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35 Classic Cars Drivers Refuse To Buy

Cameron Eittreim December 26, 2019

The classic car marketplace has changed a lot over the past few decades. With that being said, there are certain models that just don’t appeal to all drivers. This could be for a number of reasons from the car not being popular initially to the car lacking in one or multiple departments. There is a common misconception that all classic cars are simply muscle cars, but this is not the case.

There were other cars that were manufactured that are now considered “classics” in many circles. These cars might not have the broad appeal of a Camaro, but are still classics nonetheless. Many car models fade in and out of glory as of the automotive industry changes. Consumers in the classic car space are very picky buyers. If a vehicle isn’t trending in some type of way it probably isn’t going to be sold. Join us as we take a look at 35 classic cars that consumers will not buy via Car and Driver.

35: Pontiac Sunrunner

This one was the original Pontiac SUV. The Torrent often gets the credit as being the first sport utility vehicle to boast a Pontiac badge, but it was instead the Sunrunner sold exclusively in Canada. Based on the already stellar Geo Tracker, the Sunrunner featured an actual SUV design. This means that it had some decent chops off-road, enough to compete with Jeeps and more. Unfortunately, collectors haven’t been kind to the Sunrunner and the vehicle is seldom seen on auction blocks.

Classic off-road vehicles have been gaining more popularity as of late, and it begs the question of why buyers are avoiding the Sunrunner. With a fairly decent amount of upgrades, you can turn a common Sunrunner into a capable off-road vehicle. Because this one is designed with the same mechanicals as the Suzuki Samurai, you can’t go wrong with what it offers. The Sunrunner offers a capable bit of off-road design with a cheap-to-maintain design.

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34: Mazda Navajo

Thanks to a partnership with Ford that is decades-long, Mazda has always sold some sort of a Ford-badged truck. With the popularity of the Explorer in the early 1990s, the Navajo was a natural progression for the Japanese automaker to gain market share. You’ve probably seen the Navajo a time or two as there is still a good deal of them on the road. The truck didn’t have much to differentiate itself from the Ford Explorer other than a black grill and the fact it was a two-door.

Mazda seldom if ever mentions the Navajo, but the SUV was a big thing back in 1991. There was a massive marketing pitch and the company attempted to differentiate from its Explorer twin. This was both good and bad as the Navajo won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 1991. The fact that this is a Mazda and it offers a semi-attractive design means that you can get a capable SUV that stands out from the crowd for a fraction of the price.

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33: Daihatsu Rocky

It may be a hard thing to believe, but there was a time when Daihatsu was a thing here in America. The Daihatsu Rocky was an SUV designed to appeal to those who might have otherwise gone for a Suzuki Samurai. The engine was fairly basic, churning out a simplistic 94 hp while at the same time offering everything that you’d want in a backwoods SUV. There were not many of these sold and you seldom see them on the road anymore. Yet for most collectors and off-roaders, the Rocky is a great package.

The styling is still attractive to this day and the short wheelbase made piloting the Rocky an easy task. Likewise, the Rocky exhibited everything that most outdoor enthusiasts want in a compact SUV. The no compromising design offered a lot to like for a little bit of price, and that is hard to come by in this world of crossover vehicles.

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32: Mercury Mountaineer

It was the ’90s and if you didn’t have an SUV, then you got left in the dust. Ford Motor Co. wanted to take advantage of the massive sales success that the Ford Explorer was. The Mountaineer wasn’t all that different from the Ford Explorer, but it did offer some luxury features to differentiate. The waterfall grill was the first obvious sign, and later models received upgraded body cladding. Interior accommodations were also more upmarket than the Ford Explorer, and the ride was a lot quieter as well. If you’re lucky enough to nab one of these with the 5.0L V8, you’ll be in for a well-endowed SUV.

Mercury has never been iconic when it comes to SUV models but the original Mountaineer was quite a unique offering. The stylish exterior and upgraded luxury feature made it a welcomed addition for anyone who didn’t want to plunk down the money on a larger luxury SUV such as the Escalade or Navigator.

