrities (and other A-bodies) with the composite headlights don't look terribly out of place.
I think my perception might be colored by the fact that I haven't seen one that isn't covered by rust and sadness in a really long time.
I'm not sure when the last time I saw one was….
I saw one the other day, and a Corsica today. Then again, western Pennsylvania is like a retirement community for awful GM cars. Around here, 90s W-bodies have *just now* mostly died off. Still can't spit without hitting a Cavalier/Sunfire though.
Rust and sadness was a factory option, to be fair.
Thought of an even better answer for the best of the '80s question: XJ Cherokee, still arguably the best looking SUV ever made, and it can do all the rock climby things too!
<img src="http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Jeep-Cherokee-1985-red.jpg" width="500">
It must have aged well, since new ones really didn't change for about 20 years.
Dunno…it's a toss-up with its main competitor:
<img src="http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachments/classic-t4rs/39628d1298344654-just-bought-1985-toyota-4runner-low-miles-1985-4runner-6.jpg" width=500>
Source: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classic-t4rs/83325-…
4Runner has a better drivetrain, better cabin layout, easier to find MTs, but I'll take a 4.0L over the 22re any day of the week.
Having owned the 'pinnacle' of both examples.
*1985 solid front axle and first year fuel injection 22RE
*1997 Jeep XJ Sport with Upcountry package
I can tell you that the XJ is a better example BUT I loved my 4Runner and if you are only comparing the pre-facelift / interior restyle 96 and older XJ…then the Runner is the easy champ. Especially if you consider a 1985 4Runner to the 1985 Cherokee with the peugot trans and 2.8l V6.
Pushing the limit- Concept car in 1989, but production in 1990…
Change the wheels and it's updated to 2013 and beyond!
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/62/Alcyone_SVX.jpg" width="600">
There was definitely something in the water in Japan in 1989. What an excellent year of new models.
<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8252/8471188718_c118d20b11.jpg" width="500">
Talking. Digital. Dash.
And the best of British automotive craftsmanship!
/whichiskindasadwhenyouthinkaboutit…
These were hard to look at…
<img src="http://trialx.com/curetalk/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2013/03/cars/1987_Aston_Martin_Lagonda-6.jpg">
Beyond the "waaaa?" factor, I really never got the Lagonda
There is one Lagonda that is so ugly…it came around to be cool again.
<img src="http://daddytypes.com/archive/lagonda_wagon.jpg">
LOL, somebody just squished a Volvo 240 estate!!!
It has nothing on the Aston Martin Bulldog <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/1979_Aston_Martin_Bulldog.jpg/800px-1979_Aston_Martin_Bulldog.jpg" width="600">, whose codename of DP K9 was named after <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2d/K-9.jpg" width="600">
Source: Wikipedia
Whatever one things of the Lagonda, it was a '70s design — spotty availability notwithstanding, the final design was test-driven by the press in the late '70s. It is, er, something, though.
My BEST nominations have already been mentioned.
WORST: As much as I love 'em, I gotta admit the style is about as dated as The Bangles.
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4277593562_bf2cb152d3.jpg" width="512">
But, but, with a Bangles tape in the deck, you could drive like an Egyptian!
I was leaning toward that, but in that mode, I'd vote for the Mitsubishi Starion/Conquest first, for the simple reason that people thought the XT was kind of out there even when it was new.
Okay, I thought about worse.
Was painful, but yeah, this is in the top 10….
<img src="http://www.classiccarstodayonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Chrysler-1982-Imperial-Frank-Sinatra-edition-ad-a1.jpg">
:NO:
And I'm a Mopar guy at heart!
Time to go look for a '73 Imperial 2-door…or a '69 2-door.
Driving through my sister's town, I spotted one of these in brown, it was glorious and terrible all at once.
The guy's yard had all sorts of strange and wonderful stuff in it, he'd belong here.
