The 1980s were a playground of excess and ambition, where neon lights, power suits, and synthesizer soundtracks set an unforgettable tone. Amid this cultural explosion, supercars emerged as the ultimate status symbols—rolling testaments to luxury, speed, and the relentless pursuit of innovation.
Their bold designs and audacious engineering pushed boundaries, capturing the imagination of dreamers and collectors alike. More than just machines, these supercars became icons of aspiration, reflecting the era’s larger-than-life personality.
Let’s journey back to the ‘80s and celebrate the 15 supercars that truly defined its extravagance.
In the annals of American road rallies, we have had the Cannonball Run, which led to the One Lap of America. More recently, we have had the goldRush Rally, an event that’s in its 16th year. The 2025 Gold Tour had its kickoff several days ago and will run through June 8.
The goldRush Rally bills itself as “a gathering of passionate individuals who share a love for luxury and the thrill of the open road.” Per the website, it’s synonymous with “opulence, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. Our world-renowned luxury and exotic vehicle rallies are more than just drives; they’re immersive journeys curated to leave lasting memories, forge lifelong friendships, and will have you coming back year after year.” As you can see, this is a different kind of rally, not so hell-bent on finishing first as much as enjoying putting exotics (really, anything) through their paces beyond the local Cars and Coffee meet.
On Friday, May 30, 2025, drivers left Beverly Hills for Las Vegas. Every day is a new stop, continuing on to Park City, Vail, Denver (alright, I lied—two days for that), Kansas City, St. Louis and, finally, Chicago. “This epic journey … showcases breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and lavish accommodations.”
There are three options for participants, which include hotel room, secured parking at all locations, luggage transportation, gifting suite, “The Gold Tour” gear, VIP entrance to all planned events, private lunches and dinners in select cities, and CIP entrance to all nightly entertainment and clubs, plus attendance to the awards ceremony and professional photography of cars and their drivers:
- Team of two for the whole rally costs $23,000
- Team of two, going halfway to Denver, costs $12,000
- Team of two, going halfway starting in Denver, costs $12,000
Considering this is “The Ultimate Luxury Lifestyle Automotive Rally in the USA” and the high bar of entry, chances are there will be several interesting vehicles driven by participants. If you live near a destination city and fancy yourself as an enthusiast for McLarens, Lamborghinis, Ferraris and more, it’s worth visiting www.goldrushrally.com to see how you can catch some Gold Tour action.
Barrett-Jackson, our parent company, is a sponsor of the goldRush Rally.
Pace cars are somewhat of a curiosity. There was a time when manufacturers did not exploit the honor, but during the mid-1960s, they started to take pace cars seriously and use their status as a selling point. Our AutoHunter Spotlight, this Mercury Cyclone GT Indianapolis Pace Car convertible, is one of the first pace cars marketed to the public. Like all Cyclone GTs, this one is powered by an S-code 390, which is connected to a Merc-O-Matic automatic with “Sport Shift.” Other features on this Cardinal Red ragtop include a matching white power top and vinyl interior, fiberglass hood, Styled Steel wheels, an AM radio, and more. Documentation and a clear title will be included as part of the sale.
Only 2,158 Cyclone GTs were built in 1966; pace cars were painted in Cardinal Red with white trim such as the GT stripes, pinstriping, and convertible top. The non-functional twin-scooped hood was unusual for its time because it was fiberglass, so perhaps Mercury could be considered an early adopter in this case. Other features include a driver-side mirror and Cyclone badges with racing flags. Wheels are the very stylish 14-inch Styled Steel wheels wrapped in F70 Firestone Redline radials.
The cabin features white vinyl seats with buckets up front, complemented by red components. The console houses the Sport Shift mechanism that allows you to hold a gear, much like Hurst’s His and Hers shifter. Other features include a woodgrain steering wheel, power steering, and an AM radio.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the temperature, amperage, and fuel. The odometer reads 51,763 miles, though the mileage is not indicated on the title.
The 390 V8 offers 335 horsepower with a four-barrel carburetor and 10.5:1 compression. It is paired with a Merc-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission.