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31: Isuzu Amigo

Open-air SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler are all the rage right now, but there was a time in the early ’90s when they were popular as well. The Amigo was based on the capable Isuzu Rodeo SUV, it featured a removable top and a high ground clearance. There was a bit of stiff competition on the market when the Isuzu Amigo came out and thus the sales were not satisfactory. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that the Amigo was a capable off-road machine. The vast majority of the buyers kept these tiny SUVs in relatively good condition.

Finding one might not be as easy as you’d think as the sales were low. But when you compare the features of the Amigo to much more expensive used models such as the Wrangler, it is a superb deal. Isuzu was a dominant force in the sport-utility market for a great deal of time and the Amigo stood out as one of the most notable offerings.

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30: Acura SLX

If you are noticing a pattern here it’s because SUVs were clearly big business in the nineties. As such, Acura needed an SUV to bring to the market, but the brand couldn’t develop one fast enough to appease the masses. Thus, Isuzu loaned the Trooper to the Japanese automaker in exchange for rebranding the Honda Odyssey as the Isuzu Oasis. There was not much to differentiate the SLX from the Trooper other than the massive emblem in the front.

There was only a single trim package offered and there were plenty of luxury goodies to choose from. Think of this as a fully-loaded Isuzu Trooper with plenty of style the basic model just did not offer. The SLX didn’t sell very well and finding one on the road can be a bit difficult. Most enthusiasts are hesitant to choose an SLX because it is not an authentic model and thus lacks signature reliability.

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29: Acura Legend

Acura is almost universally known for the popularity of the Integra compact car, yet other models were equally as appealing. The Legend was a stellar entry into the luxury car market, offering a great deal of performance and reasonably attractive looks. The second generation of the Legend is perhaps one of the rarest entries on the market and still has a great deal of potential. With interesting features like vacuum-sealed doors, the Legend was a far cry from the two-doors on the market.

Coming across a second-generation Acura Legend is not going to be easy nowadays. Most of these have been well kept and the owners hang onto them. The value of the Legend brand is in the reliability and the drivability of the car. Few cars have managed to carve as much of a niche as the Acura Legend has, and the car still holds its own to this day.

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28: 1993 Volkswagen Fox

Volkswagen was in a rut in the early 1990s and the Fox was losing market share to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Fox was underpowered and lacking in refinement when you compared it to other models that were on the market. But it still had some positive attributes such as the German-inspired handling and a quiet interior. One of the most unique body styles on the Fox was the hatchback model, which is seldom seen in this segment. Although the Fox was panned for lacking features like an AM/FM radio and air conditioning, the car still had a lot of potential.

These last-generation Volkswagen Fox models have become quite the collector’s item. With a few modifications, the performance can be quite exciting. When it comes to affordable German engineering the Fox is perhaps one of the most underrated affordable cars that you can get. The styling isn’t iconic as you’d expect but it does everything else right.

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27: Isuzu Pickup

Early Japanese pickup trucks have continued to gain popularity as retail pickup truck prices rise. The early 1990s Isuzu Pickup is one of the most underrated models on the market, often overshadowed by the Nissan Hardbody and the Toyota Hilux. But for what you get, the Isuzu offers a lot to be considered. A powerful standard V6 engine was shared with the Rodeo and the Amigo, and the Pickup was not lacking in power. The standard vehicle height offers enough ground clearance for entry-level off-road adventures or a trip to the mountains.

There were a few body styles to choose from and the extended cab was especially rare. With cheap maintenance and an abundance of replacement parts, the Isuzu Pickup might just be one of the most overlooked pickup trucks on the market. You can find one for a relatively affordable price and have a decent off-road rig or an all-around great truck.

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26: Chrysler LeBaron Coupe

Built on the coveted J-Body platform the Chrysler LeBaron offered a lot of bang for the buck when it came out. Consumers often mistake the LeBaron for only being offered in a convertible but there was also a coupe and sedan model. One of the biggest advantages to the LeBaron coupe is the large interior and ample trunk space. The powerful 3.0 L V6 motivated this LeBaron with authority, and there is the rare manual transmission option. The LeBaron Coupe is often overshadowed by other cars on the market but it offers a great deal of appeal.