I wonder how the design team took decisions. Conflict avoidance seems to have been a guiding principle – "YES" to all suggestions. It's incredible it didn't turn out like this:
<img src="http://www.989thedrive.com/getmedia/46fcbcd3-b1ba-4564-9309-d820f7ae47b2/post-3-photo-1_1.aspx">
2 Wheel Tuesday answers:
BEST:
<img src="http://www.simonevans.co.uk/v-four/images/vfr750-g.jpg" width="500">
<img src="http://www.tanshanomi.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/2009CMX250CRebel250.jpg" width="500">
WORST:
<img src="http://www.cyclechaos.com/images/3/33/1986-Yamaha-FAZER-FZX700-Red-9685-0.jpg" width="500">
<img src="http://tanshanomi.com/temp/gs650_katana_1981.jpg">
HONORABLE MENTION — a bit weird then, still weird now, but has grown into a cult bike:
<img src="http://tanshanomi.com/temp/NX_250_87.jpg">
I love NX250s!
Everybody does…and in '88 we couldn't GIVE them away!
As you know I'm not a bike guy. That Suzuki doesn't look so bad to me, kinda UJM but with a dated color scheme. Are they universally unloved?
OTOH, that Interceptor was the first real street bike I ever rode. Damn near bought it but I decided college was a better investment.
The 650 Katana was functionally just an ordinary GS650 other than the trendy (read: dated) bodywork. It was supposed to ride on the coattails of the original Katana 1000/1100 superbike, but it was a comfy, midsized shaft-drive touring bike and the attempt at styling made no sense at all, especially because the standard GS650G was such an attractive, conservatively styled bike.
Compare this:
<img src="http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/Katana/Katana-brochures/Katana-brochures/1981_Katana_Gersales1_600.jpg" width="400">
To the original standard version:
<img src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m223/gammer73/gs650.jpg">
Yes, its firmly got one leg in each camp. That said, I don't dislike it nearly as much as I do a similar vintage Seca 650. I'd gladly take a nice Seca 550, though…
<img src="http://classic-motorbikes.net/images/gallery/xj550-seca.jpg">
In Japan they sold a sleeved-down version (XJ400D) that traded the goofy fairing for totally cool 4-into-4 pipes.
<img src="http://www.mcmaniac.com/upload/save_image/07271717_50124ea3285fc.jpg">
…and were you referring to the standard 650 Seca (which I think is attractive) or the (very dated!) Turbo?
<img src="http://lunaticoutpost.com/usersmiles/graphic/images/2011/March/30/D9D5_4D93CB78.jpg" width="450">
<img src="http://images.passionperformance.ca/photos/0/0/4/004626.jpg" width="450">
The turbo was even worse, but I was never a fan of Yamaha's 650s and 750s of that era – the swoopy bodywork rankles. My posse was pretty fond of them, probably because their resale values were a bit more accessible than the competition.
You and I have a different aesthetic – I like the goofy fairing.
The 550 Seca fairing makes me think of this:
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oNeEi3_AFnI/TUz0OleANJI/AAAAAAAAAHc/ksgVu8T4spo/s320/pangasius-face.jpg">
But I understand the concept. Because it's important to have ram-air ducts for your horns.
Hee hee. Maybe that's where I mount the deer whistles.
You could be on to something with the fish. Look at my DD…
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NmLkaV8xbhQ/TL2zV04qnaI/AAAAAAAAAOM/y8x8HdVZeIY/s640/2010-10-19%252010.00.44.jpg"width=500>
Your state hasn't really figured out "personalized" plates, has it?
Rugged individualism is a trait to be admired.
They're truly "personalized." As in, you create the effect personally.
The worst-aged moto design of the 1980's? I think the very definition of overwrought UJM cruiser styling, the Suzuki Madura, available in 700cc:
<img src="http://motoralbum.sytes.net/Bikes_8/suzuki_madura_700_1.jpg" width="350/">
And 1200cc:
<img src="http://tanshanomi.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/1986_GV1200_Madura_red_800.jpg" width="350/">
Interestingly enough, these were fairly comfortable, well-built, decent bikes. The ugly made them very affordable at dealers trying to unload them, and also in the used market. They're now pretty rare, because they never sold well.
