In 2021 there are many new sports cars making waves in the automobile industry. However, the best decade for sports cars was arguably the 1980s. The decadent 80s was an incredible decade for sports car manufacturing, with many of the modern features seen on today’s sports cars originating during this decade. 

During the 80s, the term supercar truly became a concept. The supercars of this era featured mid-size engines that were faster than ever and had a unique style that is still revered to this day. Although this list features a few of the uber-popular sports car models, it also has a few lesser-known gems that deserve to be recognized. 

If you’re not lucky enough to ever drive or own one of these exceptional cars, you can at the very least enjoy reading about these vintage beauties. We’re going to have a look at why each of the below supercars were popular and what makes them so memorable that they remain in the hearts and minds of car enthusiasts the world over. 

1. Ferrari F40

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Starting our list out strong with one of the absolute best sports cars of the 80s is the Ferrari F40. This iconic vehicle instantly became the most desirable supercar of the late 80s and overshadowed most of the other popular sports cars of the era. It’s believed the inspiration behind this model came from the B-Rally class scene that was immensely popular at the time. 

The Ferrari F40 was built from 1987 through to 1992 and was actually developed from the experimental model GTO Evoluzione. When it came out, it was the most expensive and powerful model manufactured by Ferrari. 

Unlike other models, the body was made exclusively out of carbon fiber, durable kevlar, and Nomex refractory material. The floor, roof, and doors were mostly made from composite materials, which increased the body stiffness by 20%. Interestingly the interior of the Ferrari F40 was spartan and didn’t even possess proper door handles.