20 ’70s and ’80s Performance Cars Lost to Time

1. AMC Spirit AMX

The AMC Spirit AMX represented a bold attempt by American Motors to reclaim its performance roots in the late ’70s. Sporting aggressive striping, T-top roofs, and an available V8 engine, the Spirit AMX tried to capture the excitement of its muscle car predecessors.
However, it couldn’t match the popularity of rivals like the Mustang or Camaro, largely due to AMC’s fading brand power. Today, this compact powerhouse is a rare sight, embodying both the ambition and challenges of AMC’s final performance chapter. Learn more at Hemmings.

2. Dodge Omni GLH

The Dodge Omni GLH—where “GLH” stands for “Goes Like Hell”—was Carroll Shelby’s answer to the hot hatch craze. This unlikely pocket rocket stunned enthusiasts with its turbocharged power, lightweight chassis, and nimble handling, especially in later GLH Turbo models.
While it could outrun many competitors of its day, the Omni GLH is often overshadowed by European icons like the Volkswagen GTI.
Today, only true performance aficionados recall the thrill of this American hot hatch. Discover more about its history at MotorTrend.

3. Pontiac Sunbird Turbo

The Pontiac Sunbird Turbo brought a dose of excitement to Pontiac’s compact lineup in the ’80s. With its turbocharged four-cylinder engine and front-wheel-drive configuration, it offered surprising performance for its size.
Unfortunately, the Sunbird Turbo lived in the shadow of its more famous sibling, the Firebird, and never gained widespread recognition.
Its combination of quickness and rarity makes it a true forgotten gem among enthusiasts. Read more at Hagerty.

4. Ford Mustang SVO

The Ford Mustang SVO broke new ground in the world of ’80s performance cars. Unlike its V8-powered siblings, the SVO featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering impressive power and efficiency. Its advanced suspension and aerodynamic upgrades set it apart from standard Fox-body Mustangs, appealing to drivers who valued handling as much as straight-line speed.
Although praised by enthusiasts and the automotive press, the SVO’s high price and unconventional approach kept it from mainstream success. Today, it stands as a bridge between classic muscle and modern performance. Learn more at Car and Driver.

5. Chevrolet Monza Spyder

The Chevrolet Monza Spyder delivered a dose of excitement to Chevy’s compact lineup in the late ’70s. Offering V8 power in a lightweight, stylish coupe, the Monza Spyder took aim at rivals like the Mustang II.
Its aggressive looks and performance options should have made it a standout, but it’s often overlooked in discussions of Chevy’s muscle car legacy.
Today, the Monza Spyder is a lost treasure—a rare sight that reminds us of the innovation hiding in unexpected corners of automotive history. See more at Hemmings.

6. Plymouth Arrow GT

The Plymouth Arrow GT brought a touch of rally-inspired excitement to American showrooms in the late ’70s. This rear-wheel-drive coupe, imported from Mitsubishi, stood out with its sporty styling, agile handling, and lightweight build.
Though never a headline grabber, the Arrow GT developed a niche following among enthusiasts who appreciated its lively character. Today, it’s a rare sight—even at classic car shows—making it one of the more elusive performance cars of its era. More info at Jalopnik.

7. Datsun 200SX Turbo

The Datsun 200SX Turbo offered a unique blend of rear-wheel-drive dynamics and Japanese turbo innovation during the early ’80s. While its Z-car relatives drew most of the spotlight, the 200SX Turbo quietly delivered spirited performance and sharp styling, bringing a taste of boost to American drivers.
Despite its merits, this coupe rarely gets the recognition it deserves, making it a hidden gem for fans of classic Japanese performance. Read more at Classic & Sports Car.

8. Toyota Celica Supra (First Generation)

The first-generation Toyota Celica Supra marked the dawn of what would become one of Japan’s most legendary performance nameplates. Powered by a smooth straight-six engine and designed with a grand touring focus, this early Supra aimed to rival European coupes in both comfort and performance.
With its blend of luxury and sporty intentions, the original Celica Supra established a foundation for future icons, though few examples remain on the road today. More at Toyota UK Magazine.

9. Buick Regal Sport Coupe (Turbo)

The Buick Regal Sport Coupe Turbo signaled a new era for American performance cars in the early ’80s. Its turbocharged V6 engine was a bold move, laying the groundwork for the legendary Grand National and GNX models that followed.
While the later GNX stole the spotlight, the earlier turbo Regals offered impressive acceleration and a unique blend of luxury and muscle.
Today, these models are often overlooked, but their role in Buick’s turbocharged legacy is undeniable. Details at Hemmings.

10. Mercury Capri RS Turbo

The Mercury Capri RS Turbo stands as one of the most distinctive Fox-body variants of the era. Sharing much of its underpinnings with the Mustang, the Capri RS Turbo brought a European flair to its styling and offered a turbocharged four-cylinder for spirited driving.
Its limited production run and aggressive looks have made surviving examples rare, earning it a special place among collectors and enthusiasts seeking something different from the usual pony car crowd. More info at MotorWeek.