The Madura was disgusting. I can't believe how wrong Suzuki got that, especially when the competition (Honda V65, Yamaha V-Max, etc) looked pretty good in their day. What a waste of an interesting motor.
And the 1200 was genuinely fast. But UJM styling??? They weren't UJMs, they were both water-cooled V4s.
We could discuss obscure 80's motorcycle styling language for hours (totally boring most people within earshot), but the Madura's styling descended from Suzuki's GS-series "L" models… "L" cruiser models had more sharply-raked fork angle, teardrop tank dished/stepped seat, buckhorn handlebars, short rear fender, extra chrome bits (like turn signal bodies and trim on the back of the gauges), etc.
So "UJM styling" while not being an "inline-4 (or -2) UJM"…
😀
The ones that aged worst from the 80's are the ones that look like they're in denial that the 70's ever ended.
<img src="http://www.blackcanyonclassics.org/images/1980-1989/1983 lincoln mark vi bob.jpg" width="600">
Or the ones that looked futuristic at the time, but now look as cutting-edge as the digital dash on a C4 Corvette
<img src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Aston_Martin-V8_Zagato_1986_photo_01.jpg" width="600">
The ones that aged worst from the 80's are the ones that look like they're in denial that the 70's ever ended.
<img src="http://www.blackcanyonclassics.org/images/1980-1989/1983 lincoln mark vi bob.jpg" width="600">
Or the ones that looked futuristic at the time, but now look as cutting-edge as the digital dash on a C4 Corvette
<img src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Aston_Martin-V8_Zagato_1986_photo_01.jpg" width="600">
It has SVX windows, NACA ducts, an Aston badge, and a pup tent on the hood. I'm stumped.
Oh, and it looks like a Ford Probe round the back end. (that didn't come out right…) (wait …) (AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!)
What is the V8 vantage (old school) my favorite Aston. It's busy, it's a zagato ripoff, it's an Aston, it is perfect.
after gaining info via zombienixon: oh.
That's the Zagato version of the Aston V8. The Volante version is even more 80's looking.
Another contender for the worsts, the '80s Continental:
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/My_82_Lincoln_Contiental_Givenchy.jpg">
The bustle back strikes again!
I know it's bad, but I want it so bad. the way the chrome strip gently curves downward sends shivers down my spine.
I think most of the worsts have been mentioned. The Citation, Celebrity, EXP, all children of the '80s that should have been disowned.
I think my very favorite all '80s car has to be the MkII Supra:
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSgnK-5tATQwwZc6x70HYLfx12qCT30Ow6Pe7z3q2sUV_NTUsHT">
My second favorite would be the one I still have the pleasure of owning, the S12 200SX/Silvia:
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSK7162dAhz_O7a3lRSHOUqZdioxvZ1JKOB8EBVzcvXjipJ4v-F">
Yes that is my '88 200SX SE V6 above, with me at the wheel on the Tail of the Dragon in 2004.
928 could be released today. (and is technically a 1970s car!!!)
<img src="http://www.carsuk.net/wp-content/gallery/porsche-928/porsche-928-1.jpg" width="600">
totally agree one of the coolest looking porsches ever made
I still love the looks of the post-facelift "Aerobird" T-birds, particularly the Turbo Coupe with the "grille-less" front end.
<img src="http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2008/04/15/19/58/1987_ford_thunderbird_turbo_coupe-pic-3858.jpeg" width="600">
As for the worst, I'd say that the Alfa Romeo SZ has only gotten worse with age.
<img src="http://www.instablogsimages.com/1/2012/10/09/1349788795.jpg" width="600">
I understand that the heart wants what the heart wants, and dissections of styling usually leave me cold. What I don't understand is why the SZ gets singled out. I guess some people dislike the cutlines, the slightly small greenhouse, and the bulbous over boxy shape. All of which just seem average to interesting to me, and as a whole, I've always thought it really worked. The Alfa 75 (I'm a big fan) is truly unfortunate looking in some ways. The SZ, to my eye, is much closer to the later, and celebrated 155.
