{"id":61410,"date":"2023-03-17T17:55:11","date_gmt":"2023-03-17T21:55:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/motor-junkie.com\/?p=61410"},"modified":"2023-07-13T05:14:11","modified_gmt":"2023-07-13T09:14:11","slug":"back-to-the-future-why-80s-muscle-cars-are-gaining-huge-popularity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.motor-junkie.com\/back-to-the-future-why-80s-muscle-cars-are-gaining-huge-popularity\/61410\/","title":{"rendered":"Back To The Future: Why ’80s Muscle Cars Are Gaining Huge Popularity"},"content":{"rendered":"

The car collecting world is certainly a crazy place as evidenced by the recent surge in value for ’80s muscle cars. Some cars turn into extremely sought-after objects overnight, commanding high prices and becoming out of reach for most enthusiasts. But many other vehicles never achieve worldwide acclaim despite being rare and old. It seems that the classic car community has no rules. However, by now we can safely predict what cars have good chances of being the next big thing and which vehicles will never achieve classic car status.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, in some cases, a car’s specifications, technology, or design, have nothing to do with its popularity. That often has to do with the moments in history<\/a> or people’s recollections of specific cars or classes. That’s why ’80s muscle cars have gained so much popularity in recent years. Today, we’re going to break down all the major reasons<\/a> why the classic car world has recently seen this shift.<\/p>\n

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Foto Credit: Auto WP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Availability<\/h2>\n

Many collectors know that 1960s muscle cars<\/a> are rare, which is a big reason why they’re so valuable. But ’80s models are more common and still around despite being 30 to 40 years old. The ’80s models are also built better than their 1960s counterparts, so they survived the years in better condition. Also, some thoughtful owners paid more attention to keeping these cars in top condition. So collectors now have 1980s models with few miles and in perfect shape for sale. It is almost impossible to find a 1967 Camaro RS with 3000 miles on the clock.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yet there are 1987 Camaro IROC with similar mileage for sale at auctions every once in a while (via Automobile Catalog<\/a>). If we look at the production figures for ’80s muscle cars, we can see that most of them were bought in vast numbers, like the Fox-body Mustang<\/a>. This famous Ford<\/a> sold 2.6 million copies in 14 years on the market. Of course, a lot of them were crushed, rusted, or discarded over the years, but such a high number suggests that there are still a lot of similar models around the market.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Performance<\/h2>\n

The late ’70s and early ’80s were dark times for American performance. Low compression engines, safety, and environmental standards killed the actual speed and left the fans<\/a> wanting more. However, with the introduction of fuel-injection technology, turbocharging<\/a>, and more advanced systems, 1980s muscle cars gained some of their performance credentials by the end of the decade. For the first time in two decades, muscle cars were as fast as some of their 1960s counterparts (via Steeda<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Hagerty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This made them popular with buyers and also influenced a rise in aftermarket components, which improved performance, handling, and breaking. That made the 1980s models enjoyable to drive and a sound basis for modifications. Most of the cars can’t match today’s models, of course. But some models, like the limited-edition Buick GNX, were very fast and capable. The GNX even held a record as one of the fastest-accelerating cars of the late 1980s<\/a>, beating Ferrari and Porsche.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Technology<\/h2>\n

From today’s technological perspective, ’80s muscle cars are extremely outdated machines. Most of those cars had disc brakes only in front, four-speed transmissions, no safety features<\/a>, cassette players, and no power options. However, this is precisely what makes them desirable. They’re easy to work on, parts are available, they can be maintained with ordinary tools, no electronic diagnostic systems are necessary, and they tolerate inexperienced mechanics<\/a>. For people who like old-school machinery and tinkering with their cars, this is a refreshing thing in the sea of today’s more complicated and demanding vehicles (via Hemmings<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Such a simple approach is the complete opposite of today’s complicated machinery. 1980s muscle cars are perfect for the father-and-son project, first car, rolling restoration<\/a>, and so on. They are less demanding than older models or expensive to run as newer stuff. An ’80s muscle car will teach you about mechanics and improve your skills. For those enthusiasts with more ambition, you’ll be glad to know that basic mechanics can perform essential maintenance<\/a> in the garage with the help of a service manual and a standard set of tools.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Can Be Daily Drivers<\/h2>\n

To be honest, most classic muscle cars<\/a> belong to cruise nights, car shows, or museums; not in everyday traffic. The dynamic of modern-day driving, safety concerns, and fuel economy, make classic muscle cars<\/a> obsolete and out of their element. But not ’80s muscle cars (via Top Flight Automotive<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You can use Fox-body Mustangs, for example, as a daily driver without any real problems. For example, if you find a well-equipped car, like a late-model GT, you’ll have working A\/C, front disc brakes, power steering, power windows, a driver-side airbag, and cruise control. This is practically everything you need to cruise in style and comfort. The interior is comfortable, and if you choose the hatchback body style, you’ll get a decent trunk, too. Other similar cars like Camaro or Firebird are also as practical and usable.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Enormous Aftermarket Support<\/h2>\n

