Date Published: 2024/03/21
Read Time: mins
Top 10 classic cars you need in your garage
As time keeps marching forward, the classic car definition keeps changing. The old classics like the Ford Model T, 1969 Porsche 911, and 1970 Chevy Chevelle are now treasured antiques. It’s time to welcome a new generation of classic cars from the 1980s and beyond. The newest contenders mix old-school charm with modern flair, redefining what makes a classic. Here’s a look at the top classic cars you need in your garage.
1980 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
The 1980 Chevy Camaro Z/28 defied the odds by keeping the American muscle car spirit alive through the energy crisis era. While most cars leaned toward efficiency, the Z/28 roared ahead with the 5.7L V8 pumping out 190 horsepower. Its unique styling feels just as racy, with its long hood and short rear deck paying homage to the original 1967 model. This made it a symbol of resilience and passion for performance, making it a prized classic for collectors in the know.
1983 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole
The 1983 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole goes beyond its fancy pedigree and TV fame from “Magnum P.I.” It’s pure driving pleasure in a truly sophisticated package. The styling comes from none other than Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti—the man who dreamed up the Ferrari Daytona and 512 BB masterpieces. Plus, its quad-cam 2.9L engine got bumped up to four valves per cylinder, supercharging its output to 240 horsepower. With this combination of styling and performance, it’s no wonder this car offers pure bliss through every drive.
1984 Audi Sport Quattro
If you’ve ever wanted to own a piece of rally history, you cannot go wrong with the 1984 Audi Sport Quattro. This Group B racing legend beautifully pairs a turbo 2.1L inline-5 powerplant with full-time all-wheel drive—a first in production car history. The combo of power and traction made it an unstoppable force on and off the rally circuit. It’s a true driver’s car through and through.
1985 Toyota Supra
Perhaps nothing comes closer to perfection than the 1985 Toyota Supra. Everything about it screams precision engineering, from its zippy six-cylinder engine and Lotus-tuned suspension to its luxury cabin space and sporty exterior styling. The pop-up and down headlights are a nice touch, too. It’s so good, in fact, that many sports cars still aim for its level of driver engagement and refinement even to this day.
1986 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The 1986 Volkswagen Jetta GLI demonstrates German engineering at its finest. It takes the fun, frugal Jetta economy car package and injects it with serious performance. This little car is all about offering max smiles per mile with its throttle-happy 1.8L 16V engine and five-speed manual transmission. The sports-tuned suspension completes the picture of perfection, offering neutral cornering with minimal body roll.
1989 Porsche 911 Carrera
There’s a standout 911 for every era, and for the late 1980s, it’s the 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera. You can count on everything about this car to remind you of its rich racing heritage, starting with its 3.2L engine. This peppy powerplant puts out 217 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, launching you to 60 in just 5.3 seconds. Better yet, the precise steering, balanced handling, and throttle steer capabilities offer a driving experience you will adore.
1991 BMW M5
The 1991 BMW M5 might appear to be a practical family car, but it’s genuinely a high-performance gem in disguise. Its remarkable power and precision stem from its 3.6L straight-six engine, propelling it from 0 to 60 in less than five seconds. The otherworldly performance isn’t just about speed, however. A fully tuned suspension system with electronic adaptive dampers ensures even the most spirited drives feel polished and refined.
1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
The 1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 offers the ideal blend of raw power and cutting-edge technology. Even by today’s standards, it’s seriously powerful, thanks to its twin-turbo 3.0L V6. With an output of 320 horsepower, this powerplant put the full-time all-wheel drive to the test. An advanced activated aerodynamics system adds even more stability, while the fighter jet-inspired cockpit immerses you in the driving experience.
1993 Mazda RX-7
There’s no doubt about it. The 1993 Mazda RX-7 is a true icon in the sports car world. This svelte 2,900-pound car has a 50/50 weight distribution, a low center of gravity, and the wholly unique 13B twin-turbo rotary powerplant. The engine doesn’t just deliver impressive power, either. Its distinctive exhaust notes ring through the air like music, reminding everyone that something special lives under the hood.
1995 Acura NSX
The 1995 Acura NSX offers supercar performance in a relatively practical and dependable package. It was the first mass-produced car to feature an all-aluminum monocoque body, resulting in a 3,000-pound curb weight. And beneath its sleek, long hood, you’ll find a 3.0L VTEC V6 engine that draws inspiration from Honda’s Formula 1 technology. This impressive combination ensures a thrilling driving experience whenever you get behind the wheel.
If you own any of these popular classic cars, you cannot take a chance on its care. That’s why protecting it with tailored collector car insurance from Orbit Insurance is so important. With that move, you can rest easy knowing that your beloved classic is always in good hands. Contact an Orbit insurance broker for a quote today. Already a customer? Feel free to talk to an Orbit insurance broker to make sure you have the proper coverage.
Sources
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/sporting/news/g2165/best-vintage-cars/
https://www.grautogallery.com/blog/popular-classic-cars
https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools/ferrari/308_gts/1983/1983-ferrari-308_gts-quattrovalvole
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/1984-audi-sport-quattro-rally-first-drive-rewind-review/
https://www.hotcars.com/why-we-love-1985-toyota-celica-supra/
https://www.cargurus.com/research/1986-Volkswagen-Jetta-c7099
https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/1989-porsche-911-carrera-review/
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15141863/1991-bmw-m5-road-test-review/
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/92-3000gt-vr4-all-wheel-everything/
https://www.motortrend.com/vehicle-genres/third-gen-fd-mazda-rx7-market-watch-sale-price/
https://hondanews.com/en-US/relases/1995-acura-nsx-nsx-t-powertrain?page=580