11. Renault Fuego Turbo

The Renault Fuego Turbo injected a dose of French flair into the American sports coupe scene of the ’80s. With its distinctive wedge-shaped profile and turbocharged engine, the Fuego Turbo offered a unique combination of affordable European style and lively performance.
Its handling and quirky design appealed to drivers seeking something different from mainstream coupes, but only a handful remain today, cherished by dedicated enthusiasts.
The Fuego Turbo’s rarity and character make it a standout among forgotten performance cars. Read more at Autocar.

12. Isuzu Impulse Turbo

The Isuzu Impulse Turbo brought together Italian flair and Japanese engineering in a distinctive package. Styled by the famed Giorgetto Giugiaro and fitted with a Lotus-tuned suspension, the Impulse Turbo delivered nimble handling and head-turning looks.
It competed with sporty coupes like the Toyota Celica, but its unique design and responsive turbocharged engine set it apart. Today, the Impulse Turbo is a rare find, remembered fondly by those who appreciate obscure ’80s performance cars. Background at Jalopnik.

13. Subaru XT Turbo

The Subaru XT Turbo looked like something out of a science fiction movie, with its wedge-shaped body, pop-up headlights, and digital dashboard. Beneath the futuristic styling, the XT Turbo boasted turbocharged power and available all-wheel drive—features rarely seen in affordable coupes of the era.
Despite its advanced engineering, the XT Turbo struggled to find mainstream appeal, making it a true curiosity among ’80s performance cars. Today, it stands as a testament to Subaru’s bold, unconventional spirit. See Subaru Global.

14. Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE

The Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE was the ultimate evolution of the first-generation RX-7, boasting a fuel-injected rotary engine and a host of performance enhancements. With upgraded brakes, suspension, and more power than its predecessors, the GSL-SE delivered an engaging driving experience that captivated purists.
While later RX-7s are celebrated as legends, the GSL-SE remains a rare gem that’s especially prized by devoted enthusiasts who appreciate its purity and balance. Learn more at Hagerty.

15. Chrysler Conquest TSi

The Chrysler Conquest TSi delivered Japanese performance with an American badge, being a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Starion. Featuring turbocharged power and rear-wheel drive, the Conquest TSi was a formidable rival to the Nissan Z and Toyota Supra of the same era.
Its wide-body stance and aggressive styling made it stand out, but it never achieved the same level of fame as its competitors. Today, the Conquest TSi is a forgotten contender in the world of affordable ’80s performance coupes. More at MotorTrend.

16. Merkur XR4Ti

The Merkur XR4Ti was Ford’s bold attempt to inject European flair into the American performance market. Based on the Ford Sierra XR4i, the XR4Ti featured a turbocharged engine, rear-wheel drive, and a distinctive bi-plane rear spoiler that turned heads wherever it went.
Its sharp handling and unique styling attracted a small but loyal following, yet poor sales and limited brand recognition led to an early demise. Today, the XR4Ti stands out as a cult favorite among fans of obscure performance imports. Further reading at Hagerty.

17. Volkswagen Scirocco 16V

The Volkswagen Scirocco 16V dazzled with its razor-sharp handling and high-revving engine, offering a more exotic alternative to the familiar Golf GTI. Its low-slung coupe design and European flair made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts, even if it never achieved mainstream stardom.
Overshadowed by its hot hatch sibling, the Scirocco 16V has since found cult status, cherished for its unique blend of style and performance. More at Classic Driver.

18. Peugeot 505 Turbo

The Peugeot 505 Turbo exemplified French engineering with its blend of comfort, dynamic handling, and turbocharged performance. This sports sedan earned high praise in period road tests, offering a refined ride with enough power to surprise unsuspecting rivals.
Despite its talents, the 505 Turbo faded from North American roads as Peugeot withdrew from the market, leaving only a handful in the hands of dedicated enthusiasts.
Its rarity today only adds to its allure as a forgotten turbocharged gem. More at Car and Driver.

19. Toyota Corolla GT-S (AE86)

The Toyota Corolla GT-S (AE86) is a rear-wheel-drive legend, revered for its perfect balance, lightweight construction, and agile handling. While it initially flew under the radar in the U.S., the AE86 has since become iconic in motorsports and car culture, especially in the drifting scene.
Its rarity stateside has only fueled its desirability, making it a sought-after collector’s car today.
The AE86’s legacy lives on, celebrated by enthusiasts who recognize its unique blend of simplicity and driving joy. Details at Road & Track.

20. Nissan Pulsar NX Turbo

The Nissan Pulsar NX Turbo stands as a testament to ’80s innovation and bold experimentation. With its modular body panels, pop-up headlights, and turbocharged punch, the Pulsar NX Turbo offered a driving experience unlike anything else on the road.
Its quirky design and limited production numbers have cemented its status as one of the era’s most unusual—and easily overlooked—performance cars.
These forgotten classics remind us that automotive history is full of hidden gems waiting to be rediscovered. More at Jalopnik.

Which of these lost legends would you love to see make a comeback? Keep exploring, and you might just spot one of these rare icons out in the wild.