The underside consists of four-wheel drum brakes, 3.25 single-traction gears, and dual exhaust outlets.
This 1966 Mercury Cyclone GT Indianapolis Pace Car convertible reflects everything that was great about the Ford Motor Company during the early days of “Total Performance.” Open-air driving and a Formula 1 connection are characteristics that never go out of style. Combine those with big-block power and you have the makings of a very sweet collectible. Be sure to place your bid on AutoHunter right away because the auction ends on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
Front-wheel-drive has been a part of automotive technology for so long and been in so many vehicles that we take it for granted. We now live in an age in which even certain trucks, like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, come standard with FWD. But back in the 1920s, sending power through the front end was a novel idea, at least for road cars made in America. In 1929, Cord changed that with its L-29, which is credited as the first American front-wheel-drive production car.
Many people fear what they don’t understand, especially when it comes to their safety. Cord seemed to understand that, which explains why it tried to educate the car-buying public on FWD’s benefits. In a 1929 brochure, company founder E.L. Cord himself said, “Its exclusive advantages in safety, easy handling, comfort and durability have already won a host of converts!” The captions under certain technical illustrations mentioned how the L-29’s engine/transmission/differential/front brake packaging allowed for greater efficiency, and the universal joints were capable of sharper steering angles and longer service life compared to rear-wheel-drive hardware.
Cord went into even more visual and technical detail in its 1931 promotional materials, literally going from the bottom up detailing how Cord Front Drive was better than a RWD layout. According to the automaker, its frame architecture made it more rigid and allowed for a lower body and center of gravity, as well as a more comfortable ride for rear passengers.
The lack of a prop shaft and rear differential and axle meant passengers were “not disturbed by noise, rumble or vibration of these operating parts.” Sending power to the front wheels also helped the L-29’s directional stability and enhanced its traction on difficult terrain.
The reality is that there is so much about automotive history we’ll never know because certain documents and experts have been lost to time. Fortunately, not only did Cord choose to educate consumers on its Front Drive technology, but its promo materials also continue to exist (thanks to dedicated people) and show enthusiasts of all ages just how much the industry has changed.
The hit song “Shake, Rattle and Roll” was written in 1954 by Jesse Stone and swiftly made its way to the Rolling Stone magazine list of the 500 greatest songs of all time. It was performed by Joe Turner, Bill Haley & His Comets and even the legendary Elvis Presley at one time or another.
The song also captured the rebellious spirit and freedom associated with hot rod culture. It had a youthful energy about it, which is one of the reasons why one classic-car builder decided to airbrush the song name inside the engine bay of this car:
The Pick of the Day is a custom 1951 Ford convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Radcliff, Kentucky.
“Won many Best of Show awards,” the listing says. And we believe it. The longer you look at the car, the more details you start to notice: The frenched headlights, louvered hood, dual spotlights, shaved door handles, wide whitewall tires and rear wheel skirts are just a few. To say that it’s a unique build is putting it very mildly.
The interior, too, received its share of enhancements as part of the restomod-style overhaul. The dash and upholstery are accented in pinstriping, the steering wheel is body-colored, the floor mats wear embroidered Ford logos, power windows have been added, and a Panasonic AM/FM/CD player is cleverly hidden inside the glove compartment.
Power comes from a rebuilt flathead V8 paired with an automatic transmission. (When new, a 239ci V8 was available for 1951 Rod cars, but the listing doesn’t call out the specifics in terms of displacement (or whether it’s numbers-matching). One thing is for sure – the engine bay is loaded with lots of chrome, including the valve covers, air cleaners, pulleys and radiator support. Mechanical improvements include a 12-volt electrical system, an electronic distributor and front disc brakes. The seller says, “Everything works as it should.”
A hot rod can be an expression of style and individuality, and this car has an identity unlike any other. Its inside-and-out customization – even including rock ‘n’ roll lyrics – will make it a conversation piece at any cruise or show. Bill Haley would be proud to own and drive it!
