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20 Ultra-Rare 1980s Supercars Most People Have Never Seen

Jimmy adeel June 27, 2025

The 1980s are remembered for their audacious automotive innovation, spawning legends like the Ferrari F40 and Lamborghini Countach. But beyond these icons, the era birthed a host of ultra-rare supercars that pushed boundaries in both performance and design—yet have slipped into obscurity.
These elusive machines, often produced in tiny numbers or as daring concept cars, embodied the wild spirit of the decade.
Join us as we journey through twenty of the most fascinating and forgotten 1980s supercars—hidden treasures that even ardent enthusiasts may never have seen.

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1. Cizeta-Moroder V16T

The Cizeta-Moroder V16T stands as one of the boldest statements in 1980s automotive history.
Born from the collaboration between engineer Claudio Zampolli and famed music producer Giorgio Moroder, this supercar featured a massive transverse-mounted V16 engine—an engineering marvel rarely seen before or since.
Its dramatic, wedge-shaped body was unmistakable, echoing the wildest Italian designs of its era.
With only a handful ever built, the V16T remains a truly exclusive collector’s gem.

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2. Isdera Imperator 108i

The Isdera Imperator 108i is a rare German supercar with a backstory as unique as its design.
Evolving from a discarded Mercedes-Benz concept, the Imperator embraced gullwing doors and a hand-built, aerodynamic body.
Each car was constructed to order, making every example distinct.
With fewer than 30 units ever produced, the Imperator 108i is a symbol of bespoke exclusivity, blending Teutonic engineering with an avant-garde aesthetic that set it apart from mainstream 1980s exotics.

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3. Dome Zero

The Dome Zero is a striking example of Japan’s 1980s ambition in supercar design.
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, its futuristic wedge shape captivated audiences and critics alike, symbolizing a bold leap from conventional styling.
Though it remained mostly a concept and saw extremely limited production, the Dome Zero’s radical aesthetics and innovative spirit have made it an enduring icon among collectors and design enthusiasts who cherish its rarity and visionary appeal.

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4. Bizzarrini Manta

The Bizzarrini Manta is a mesmerizing one-off prototype that embodies Italian ingenuity and racing DNA.
Its dramatic canopy roof and sweeping lines made it a true showstopper, while its chassis drew heavily from motorsport technology.
Combining experimental engineering with unmistakable Italian flair, the Manta remains a unique fusion of form and function—forever cemented as a rare artifact from the boldest era of supercar experimentation.

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5. Monteverdi Hai 650 F1

The Monteverdi Hai 650 F1 is the very definition of exclusivity, with just two cars ever built.
This Swiss supercar was infused with genuine Formula One technology, including a 650-horsepower engine derived from F1 racing.
Its sleek, aggressive styling hinted at its blistering performance, while its rarity has elevated it to near-mythical status.
For collectors, spotting a Hai 650 F1 is like discovering a lost relic from the golden age of innovation.

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6. Sbarro Challenge 2+2

The Sbarro Challenge 2+2 stands out as a testament to Swiss designer Franco Sbarro’s inventive spirit.
This mid-engined supercar was produced in only a handful of custom-built examples, each showcasing wild styling cues and experimental engineering.
With its unconventional proportions and futuristic approach, the Challenge 2+2 captures the essence of 1980s innovation, appealing to enthusiasts who crave something truly unique and rarely seen even at major automotive events.

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7. Bitter SC Coupe

The Bitter SC Coupe is a fascinating blend of German reliability and Italian-inspired luxury.
Built atop Opel mechanicals, this grand touring supercar brought together continental elegance and understated performance.
Production remained limited, ensuring its exclusivity, while the distinctive design set it apart from mainstream rivals.
For collectors and connoisseurs, the SC Coupe represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of 1980s automotive artistry with a truly international pedigree.

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8. Giocattolo Group B

The Giocattolo Group B is one of Australia’s most ambitious supercar projects, inspired by the legendary Group B rally era.
Fitted with a potent V8 engine, this lightweight rocket fused motorsport technology with road-going excitement.
Tragically, production was cut short, and fewer than 15 units were ever completed, making the Giocattolo a true rarity.
Its aggressive stance and rally pedigree ensure it remains an object of fascination for collectors seeking something well off the beaten path.

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9. Lamborghini Athon

The Lamborghini Athon is a dazzling one-off concept, crafted by the legendary design house Bertone.
With its open-top roadster layout, the Athon boasted futuristic lines and a digital dashboard far ahead of its time.
Its angular, bold presence turned heads at every appearance, yet it remained a singular vision—never destined for production but forever etched into the imagination of Lamborghini fans and design aficionados alike.

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10. De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S

The De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S is a striking evolution of the classic Pantera, featuring ultra-wide bodywork and aggressive aerodynamic enhancements.
Blending raw American V8 power with Italian design flair, this ultra-rare variant was produced in exceptionally limited numbers during the 1980s.
The GT5-S’s muscular stance and race-inspired detailing make it a standout even among other supercars of the era, appealing to those who crave the perfect marriage of brute force and sophisticated style.

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11. Venturi 400 GT

The Venturi 400 GT is a rare French supercar that boasts genuine Le Mans racing heritage.
Constructed using advanced composite materials, the 400 GT offered performance and technology far ahead of its time.
Its limited production numbers have made it highly coveted among collectors, especially those who appreciate the blend of racing pedigree and road-going capability.
The Venturi stands as a testament to French engineering prowess and the ambition of boutique automakers during the supercar boom.

