In the 1980s car manufacturers remained convinced that the best way to build a luxury car was with a front engine and rear-wheel drive, plus a good deal of weight. Lightweight construction and materials had yet to influence this sector of the market, and fuel economy was not a priority. The Saab 900 was an exception-a light, front-drive vehicle that opened a new niche in the market for luxury cars.
Shanghai SH760 1964 Origin China
Engine 2,200 cc, straight-six Top speed 85 mph (137 km/h)
The Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation built 79,526 of this imposing car almost unaltered from 1964 to 1991. It was inspired by Soviet and Mercedes models.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage 1977 Origin UK
Engine 5,340 cc, V8
Top speed 168 mph (270 km/h)
The ultimate 1970s Aston Martin became even more potent in 1986 with 432 bhp. The style remained the same, complete with sumptuous leather and walnut veneers.
Bristol Beaufitude 1980 Origin UK
Engine 5,900 cc, V8
Top speed 150 mph (241 km/h)
Based on the 412, rather bluntly styled by Zagato, the niche market Beaufighter had the extra appeal of turbocharging for its Chrysler V8 engine and a lift-off roof panel.
BMW 3-series Convertible 1986 Origin Germany
Engine 2,495 cc, straight-six
Top speed 135 mph (217 km/h)
By engineering rollover protection into the windshield frame, BMW produced the cleanest-looking convertible of its day. The power hood all but disappeared when it was retracted.
Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit 1980 Origin UK
Engine 6,750 cc, V8
Top speed 119 mph (192 km/h)
The Silver Spirit was the ultimate in luxury and quality of build, but its sheer weight, its aging engine, and its stately styling lost it sales to more modern luxury cars.
Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham 1980 Origin USA
Engine 6,037 cc, V8
Top speed 104 mph (167 km/h)
The top of Cadillac’s prestige line remained conventional with large dimensions, a large V8 engine, and live rear axle. Luxury trim and power steering came as standard.
Jaguar XJ12 1979 Origin UK
Engine 5,343 cc, V12
Top speed 150 mph (241 km/h)
Jaguar’s 350 bhp flagship sedan looked more elegant than ever with its makeover by Pininfarina for the 1980s. It continued to make other luxury cars seem overpriced.
Lexus LS400 1989 Origin Japan
Engine 3,969 cc, V8
Top speed 147 mph (237 km/h)
The Lexus was Toyota’s flagship car of 1989. It successfully challenged existing U.S. and European high-end cars on aerodynamics, quietness, top speed, and fuel efficiency.
Ferrari 412 1986
Origin Italy
Engine 4,942 cc, V12
Top speed 158 mph (254 km/h)
Ferrari’s executive family car came with comfortable seats, leather trim, air conditioning, and anti-lock brakes. Vitally, it was still as exciting to drive as a Ferrari should be.
Mercedes-Benz 190 1982 Origin Germany
Engine 1,997 cc, straight-four Top speed 117 mph (188 km/h)
Mercedes’ entry-level model for the 1980s was very well equipped and extremely durable. It easily ran for 300,000 miles (480,000 km) or so without needing major attention.
Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC 1985
Origin Germany
Engine 5,547 cc, V8
Top speed 156 mph (251 km/h)
The 560 SEC was at the top of Mercedes’ quality-laden coupé range. Very expensive when new, it had 300 bhp from its big V8 engine and 6.8-second 0–60 mph acceleration.
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