You can find all kinds of performance parts, crate engines<\/a>, and suspension components to transform a 1980s muscle car in any direction you want. There is also a wide range of prices<\/a>, from quality “Made in USA” parts to cheap Chinese products. The aftermarket support for ’80s classics is enormous and has been ever since those cars were new (via Motor Trend<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Interestingly, ’80s muscle cars now have more products for sale than the ’60s models. This is a major reason why there are more ’80s muscle cars on the roads. The aftermarket support reflects that. The number of companies making parts is vast, and new ones are being introduced daily. Some companies even make old-school-looking wheels but in large sizes that were never available from the factory.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

’80s Muscle Cars Are Cool<\/h2>\n

The cool factor is very important when it comes to collector’s cars<\/a>. Simply put, nobody wants a dull or uninspiring vehicle in their collection. ’80s muscle car owners shouldn’t be worried since their vehicles are one of the coolest cars of the decade. Just remember the high school or college parking lots in those days, numerous movies or music videos on MTV, or back street racing in your 5.0 Mustang, for example (via Motor Trend<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The memories make something precious, and it looks like everybody has an exciting story about ’80s muscle cars and why they are so cool. For some models, the designs aged<\/a> gracefully, and they are still as beautiful as they were when they were new.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cheap Parts<\/h2>\n

Besides the fact that brand-new parts are affordable, ’80s muscle car owners know that they can source many of the components from junkyards for far less money. Take the Fox-body Mustangs for example. Those cars are just one of 15 Ford models built on the same platform, so lots of Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury models have interchangeable parts (via Hagerty<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Also, the fourth-generation Mustang, known as the SN95 model, uses the modified Fox platform so that you can swap many things from later Mustangs. If you want more power for your 5.0-liter V8, for example, look for cylinder heads from old Ford Explored, which are cheap<\/a>. There are numerous examples of mixing and matching parts from other Ford<\/a> vehicles and making your Fox Mustang faster for a few bucks. The same goes for GM muscle cars<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sound Investment<\/h2>\n

Once cheap, ’80s muscle cars are becoming increasingly expensive. In early 2019, a very special, practically new 1993 SVT Cobra R crossed the block on the Barret-Jackson auction for a whopping $132,000. This Cobra became the most expensive Fox-body ever sold and started a price hike for this Mustang generation (via Motor Trend<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Mecum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All of a sudden, more and more people started buying Fox-body Mustang. The prices for good, low-mileage examples are on a steady rise. We can’t expect the Fox-body Mustangs<\/a> to be more expensive than the first-generation models, but they will be valuable and sought-after soon. The same goes for Camaro<\/a> and Firebird models, which are getting ridiculous prices. There are Camaros from the 80s, which are $60.000 cars. Not to mention the Buick GNX, which sell for over $100k, and the best examples can go close to $200k.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The ’80s Are Back<\/h2>\n

In the last couple of years, the world has experienced the return of ’80s aesthetics, music, and culture. The Top Gun sequel was a hit in movie theatres, and neon signs and synth-pop are cool once again. Car collectors<\/a> are searching for cars from this decade since most of them are over 30 years old and qualify as classics. So what should you do if you love the ’80s and muscle cars of the decade? Find yourself a nice Fox-body Mustang, Camaro, or Firebird and relive this exciting decade (via Forbes<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nostalgia has a significant role in the revival of specific models. The cars you once lusted after are now affordable<\/a>, and you have come to a certain age at which you are looking for your youth. For a generation that grew up in the ’80s, the 80s muscle cars are such items. You couldn’t afford that red Camaro when you were in high school. Well, you can now. So, do it and capture that teenage excitement once again.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Tacoma World<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Easy-To-Do Engine Swap<\/h2>\n

If you like old-school looks but want modern power<\/a>, you’ll be glad to know that 1980s muscle cars are great for engine swapping. Engine swaps are common and easy to perform thanks to straightforward mechanics and a reasonable amount of space under the hood. There are numerous choices from crate engines from Ford, GM, and Chrysler, which you can put in your car (via Late Model Restoration<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Most common is putting the LS engines in Camaros and Firebirds. Or putting the Ford Performance or Coyote V8 in Fox-body Mustangs<\/a>. Some owners even decide to put modern Hemi engines<\/a> or create turbocharged versions of standard powerplants. The options are endless, and there is so much that is possible and so much performance that can be extracted from these setups.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tough And Dependable<\/h2>\n

Due to proven mechanics, simple construction, and solid built quality, ’80s muscle cars are dependable and will reward careful owners. They are not perfect by any means and the torsional rigidity or rust protection could be better (via Motor Trend<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, compared to some other cars from the period, most of those models are rugged cars that can withstand numerous burnouts and other street racing abuse. Just be sure that you maintain it properly and use quality parts.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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