The asking price is $39,500 or best offer.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
Few cars symbolize automotive history like the Volkswagen Beetle. Originally designed in Germany during the late 1930s, it became an icon of accessible mobility, capturing hearts worldwide with its affordable price, reliability, and distinctive, rounded design. Over its impressive eight-decade lifespan, the Beetle achieved extraordinary global sales, surpassing 21 million units. This achievement places it among automotive legends, rivaling iconic models like Ford’s Model T. Beyond mere numbers, the Beetle embodies cultural significance, becoming a symbol of counterculture movements in the 1960s and 70s. Its universal appeal and longevity make the Beetle an enduring benchmark in automotive history, setting the stage for the other remarkable vehicles explored in this article.
When we think of iconic car brands, we often associate them closely with their country of origin: German engineering, American muscle, Japanese reliability, and so forth.
Yet, in today’s era of globalized automotive manufacturing, the reality can surprise even the most informed car enthusiast.
Many popular vehicles roll off assembly lines in locations far removed from the brands’ original homelands, driven by economic factors, logistics, and international partnerships.
Join us as we uncover ten unexpected examples of beloved cars produced in countries you might never have guessed, revealing how truly international modern car manufacturing has become.
This ’29 Ford Model A is a steel-bodied Tudor sedan that has been built into a hot rod with a boxed and Z’d frame c.2020. It has a chopped top with a custom roof and PPG Nutmeg paintwork, and it rides on body-color steel wheels with a drop front axle and a four-bar setup, while out back are ladder bars and coilovers. Power is from a 350ci Chevrolet V8 with Edelbrock heads, Offenhauser valve covers, a trio of Demon 98 carburetors, and baffled lake-style headers, and it is linked to a five-speed manual and a Currie 9″ rear end with 3.70 gears and a limited-slip differential. Inside is brown leather upholstery, a custom ’39-style steering wheel, a Olds cluster, and a Bluetooth-capable stereo. Acquired by the seller in 2009, this hot rod is now offered with a clean Minnesota title in the seller’s name.
The seller tells us the frame was lengthened ~4″ in front of the firewall before it was boxed and Z’d. The firewall of the steel body was recessed ~3″, and the top was chopped ~3.5″. The custom roof is filled with a panel from a ’62 Impala wagon and covered with white vinyl, and the rear plate was frenched. The paintwork is PPG Nutmeg, and ’39 Chevrolet taillights were utilized. The seller notes a scuff on the body behind the right-rear wheel.
The front end has a drilled drop axle, a four-bar setup, and disc brakes, while out back are ladder bars and coilovers. The steel wheels are painted to match the body.
The bucket seats, rear bench, and side panels have brown leather upholstery with lighter piping and diamond-stitched accents. The windshield tilts out, and the car has a Bluetooth-capable hidden stereo.
The steering wheel is a ’60s-style wood rim mated with a ’39 center section, and it is mounted on a ’39 column with a ’36 column mount. The speedometer is from a ’56 Olds and has been custom-painted to match the car, and the brake and clutch pedals are from Wilwood. The seller estimates they have driven the car ~800 miles.
The seller tells us the 350ci V8 was rebuilt with a performance camshaft and roller lifters as part of the work, and it is topped by Edelbrock aluminum heads, Offenhauser valve covers, a trio of Demon 98 carburetors that the seller notes require fine tuning. The lake-style headers are baffled, and the aluminum radiator is cooled by a SPAL fan.
The seller used a Tremec T-5 five-speed manual and a ’57 Ford 9″ axle, which was modified with a Currie center with 3.70 gears and a Truetrac differential
The car is titled as a 1929 Ford using the VIN A2134258TN.
This 1962 Willys Jeep Station Wagon was refurbished and modified between 2019 and 2021, and it was acquired by the current owner in 2023. Power is supplied by a 383ci GM V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Finished in two-tone burgundy and beige over beige leather upholstery, the truck is equipped with Holley fuel injection, a side-exit dual exhaust system, a limited-slip rear differential, US Mags 18″ wheels, front disc brakes, a control-arm front suspension, and a four-link rear end with adjustable coilovers. The interior houses Classic Instruments gauges, heated seats, power windows, tilt steering, seatbelts, and a carpeted cargo area. This two-seat Willys is now offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with refurbishment records, a truck cover, and a California title in the owner’s name.