For anyone who wants a two-door that can perform well and drives comfortably, the LeBaron is worth taking a look at. The 1990s models are quite rare and there wasn’t a whole lot of them sold. With the right upgrades, the LeBaron Coupe can provide a stellar driving experience for a fraction of the cost.

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via: Automobile — Photo Credit: Automobile

25. Pontiac Fiero

The Pontiac Fiero isn’t a classic car so to say. But this classic car actually has a bit of a history lesson behind it. The Fiero was the first mid-engined sports car to come out of GM. The company was so confident in the little sports car at one point that it was supposed to replace the Firebird. Consumers actually enjoyed the Fiero for a good portion of the time until these little sports cars starting catching on fire. Yes, the Fiero was prone to engine fires, and this caused concern among consumers.

Although GM had fixed this problem in later years of the vehicle’s design, it was too late. Sadly, the Fiero is really not a bad car. But because of the shortcomings that happened early on in the car’s lifecycle, the brand was hurt. The mid-engined Fiero is a classic that drivers refuse to buy to this day.

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24. Dodge Neon ACR

Before the SRT-4, there was another performance-oriented Neon for sale. The ACR was based on a popular touring version of the car. Chrysler wanted to show off the car’s sportiness and driving abilities and thus there were a few special editions of the car. You’ll notice that the ACR had a signature pair of stripes as well as a limited-edition paint job. The ACR was lightweight, fast, and it held its value pretty well. But drivers are just not buying the car, not even at today’s prices. There was a time when the Neon was one of the best-selling cars around.

For the price tag, the ACR is a supreme deal in a used performance car. This is also a piece of automotive history because the ’90s were a trying time. Chrysler was just coming off of the heels of the K-Cars and the company needed a success. Sadly, the Neon ACR has gone the way of automotive history and you don’t see too many around.

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23. Plymouth Prowler

The Prowler started out life as a concept car. The goal of Chrysler was to make Plymouth sort of a retro-themed division. There was going to be the Prowler and the PT Cruiser to start things off. The brand would even get a version of the Challenger and Charger down the road. But Chrysler decided to cut ties and cancel Plymouth. The Prowler still saw the light, although it was a makeup of parts from other Chrysler vehicles. From a design standpoint, the Prowler looks fast, but under the hood was the Dodge Intrepid V6 engine.

Still, the Prowler has some collectability to it that makes the car worth it. Collectors don’t see it that way and the Prowler has been avoided for the most part. You can still find these with low mileage on them. But for the most part, no one is buying the Prowler. You won’t see too many of these around in the near future.

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via: Barnfinds — Photo Credit: Barnfinds

22. Pontiac Catalina

Not every collector’s car has to have the words Camaro or Mustang attached to it. Pontiac at one point had a plethora of unique cars. The Catalina was a family sedan and was fun to drive, so naturally, there were multiple aspects to this car. If you wanted a family sedan that had spunk, the Catalina was it. The smooth curves and the sporty exterior made the sedan a far cry from the reserved models that were on the market. In terms of clout, the Catalina never really got the attention that it deserved and this has followed it.

The secondary market isn’t too kind to the Catalina. You just don’t see drivers running out to buy these things. Even restomods go unnoticed in today’s marketplace. Sadly the Catalina is a good performing car that offered a lot of cool features. This car is also a piece of GM heritage from a time when the Pontiac brand was strong.

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21. AMC Eagle

Many automotive enthusiasts from this generation credit the Subaru brand with creating the cladded station wagon. But it was actually the company that founded Jeep who blessed us with a lifted wagon. The AMC Eagle was an off-road capable family wagon. Famous for its tall ride height and interesting look the Eagle was a far cry from anything else. The Eagle actually managed to sell pretty well during its heyday. Buyers were intrigued by the interesting design and the driving fundamentals of this car. The Eagle was most popular in states where weather gets bad during the Winter season.

Sadly in today’s market, the AMC Eagle is a dying breed. The car just doesn’t get any attention and used examples are oftentimes poorly taken care of. The AMC brand, in general, is what brought us the Jeep, but the brand is often overshadowed as well. Still, the Eagle was a cool car that revolutionized off-roading.

