When I tell 'car people' that I primarily collect cars from the 80's, they think I've lost it
But there *were* some great cars in the 80's and I have a few that are listed in the replies above.
1) Omni GLH I couldn't agree more but did you guys know it had a more powerful rare 'brother'? The 86 Shelby Omni GLHS. Mr Shelby went on record more than once(he told me in person a few years back) as the GLHS being "His favorite car he ever built" Yes, that includes Cobras, Daytona's and GT 350's. Weird huh? When asked about it he said, "Because that was the car we took it to the big boys with" He regularly drove his #001 GLHS around Vegas when he was visiting his shop there. Save for the 86 Grand National the GLHS was the quickest American made car in 86.
2) Someone say Turbo Caravan? they were a two year run only, 89/90 they had the ubiquitous 2.5 turbo four available with a 5 speed or 413 auto, 5 passenger, 7 passenger, short *or* long wheelbase, cargo van, and my personal favorite, the faux woodgrain exterior trim package. I've owned a few of these and 'Woody' is currently getting a big valve head, upgraded Mitsu turbo(gotta look stock in CA if you get pulled over
) an OBX Posi equipped 413 with a lockup convertor switch(freeway cruiser to Vegas baby, 26MPG!)
3) The Mirage turbo was available for a few years in the mid 80's but the desirable 1.3 DOHC (little brother to the Gallant/Eclipse/Talon 2l G463T) was only available single year in 89 with the 'new' body style. Great suspension, and awesome gearbox, 4 wheel disc brakes it was only and intercooler and some added boost away from greatness. My Brother put over 270K miles on his with basic required maintanence and only a starter swap and a turbo somewhere around 200K. We moved some pretty big stuff in that little hatchback over the years. Sleeper for sure
4) Crossfire SRT6. one year only 2005(yeah I know guys, there were a handful of '06's but like what, 10 maybe?) The Stock Crossfire, 215HP and was 'spry' The SRT6 with the supercharged Mercedes 3.2l motor was a 'Hole Nuther Animal! It was UNDERATED at 350HP! 13.10's all stock and with slicks on the back, more than a few guys churned out some high 12's right outta the box! I put about 60K miles on mine and with nothing more than good set of Porterfield brake pads, a CAI and some cooling upgrades I did many roadrace track days at Chuckwalla, Spring Mountain, Willow Springs and Auto Club Speedway Fontana. It chased down and passed many Vettes, Porsches and even a 512 Ferrari on the front strait away one day that nobody believed was gonna happen. I think that was a 1.58.2 lap, fast company indeed.
5) Doesn't belong on the sleeper list because it looks so menacing but the Buick Regal T-Type/Grand National/GNX is pure nastiness. Guys on the TurboBuick forums will shun you if you CAN'T get into the 11's on the stock turbo! I get more thumbs up in my tribute GNX than any other car I've owned or driven. Old school 80's cool
