The future of a rich aftermarket for 80s and 90s vehicles grows more likely with each passing day. We’re compiling a classic list of all things tubular and radical with our favorites from the 1980s and 90s that could very well earn you some serious cash in the near future.
Chevy 454 SS Pickup
Kicking off the 90s with a performance truck is exactly what Chevrolet did with the 454 SS. A single-cab C1500 with two-wheel drive and a short-box regular cab was upgraded with a 454 V8 rated at 230hp and 385lb/ft of torque. Easy to spot with the big stickers on each side of the bed, they are rarely seen on the road anymore. If you are looking for a cool, functional daily driver collectible, then this truck may be for you.
Pontiac Fiero GT
Before the Corvette C8, there was the Pontiac Fiero GT mid-engine sports car from GM. Pop-up headlights, two seats, manual transmission, and integrated stereo speakers in the driver and passenger headrests initially made it a very desirable car. The first mass-produced mid-engine sports car by an American car manufacturer, GM sold over 370K of them. The 86-88 V6 SE and GT models are desirable and fun cars to add to your collection.
Plymouth Prowler
Influenced by car designer Chip Foose, the Plymouth Prowler invoked a classic hot rod design with a modern flare. Open Indy racer-style front wheels and a high back rear end gave the car a dramatic stance but seriously lacked power with a 214hp SOHC V6. Destined to be a classic, it would perhaps be better for a swap project for a 5.7 HEMI or a modern LS.
GMC Typhoon / Syclone
Only available in black, the Syclone features a 4.3 turbocharged V6 and all-wheel drive. The complimentary Typhoon, which came in various colors and was based on the GMC Jimmy, sported the same drivetrain but also had an air-operated self-leveling rear suspension. Either is highly sought after and will continue to increase in value.
Lincoln Town Car
The ultimate luxury car for executives in the 80s, the boxy rectangular Lincoln Town Car was a plush floaty V8 powered rear-wheeled drive land yacht. Prices have been increasing lately for these cars as they are hard to find and even fewer in relatively decent condition. Make an impressive statement by valeting this ride at your favorite restaurant!
Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
In 1992, Ford decided to get into performance trucks, especially after the initial success of the aforementioned Chevy 454 SS pickup. Featuring a 5.8L 351 Windsor V8 producing 240hp, the F-150 based Lightning also focused on street performance with handling inspired by Jackie Stewart. The 93-95 trucks are naturally-aspirated while the 1999-2004 Lightnings were supercharged and produced 360-380hp. Either generation will continue to be desired collectibles.
Cadillac Eldorado Coupe
There have been twelve generations of Cadillac Eldorado Coupes, some great ones and some not so (at least on the design side). The ones we recommend getting your hands on are the tenth generation ones from 79-85. The Biarritz model had a stainless-steel roof and frameless door glass, and some of the rare ones had a V8 diesel engine. Highly collectible would be the 84-85 convertibles, of which approximately 5,500 were made.
Pontiac Grand Prix GT/GTP
The Grand Prix has been around for several generations, but the hard-to-find ones we expect to be collectible are the 91-96 GT and GTP models. Mini-quad lamps were unique to them and they even had heads-up displays. There were 1000 Richard Petty Editions for 1992 made, have you even seen one of those?
Corvette C4
The 83-96 C4 Corvettes were a major redesign over the Zora Arkus-Duntov C3 with a completely new chassis and suspension setup. Although the ZR1 is highly coveted, the other trims have continued to rise in value. Over 350K were built, but less than 500 are available for sale currently, with many available for less than $10,000.
Do you have a radical classic from the 80s or 90s? We want to see it. Grab your camera, take some photos, tell us its story and submit it here for a chance to be featured in our newsletter and socials.