The 10 Most Iconic Supercars of 1980s

Ferrari unveiled the F40 in 1987 as a tribute to the company's 40th anniversary. It was the last car that Enzo Ferrari personally approved before his death. Under the hood sat a twin-turbo V8 engine producing 478 horsepower, pushing the car past 200 mph. Ferrari stripped away all luxury features to keep it light and focused purely on speed. This raw approach made it a true driver's machine.

The 288 GTO arrived in 1984 as only the second Ferrari to wear the legendary "GTO" badge after the iconic 250 GTO from the 1960s. Its twin-turbo V8 engine delivered 400 horsepower in a lightweight body. Ferrari built just 272 examples, making it extremely rare and valuable. Originally designed for racing, it became a street legend instead when racing rules changed.

BMW launched the M1 in 1978, and it stayed popular through the early 1980s. This was BMW's first attempt at a mid-engine supercar, and they made it count. A 3.5-liter straight-six engine produced 277 horsepower, while famous Italian designer Giugiaro shaped its sharp, wedge-like body. Though built for racing, the M1 found its greatest fame on public roads.

When Porsche released the 959 in 1986, it was years ahead of its time. The car featured all-wheel drive, a twin-turbo flat-six engine making 450 horsepower, and adjustable suspension that adapted to different driving conditions. It combined cutting-edge technology with everyday practicality. The 959 showed that supercars could be both incredibly fast and surprisingly easy to drive.

The Countach LP5000 QV roared onto the scene in 1985 with a massive 5.2-liter V12 engine producing 455 horsepower. "QV" stood for "Quattrovalvole," meaning four valves per cylinder, which made this the most powerful Countach ever built. Its famous scissor doors and wild, angular design made it a bedroom poster favorite for car fans around the world.

Ferrari introduced the Testarossa in 1984 with a name that means "red head" in Italian, referring to its distinctive red valve covers. A flat-12 engine generated 390 horsepower, while dramatic side strakes and an exceptionally wide body made it impossible to miss. The Testarossa became a cultural icon of 1980s excess, appearing in countless movies and TV shows.

The Vector W8 burst onto the scene in 1989 from California-based Vector Motors. It packed a twin-turbo V8 engine delivering up to 625 horsepower, with a cockpit inspired by fighter jets and aerospace engineering. Only 17 were ever made, making it incredibly rare. This extreme machine proved that American companies could compete with European supercar makers.

Lamborghini introduced the Jalpa in 1981 as a more accessible entry into their lineup. Its V8 engine produced 255 horsepower, less than other Lamborghinis but still thrilling to drive. The name came from a famous breed of fighting bulls, following Lamborghini's tradition. Though smaller and less powerful, the Jalpa offered genuine Lamborghini style and excitement at a lower price.

Ford created the RS200 in 1984 specifically for rally racing competitions. A mid-mounted turbocharged engine produced around 250 horsepower, combined with all-wheel drive for maximum grip. Ford needed to build 200 road versions to meet racing requirements, making them quite rare. Its compact size and rally-bred performance brought genuine competition car thrills to everyday roads.

The Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 debuted in 1984 with a 3.2-liter flat-six engine making 231 horsepower. This model served as the foundation for several special versions, including the legendary Paris-Dakar rally car. The Dakar edition competed in grueling desert races with raised suspension and reinforced parts. It proved that Porsche's sports cars could conquer any terrain on Earth.