I've also got a soft spot for the SZ, even though as a resident of the USA I've never actually seen one in person. The high beltline/shallow greenhouse were obviously ahead of their time, considering what automotive styling is like today. Change the front fascia to feature contoured headlights that go halfway up the hood, and this car would be very stylish in 2013.
Isn't the SZ RWD? Hey Fiat! You've got your blueprint for an Alfa or Dodge-badged Toyobaru fighter!
The SZ has somewhat Brutalist styling and Brutalist styling, like Brutalist architecture, is rarely done well. But in my opinion the SZ is one of the exceptions that really works.
Brutalist architecture that doesn't work (Wimdows? Not for you, puny human!): <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Paradise_Forum%2C_Birmingham_Library%2C_Chamberlain_Memorial.jpg/800px-Paradise_Forum%2C_Birmingham_Library%2C_Chamberlain_Memorial.jpg" width="500">
Birmingham central library, Birmingham, UK
Brutalist architecture that DOES work: <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/Geisel_library.jpg" width="500">
Theodore Geissel library, San Diego, California
Most of the Aero Fords have aged really, really well.
Ford Ranger:
1983–2012
Intro'd in the 80's and has aged pretty well considering…
<img src="http://www.therangerstation.com/resources/fordphotos/Ranger1.jpg" width="400">
<img src="http://photos.ecarlist.com/x2/zu/1X/7m/hP/M9/hX/eW/y1/wT/eA_640.jpg" width="400">
The Explorer Sport Trac is a different thing, the Explorer platform diverged significantly by then. The last of the Rangers was this:
<img src="http://www.auto123.com/media/videos/specs/2011/ford/en/2011_ford_ranger.jpg">
My dad has one, I like them but they were really in need of some significant updates Ford couldn't be bothered to pay for. Not to be bigger, it was the right size I think, but it was in serious need of a new interior – that thing is cramped for no good reason – as well as an improved powertrain since the mileage isn't great. Then again, I suppose there's the fear they'd go a size bigger and ruin the whole thing.
Yea- I was a little liberal but I wanted impact.
Since the Bronco II was based off the Ranger, the bloodline ran thru the Explorers then to the Sporttrac. The 1st gen Sporttrac was pretty Ranger-ry inside and out.
The V8 Sporttrac is on my short list to take over daily duty from my little 2.3 Ranger.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/Alfa164_PA140003_c.jpg" width=500 /img>
It's open for debate how the other Type Four cars aged, but the Alfa 164 is still rather striking.
It is a striking design. Alfa would do well to incorporate some of the design features into their new cars. Perhaps if Alfa ever lives up to their promise to return to the North American market, we could even buy them.
The other three aren't bad-looking, but they are kind of generic (and they look a lot more like one another than the 164 looks like any of them). I think the 164 looks best in pre-facelift form — the chrome mustache on the bumpers seems at odds with the theme — but it is a very handsome car. The interior design hasn't aged as well, though. It was trying too hard when the 164 was new and the abundance of buttons now makes it feel very '80s.
The early MN12 Thunderbird has aged pretty well. The later examples messed with the details in a way that did the T-Bird no particular favors aesthetically, but the early cars still look quite modern, in part because their bulk (much-criticized at the time) is no longer remarkable. Admittedly, the MN12 does look like an 5/4ths-scale BMW E24 6er, but that's hardly a problem, and creating a design that could be favorably compared to a BMW while still possessing a useful family resemblance to the contemporary Taurus and early aero-Panthers was a pretty good trick.
Worst? I'm leaning toward the Maserati Biturbo. It's not a bad-looking car, I suppose, although I can't help thinking it looks like how the Cimarron might have turned out had Cadillac hired Giugiaro to tidy up the J-body. However, it's just so obviously and inescapably trapped in the '80s, like an actor who might have parlayed a supporting part in DePalma's Scarface to guest-starring roles on Miami Vice and/or Knight Rider. It looks like it should come with its own synthesizer-driven score.