The vehicle was repainted in burgundy and beige during the aforementioned refurbishment. Features include chrome bumpers and trim, door-mounted side mirrors, and a high-mounted third brake light.
Five-spoke US Mags 18″ wheels are wrapped in 245/45 front and 285/40 rear Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ tires. The control-arm front suspension is augmented by front disc brakes utilizing slotted and drilled rotors. The four-link rear end has adjustable coilovers and anchors rear drum brakes.
The bucket seating surfaces are trimmed in beige leather, and beige carpeting is found throughout the cabin. Additional equipment includes body-color metal surfaces, heated seats, power windows, three-point seatbelts, and a TCI Automotive shifter. The vehicle is equipped with Vintage Air climate-control components, but the ductwork is not connected. There is a rectangular opening in the center stack where a radio could be installed.
The wood-rimmed Grant GT steering wheel is attached to a tilting column and fronts center-mounted Classic Instruments gauges composed of a 140-mph speedometer alongside an 8k-rpm tachometer and readouts for oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltage, and fuel level. The six-digit mechanical odometer shows approximately 65 miles, which is said to reflect the distance accumulated under current ownership; true mileage is unknown.
The 383ci General Motors V8 is complemented by Holley electronic fuel injection, a K&N open-element air cleaner, “383 Turbo-Fire” markings on the black rocker covers, and tubular headers. The dual exhaust system terminates in outlets located ahead of each rear wheel. The fluids were changed most recently in 2023.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission matched with a limited-slip differential.
The serial-number tag is pictured above. The California title is noted to be a duplicate document.
This ’33 Ford is a steel-bodied, full-fendered cabriolet built by its previous owner around 2019. The car rides on staggered Truespoke chrome wire wheels and a Heidts independent front end with coilovers and rack-and-pinion steering, and it is powered by a 350ci V8 with an Edelbrock intake manifold, a Holley carburetor, headers, and Offenhauser valve covers. The leather-trimmed interior has Vintage Air climate control, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, an Ididit chrome tilt column, a B&M shifter, Stewart-Warner instrumentation, and a Sony radio with CD player. The car was donated to the seller, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, and is now titled to their non-profit, Auburn Automotive Heritage Inc.. This ’33 hot rod is now offered at no reserve with memorabilia and a clean Indiana title.
The full-fendered steel body is finished in red with custom flourishes. The top, trim, glass, and lights have been replaced, and the car also has a rumble seat, cowl lights, fog lights, and dual horns as well as a frenched antenna.
The Heidts independent front end has power steering, power discs, tubular control arms, and adjustable coilovers. Truespoke 14″ front and 15″ rear chrome wire wheels are mounted with staggered whitewalls, and the brakes were adjusted and the brake lights were repaired in preparation for the sale.
The interior was redone with button-tufted tan leather upholstery. Vintage Air climate control and a Sony CD stereo were installed along with a B&M shifter.
The banjo-style wood-rimmed wheel is mounted on an Ididit column, and Stewart-Warner instruments were utilized. The ~5,900 miles indicated on the cluster represents distance driven since the 2019 overhaul.
The 350ci V8 is believed to have purchased as a crate motor. It is topped by an Edelbrock Performer aluminum intake manifold and a Holley Avenger 650cfm four-barrel carburetor. The headers are linked to a dual exhaust system, and Offenhauser valve covers, a Powermaster alternator, MSD ignition, and an electric fan were installed. The oil and coolant were changed in 2025.
The car has an automatic transmission with an auxiliary cooler.
The car is titled as a 1933 Ford using the VIN 182299773 as stamped above.
Located inside the former headquarters and factory showroom of the Auburn Automobile Company in Auburn, Indiana, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that relies on the support of visitors, members, volunteers, donors, and sponsors to make possible their daily operations, exhibits, restoration and preservation initiatives, and educational programming. To learn more about the ACD Museum and the many ways you can show support, including their “Adopt-a-Car” program, please click here.