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via: Top Speed — Photo Credit: Top Speed

20. AMG Hammer

There was a time when the Mercedes brand was serious about performance. The ’80s were a trying time for the brand as more domestic shoppers began to shell out money. AMG is the in-house performance division of Mercedes-Benz. The AMG Hammer is a monster of a sports sedan that you don’t often see. Based on the bulletproof 300SEL 6.3. The Hammer was supercharged and included a revised overhead cam setup. This created a car that was powered off the line, and fun to drive. With a name like the Hammer, you’d expect this car to go down in history.

via: Benz World — Photo Credit: Benz World

But drivers actually don’t flock toward the Hammer. Instead, the later AMG models are much more popular choices on the secondary market. Still, if you want a piece of history that’s fun to drive and performs well, the AMG Hammer is worth looking into. This is one unique car that will definitely stand the test of time.

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19. Audi Quattro

A lot of people only credit the Audi brand with recently coming into the spotlight. But the ’80s were an impressive time for the Audi brand as well. The rally “sled” known as the Quattro was a boxy car that could handle twists and turns with the best of them. You have to give the brand credit for creating one of the best rally cars in the industry. But the Quattro also doesn’t get a lot of attention nowadays on the used market. The Audi Quattro is a classic in every sense of the word. In fact, the Quattro was a dominant force in the 1980s World Rally.

Finding one of these models in good condition is a challenge. These cars have not held up as well to the test of time. But if you want to find a classic that no one will have, the Audi Quattro might just be worth looking into. The car has a distinct styling and optimal performance that make it a blast to drive.

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18. BMW M3

The M3 was born from racing heritage like many great cars that grace the market. BMW has always been a performance-oriented company. In fact, the slogan of the brand is “the ultimate driving machine.” But the M3 in its original form is quite a rarity in the automotive world. It would appear that many drivers have passed on this first-generation car. The first M3’s to hit the road were actually some of the best because they featured a lightweight design and a bulletproof engine. While there are some fun classic cars from the ’80s, the M3 just about takes the cake.

Later models of the M3 are going for big bucks right now. But the original M3 has fallen to the wayside in terms of driver interest. Thus, if you want one of the original M3s and you can find one in good shape, this is a keeper.

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via: Z Car Blog — Photo Credit: Z Car Blog

17. Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition

The Datsun brand was instrumental in shaping the way that the automotive industry looked. What you had in the Z-car is something that many sports cars try to replicate to this day. The 280ZX was so popular that Datsun decided to release an anniversary edition. The problem with this edition of the legendary Z is that there were very few of these made. So much so that collectors actually avoid this model for just that reason. The 10th Anniversary Edition model had a number of unique features including a special-edition interior.

Although you don’t really see these around anymore, the 280ZX is an example of an overlooked collector’s item. The car had a number of features that really went on to honor the Z line of cars. There were a few more anniversary models of the Z that hit the market over the years, including a 350Z anniversary edition that was quite well received.

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via: Motor Trend — Photo Credit: Motor Trend

16. DeLorean DMC-12

You might think that DeLorean is a popular collector’s item because of its role in an iconic movie series. But the DMC-12 actually doesn’t get the amount of love that you’d think it did. The DMC-12 is a car that had a lot of unique features and an oddball stainless steel design. In reality, the car was lacking in quite a few departments, which meant that the car was ridiculously overpriced. About the only thing that the DMC-12 had going for it was the fact that it was featured in popular movies. In recent years, a small company has begun manufacturing these cars again.

The modern-day DMC-12 fixed a lot of the quirks that the original model had. Collectors still tend to move away from these cars in favor of other famous models. But if you like a niche vehicle and you’ve had your eye on a DMC, this could be the car for you. There are very few cars in this world that have this unique look.

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15. Dodge Omni Shelby GLH/GLHS

The K-Car gets all the credit for saving Chrysler. But one of the cars that put the company on the path to recovery was the Omni. The affordable little hatchback featured enough space in the interior for a family and great gas mileage. This was at a time when import cars were beginning to captivate the market with amazing gas mileage. The Dodge Omni Shelby GLH/GLHS was a special edition of the car that was cosigned by Carroll Shelby. The performance version of the Omni had a turbocharged engine and a plethora of features.