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12. Maserati Chubasco

The Maserati Chubasco was conceived as a show-stopping prototype, aimed at rejuvenating Maserati’s image in the supercar arena.
With a dramatic mid-engine layout and bold, angular styling, the Chubasco hinted at an exciting new direction for the marque.
Sadly, financial troubles led to the project’s cancellation before a single production car could be built, leaving this rare prototype as a tantalizing “what if” in Maserati history.

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13. Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione

The Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione represents the wildest expression of Ferrari’s 1980s engineering prowess.
Created as a radical racing evolution of the 288 GTO, only five units were ever constructed.
With its stripped-down bodywork, extreme aerodynamics, and turbocharged V8, the Evoluzione was built to dominate on the track.
Though its racing campaign was cut short, its cutting-edge innovations directly influenced the creation of the legendary Ferrari F40, making it a true milestone in supercar history.

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14. Nissan MID4

The Nissan MID4 was a visionary prototype that showcased Nissan’s ambition to rival the world’s best supercars.
Featuring a mid-engine layout and advanced all-wheel-drive system, the MID4 also introduced innovative technologies like four-wheel steering.
Although it never reached production, the concepts and engineering found in the MID4 directly influenced iconic Nissan sports cars such as the Skyline GT-R and 300ZX.
Its legacy lives on as a symbol of what could have been for Japanese supercar enthusiasts.

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15. Mercedes-Benz CW311

The Mercedes-Benz CW311 is a spectacular one-off supercar born from a collaboration between Sauber and Isdera.
Boasting cutting-edge aerodynamics and high-performance Mercedes engineering, the CW311 pushed the boundaries of speed and design in the late 1980s.
Its low drag coefficient and futuristic styling made it a rolling laboratory, influencing future developments in both motorsport and production vehicles.
The CW311 remains an extremely rare piece of Mercedes history—known to only the most dedicated enthusiasts.

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16. Lotec C1000

The Lotec C1000 is an extraordinary German supercar, built as a one-off project for a wealthy Middle Eastern client.
Its carbon fiber chassis and lightweight construction were paired with a monstrous twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering staggering performance figures.
Designed with a single-minded focus on extreme speed and exclusivity, the C1000 stands as one of the most radical supercars of its era—uncompromising in both engineering and rarity.

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17. Koenig Specials Competition Evolution

The Koenig Specials Competition Evolution is the ultimate expression of 1980s excess, created by German tuner Koenig.
Based on Ferrari platforms, these custom-built supercars featured radical wide-body kits, outrageous spoilers, and turbocharged engines producing mind-bending power.
Only a handful were ever made, making each one a rare sight.
With their aggressive looks and astonishing performance, Koenig’s Competition Evolution models remain some of the wildest Ferraris ever unleashed on the road.

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18. Lancia LC2 Stradale

The Lancia LC2 Stradale is a mythical creation—essentially a street-legal version of Lancia’s fearsome Group C endurance racer.
Rumored to exist in only a handful of examples, the LC2 Stradale combined competition-grade engineering with road-going usability.
Its rarity and racing pedigree grant it legendary status among collectors, making it one of the most elusive and coveted supercars from the golden age of endurance racing.

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19. Vector W8 Prototype

The Vector W8 Prototype broke new ground for American supercars with its aerospace-inspired design and audacious engineering.
Powered by a twin-turbocharged V8, the W8’s prototype phase showcased advanced materials and technology more often seen in fighter jets than on four wheels.
It set the template for the handful of production models that followed, but the original prototype remains a cult favorite—celebrated for its sheer ambition and radical approach to high-performance motoring.

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20. Porsche 959 Paris-Dakar

The Porsche 959 Paris-Dakar represents a spectacular fusion of supercar performance and off-road capability.
Built specifically for the grueling Paris-Dakar Rally, this version of the 959 featured advanced all-wheel drive, cutting-edge electronics, and robust construction to tackle the harshest conditions.
Only a handful of these competition cars survive today, making them among the rarest Porsche creations ever—cherished for their engineering brilliance and remarkable racing pedigree.

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Conclusion

Dome zero lime green neon rooftop — Image source: motor-junkie

These ultra-rare 1980s supercars are more than just forgotten relics—they’re bold symbols of a remarkable era when innovation knew no bounds.
From radical prototypes to limited-production wonders, each car reflects daring engineering and visionary design that continue to inspire today.
As collectors and enthusiasts rediscover these hidden gems, their allure and value only grow.
If you ever have the chance to witness one of these legends in person, seize it—because these machines are the ultimate celebration of 1980s ambition and creativity.

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20 Ultra-Rare 1980s Supercars Most People Have Never Seen

1. Cizeta-Moroder V16T

2. Isdera Imperator 108i

3. Dome Zero

4. Bizzarrini Manta

5. Monteverdi Hai 650 F1

6. Sbarro Challenge 2+2

7. Bitter SC Coupe

8. Giocattolo Group B

9. Lamborghini Athon

10. De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S

11. Venturi 400 GT

12. Maserati Chubasco

13. Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione

14. Nissan MID4

15. Mercedes-Benz CW311

16. Lotec C1000

17. Koenig Specials Competition Evolution

18. Lancia LC2 Stradale

19. Vector W8 Prototype

20. Porsche 959 Paris-Dakar

Conclusion

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