10 great collector cars of the 1980s that everyone overlooksYou may or may not remember, but the 1980s were a pretty low point in the automotive industry and for myriad reasons. Still, some manufacturers, at least occasionally, flirted with greatness. Up next, we've got 10 rad collector cars from the era of parachute pants and big hair, models that are all too often overlooked today.Generally, back in the '80s, vehicles were boxy and bland, styled after a Rubik's Cube, and performance could be hard to come by. Beyond that, the market dominance of Detroit was beginning to wane as imports from Japan gained significant traction. Still, plenty of awesome models hit the road during this decade, and here are 10 criminally underappreciated classics, listed in ascending order of how much they've increased in value over the last five years according to data provided by our friends at Hagerty.10. MK III Toyota Supra: -8.4% (manuals are 15% more valuable than automatics)First up, we have the MK III Toyota Supra. This generation of the Japanese sports car was on sale from around 1986 up to 1993. A range of naturally aspirated inline-sixes was offered, but a turbocharged engine was also available for extra fun. Curiously, the value of these cars has decreased by 8.4% over the last half-decade, though models equipped with a manual transmission are 15% more valuable than ones with an automatic. As for pricing, you can get a good Mark III Supra for around $15,000, though you can spend much, much more if your budget allows.9. Cadillac Allante: +1.7%Next, we have an unusual convertible halo car of sorts that was partially built in Italy and then flown, yes, flown – as on an airplane – back to Michigan for final assembly. For this reason, and more, the Cadillac Allante was an undeniably unique vehicle. With V8 power and handsome, if boxy styling, this drop-top is a great 1980s classic. And according to Hagerty, the value of the Allante has increased by 1.7% over the last five years. An example in good condition should run you around $6,000 to $7,000 today, a very reasonable price for an automobile with a most unusual backstory.8. Lamborghini Jalpa: +18.2%Photo by Traveller70 / Shutterstock.comPhoto by Traveller70 / Shutterstock.comAdvertisementAdvertisementBut now for something a little more exotic, a car with a cow in its logo! We're talking, of course, about a Lamborghini, specifically, the Jalpa (Jalpa/Yalpa/Xhalpa… however you want to say it). Offered throughout most of the '80s, this Italian sports car was intended to be more attainable and approachable than other Lamborghinis, though you still got V8 power, a manual transmission and dramatic design. The value of these raging milkers bulls has increased a whopping 18.2% over the last five years, a hearty jump. If your heart is set on one, however, you'll likely be hopping mad because they ain't cheap. According to Hagerty, a good example will cost anywhere from around $80,000 to $100,000.7. Buick Reatta: +37.5%Coming in at the tail-end of the 1980s is our No. 7 vehicle on this top 10 list, the Buick Reatta. This grand-touring coupe wears interesting styling and is motivated by one of the greatest engines ever produced, the smooth, torquey and nearly indestructible Buick 3800 V6. Seriously, this is an absolutely legendary powerplant. If you fancy one of these offbeat two-doors, you don't need to spend a fortune to get one. Good examples seem to be going for between $4,000 and $8,000 right now. Surprisingly, given the modest pricing, the value of the Reatta has increased by nearly 38% over the last five years.6. Dodge Ramcharger: +38.6%So far, we've highlighted several intriguing cars, but now it's time for a utility vehicle, the truck-based Dodge Ramcharger. The second generation of this rugged beast was offered throughout nearly all of the '80s, and provided a roomy interior, jaunty two-door styling and plenty of off-road capability. Under that ram head-adorned hood, 318 and 360 V8s were on the powertrain menu – in sensible units, that's 5.2- and 5.9-liters, respectively – plus Dodge offered various transmissions. Thanks to the power of nostalgia, the value of 1980s Ramchargers has increased by nearly 39% over the last half decade. Accordingly, a decent example from this period will likely cost you between 16 and 20 big ones, so budget accordingly.5. Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe: +41.4%10 great collector cars of the 1980s that everyone overlooksNext, we have another GM product, this time a Chevy. The Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe was introduced in 1986 and came with a range of special upgrades over lesser Monte Carlos, add-ons like ground-effect body panels, a front air dam and the car's signature fastback rear glass panel. A 5.0-liter V8 provided the "thunder," supposedly around 180 hp, while a special suspension and unique tires ensured this Chevy kept everything under control. The Aerocoupe was only offered for a couple years, and the value has increased by 41.4%, though prices are still pretty reasonable. At the time of publication, a good example will cost you anywhere from around $17,000 to $22,000.4. Saab 900 SPG: +41.7%The Supra, Jalpa (Xhalpa?), Ramcharger and Aerocoupe are all pretty sensible classic car choices, but now it's time for something totally different – and entirely quirky – the Saab 900 SPG. Short for Special Performance Group, this Swedish hotrod was introduced in the U.S. in the mid-1980s and featured a turbocharged, 16-valve engine, technology that was pretty exotic back then. Aside from that, these cars featured chassis upgrades for better handling, and they had a unique body kit. If you've got your eye on the relatively rare Saab 900 SPG, you'll be spending around $33,000 for a decent example right now. As for appreciation over the last five years, well, it's gone up by nearly 42 percent.3. Jaguar XJ-S: +60.9%Staying in Europe but leaving the Scandinavian peninsula for the British Isles, our next overlooked collector car from the 1980s is a Jaguar, specifically the XJ-S. A luxurious grand touring automobile, this two-door luxury coupe features dramatic proportions including a miles-long hood, which was needed to cover the gargantuan V12 that lurked beneath. Likely thanks, at least in part to their mechanical complexity (and subsequently elevated repair costs), a good example from the 1980s can be had for right around $11,000, a pretty reasonable sum for an automobile of this caliber, especially when you consider that values have increased nearly 61% over the last half decade.2. Merkur XR4Ti: +144.8%Now, that's a huge jump in value, but it's nothing compared to the last two vehicles on our list. This next one blows that figure clear out of the water with a five-year jump of 144.8%! Apparently, people are all hot and bothered over the Merkur XR4Ti, an Americanized version of the European Ford Sierra with probably the clunkiest name I've ever heard. You wouldn't be blamed if you mistook this car for some sort of discontinued Microsoft product. Unusually sleek for the 1980s, this hatchback featured rear-wheel drive and a 2.3-liter turbo-four. Beyond that, a five-speed manual or three-ratio automatic were your transmission choices. When it comes to pricing, expect to pay around $7,000 and change for a good example according to Hagerty.1. Mitsubishi Starion: 146.8%10 great collector cars of the 1980s that everyone overlooksAnd finally, our last underappreciated 1980s classic is… the Mitsubishi Starion, though confusingly, this sports car was also sold as the Conquest under the Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth brands. Confused yet? Me, too!AdvertisementAdvertisementFor simplicity, we're just focusing on the Mitsubishi here, which has seen its value increase by almost 147% over the last five years! Imagine getting that kind of return from the markets. You could get this rear-drive two-door with several different engines, including a couple spicy turbocharged options. If you fancy one of these attractive and fun-to-drive Mitsubishis, good examples with a turbo should be available for less than 20 grand.NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with Hagerty