Collectors haven’t really latched onto the Dodge Omni Shelby GLH/GLHS in recent years. This has become a bit of a novelty that very few people know about. Mopar guys tend to collect these but for the most part, the Dodge Omni Shelby GLH/GLHS is left alone. Yet, if you want a pretty cool classic car the Shelby branded Omni is a rather unique choice.

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14. Ferrari F40

Ferrari was doing a lot of unique things during the ’80s. The company was in the midst of a transition and the cars were following suit. While collectors usually go for the Testarossa, there was another unique offering as well. The F40 stood out from the crowd for a number of reasons. One of which was the F1-style design which made the car look like nothing else on the road. When you looked at the F40, you got a glimpse into what an authentic Ferrari racing design could be. The F40 is oftentimes overlooked by the collector’s community, but the car was a real revolutionary vehicle.

via: Super cars — Photo Credit: Super cars

Ferrari pulled out all the stops to make the F40 a success, and unfortunately, most collectors don’t see it like this. Still, if you want one of the most authentic sports cars from this time period, the F40 is definitely a unique offering.

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13. Ferrari Testarossa

When you think of an iconic sports car, the Testarossa is at the top of almost everyone’s list. The Testarossa had a unique look to it that not many sports cars have duplicated. The signature cheesegrater style slats up the side of the car made the Testarossa look pretty darn cool. Then you had the stellar performance of that Ferrari V8 engine. When you think about an icon of the greed decade the Testarossa was it. The iconic styling of the Testarossa was featured in video games and movies.

The car definitely defined the decade as one of the most memorable Ferrari models. The automotive community has had a lot of iconic vehicles come through. The Testarossa was one of the most iconic cars of the decade. This was a time when the first incarnation of Bugatti went out of business, and the SUV boom was among us.

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12. Mercury Capri 5.0

They just don’t make them like they used to. The Ford Mustang GT 5.0 was about as iconic in the ’80s as the original Nintendo. These cars were everywhere. This was at a time when the performance car market was just getting its bones again. Cars had been limited because of the fuel crisis and emissions crackdown. The 5.0 took advantage of a smaller displacement thanks to a very lightweight chassis. There were several special editions of the 5.0 such as the Cobra, which also caught on.

Then you had the Mercury Capri 5.0, a not-so-favorable cousin of the Mustang. No one bought these cars for the most part, although the power was great. Nowadays many people who will see a Capri really don’t know what it is. The car is very much similar to the Mustang 5.0 in-terms of styling. But Mercury went for a hatchback design instead of the Mustangs Notchback. Still, if you want a 5.0 for much less, you really can’t go wrong with the Capri.

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11. Honda CRX Si

There was a time when the CRX exemplified fun. The CRX SI was lightweight and very fun to drive. Not to mention the car was cheap to own, which was a plus for Honda. The CRX SI stands out from the crowd to this day for being a prime example of what used to make Honda fun. The car was great on gas and it somehow managed to fit occupants comfortably. Power was derived from the original vtec engine and these cars are still popular to modify to this day. Collectors have largely passed the CRX Si up for the Integra in recent years.

For what you get in terms of price the CRX Si, is a standout car. You can snag these all day in good running condition. You’ll get an original Honda that still probably has a lot of life left in it. There were many advantages to the lightweight design of the CRX Si. If you want a piece of Honda history, this is the way to get it.

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10. Jeep Cherokee

Where do we start with the Cherokee? The SUV is about as iconic as any other vehicle that you could think of. The Cherokee was and is the reason that crossover vehicles are so popular today. What went from a boxy SUV became a fun family hauler, and a vehicle that had more room then mom and dad’s sedan did. When you think about the SUV boom the Cherokee single-handedly sparked it. Nowadays the Cherokee is often used as a platform to go off-roading. But these original models can still provide solid transportation.

The simplistic boxy design of the Cherokee made it stand out. It was a lot larger than other small SUV models at the time. You can still find these boxy little things in good condition to this day. There were several different models that all featured varying options. Collecting older cars can be a fun hobby, and the Cherokee is sure to be a classic.

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9. Lamborghini Countach

The Countach emphasized what the ’80s were for a lot of kids who were car fans. The Countach had doors that opened up like the Batmobile, and a wing that looks straight out of a movie. The performance was amazing at a time when many automakers were getting constricted. Smog regulations didn’t slow the Countach down. The car came with a choice of strong V8 engines during its run, all mounted to a manual transmission. To this day, the Countach is a very beautiful car that has many notable owners including Jay Leno.

Collectors have been overlooking the Countach in recent times because of more relevant Lamborghini models. But if you want to get one of the most iconic supercars of the late ’70s the Countach is it. The car still provides thrills to this day, and an iconic look that no automaker has ever managed to match.

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8. Mazda 323 GTX

The 323 was Mazda’s affordable hatchback during the ’90s. These little cars sold well. But unannounced to many buyers, there was also a performance version. The GTX was a lot like the Focus ST is today – a fast and lightweight little hatchback that had subtle badging and a small pair of spoilers to tell you what it was. The interior was basic and purpose-driven, and the overall design of the car looked very elegant compared to other hatches. Mazda marketed the 323 GTX as affordable performance. In many ways, the car was groundbreaking at a time when the auto industry was evolving.

Sure, there were shortcomings with the 323 in terms of quality. But the GTX made up for this with exciting driving experience. The 323 GTX was a fine example of cheap 90s fun that was coming out of the automakers. Yes, you could get an LS1 powered Camaro, or you could get a car like the 323 GTX that was the ultimate sleeper.

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7. Mazda RX-7 Turbo II

When you think of an iconic sports car the RX-7 is it. Mazda designed the car as one of the final rotary-powered cars in the industry. The competition was fierce from Nissan and other automakers for a fun sports car. But the RX-7 held its own and manages to be one of the most iconic cars to this day. There is no other car in the world that drives quite like a rotary-powered car. While the maintenance was a little more intensive on these cars, the overall ownership was satisfying.

The Turbo II was a less common model, and many collectors tend to overlook this car. Why is the car overlooked? Well, the package was limited in its initial run. You’ve probably never seen one of these on the road. The more common standard RX-7 is probably what you’ll see. That’s the car that collectors tend to gravitate toward.

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6. Mercedes-Benz G-Class

There was a time not too long ago when the G-Class was less of a status symbol and more of a collector’s item. What was originally a military truck, the G-Class was originally imported by hardcore off-road enthusiasts. These drivers liked the idea of a stripped-down military truck that could handle business off-road. Naturally once celebrities got a hold of the G-Class prices shot right up. The G-Class doesn’t get enough credit for being the icon that it is. If you can get one of the earlier models in clean condition, this is a great classic car.

Looking back through history you’ll see that the G-Class has pretty much remained the same for 30 years. Mercedes sells a glamourized version of the car now, but the basic shape is the same. In fact, most of the exterior sheet metal is the same, it is the interior that was cleaned up. The G-Wagon is actually one of the last real SUVs on the market, as most have switched to a car-based design.

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5. Merkur XR4Ti

Ford was working hard to compete with the popular imports of the ’90s, and as such, the Merkur brand was born. The XR4Ti is a rather unique blend of European styling and performance that was actually praised by the automotive press. You’d take one look at it and mistake it for a Saab or some other well made the car. And this is what Ford was hoping for, in order to attract a younger demographic into their showrooms. The Merkur XR4Ti had gracious driving attributes and decent fuel mileage to boot. This is a car that had a broad appeal, except collectors often overlook these.

There was another Merkur model as well, a little roadster. The two cars managed to bring European styling to the shores in the right way. Sadly the XR4Ti was discontinued after a few years, so if you want to find one of these, it can be hard. Parts for the XR4Ti can be quite rare as well so there’s that to look out for as well.

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via: Car Gurus — Photo Credit: Car Gurus

4. Mitsubishi Starion

When you think of a Mitsubishi sports car, you probably think about the Eclipse and the 3000GT. But there was another Mitsubishi sports car that was long before these two, the Starion. This compact two-door, which was the base for the Chrysler Laser, was one of the first cars to bare a Mitsubishi badge. The car had an appealing performance for the price and buyers were captivated by the standard features. To this day, the Starion is still one of the best cars for the price that you can get.

The unique design and the sheer fact that it was the first Mitsubishi in the US makes this car a collector’s item. You’ll be able to drive one of the best Mitsubishi sports cars that were made. Perhaps the Starion is also one of the most underrated sports cars as well. The Mitsubishi Starion is certainly not as modern as other collectors’ cars on this list, but for the price, you can’t go wrong.

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3. Nissan Pulsar NX

Nissan was already rolling positively during the ’80s. The Z car was one of the most popular sports cars on the market and Nissan was having success with the Datsun as well. The Pulsar NX is a fun classic sports car that came out of the ’80s. What made the Pulsar unique was the stylistic touches that made the car look great. Performance-wise the Pulsar was lightweight and it had an applicable performance for the price. The interior is roomy and has more than enough features that were synonymous with Nissan at the time.

via: Blog spot — Photo Credit: Blog spot

When you think about iconic ’80s cars, the Pulsar is one of the most unique. But the car will be missed by most collectors. If you have been thinking about adding the Pulsar to your collection you can’t go wrong. These cars are fairly fun to drive and easy to work on. That makes them a great piece of ’80s car history.

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2. Porsche 944 Turbo

When you take a look at the 944, it’s a little different than other Porsches of the time period. And that’s okay because the 944 had a couple of redeeming qualities. The interior volume of the 944 was much higher at the time. There is actually usable cargo space, instead of just being confined to a buttoned-down racecar. There were two engine choices; one was an inline-four and the other was a 5.0 V8. The V8 engine especially has a stellar amount of power, even in today’s day and age.

Because of the ground clearance, the 944 had impressive handling. You could drive this car through the city or on the track. The 944 is usually overlooked by collectors who tend to go for the 911 instead. For the features and price, the 944 is worth taking a look at. You’ll get a classic Porsche that you can actually live with as well.

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1. Porsche 959

Finally, the Porsche 959 doesn’t need an introduction. The car has an impressive amount of power to handle just about any situation. But that’s not all, take a look at the F1 styling and you’ll know it is something special. The 959 really stands out from the crowd and in a good way. The stylistic approach to the 959 made this an earlier version of the Carrera. With a massive 444 Horsepower, the 959 is a fast car with no shortage of performance. Given the car’s impressive exterior look the interior equally matches up.

via: Sotherbys — Photo Credit: RM Sotheby’s

When collectors look for Porsches the 959 is often overlooked. But if you want a sports car that really encompasses the styling of the eighties the 959 is it. With a mixture of cleaver technology and fancy driving attributes, the 959 will leave a smile on your face.

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35 Classic Cars Drivers Refuse To Buy

35: Pontiac Sunrunner

34: Mazda Navajo

33: Daihatsu Rocky

32: Mercury Mountaineer

31: Isuzu Amigo

30: Acura SLX

29: Acura Legend

28: 1993 Volkswagen Fox

27: Isuzu Pickup

26: Chrysler LeBaron Coupe

25. Pontiac Fiero

24. Dodge Neon ACR

23. Plymouth Prowler

22. Pontiac Catalina

21. AMC Eagle

20. AMG Hammer

19. Audi Quattro

18. BMW M3

17. Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition

16. DeLorean DMC-12

15. Dodge Omni Shelby GLH/GLHS

14. Ferrari F40

13. Ferrari Testarossa

12. Mercury Capri 5.0

11. Honda CRX Si

10. Jeep Cherokee

9. Lamborghini Countach

8. Mazda 323 GTX

7. Mazda RX-7 Turbo II

6. Mercedes-Benz G-Class

5. Merkur XR4Ti

4. Mitsubishi Starion

3. Nissan Pulsar NX

2. Porsche 944 Turbo

1. Porsche 959

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