1987 Mercury Lynx XR3 hatchback coupe

This post is consistently one of the most popular every year and has been so since the first full year after I originally posted it. It seems to me the key to an individual post’s popularity is often in the rarity of the other coverage available for that particular vehicle.

“… the sporting side of Lynx.”

1987 was the final year for the Lynx—Mercury’s version of Ford’s Escort compact. The Escort would soldier on for many more years (through model year 2002), but from 1988 forward, the smallest American-built Mercury would be the Topaz—still a compact, but larger in almost every dimension. For 1986 and 1987, the top-of-the-line Lynx was the XR3 hatchback coupe.

The XR3 designation was not random, but may not have been obvious to much of the North American market. In Europe, XR3 (and later XR3i) was a sporty trim of the Mark III Ford Escort from 1980 forward. Why Ford’s marketers chose to make XR3 the sportiest Lynx instead of using the name for the stateside Escort (which used GT in the mid-1980s) is a question lost in the mists of time, but may have had something to do with XR-7 designation for the sportiest Mercury Cougar.

The Lynx XR3‘s standard (and only) powertrain was a “High Output” 115 bhp 1.9 liter/113 ci inline four with Bosch multi-port fuel injection paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Mileage was good—25 city/34 highway by the day’s standards (about 22 city/31 highway by 2025 measures). Acceleration was reasonably quick: 0-60 came in about 10 seconds in the approximately 2,400-pound car. With a 13-gallon fuel tank, Lynx XR3 drivers could expect a range of 310 to 345 miles with a 10% fuel reserve.

XR3 page from the 1987 Mercury Lynx brochure
XR3 page from the 1987 Mercury Lynx brochure

Standard exterior and mechanical equipment on the $8,808 Lynx XR3 (about $25,900 in today’s dollars) included an asymmetrical grille, an aerodynamic front air dam with built-in fog lamps, wide wheel flairs, a rear spoiler, dual power mirrors, power steering, and P195/60R15 Goodyear Eagle GT tires (a size still readily available) on 15-inch four-flag cast-aluminum wheels. Inside, cloth sport bucket seats, a full console with a graphic alert display, a split folding rear seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a locking fuel filler door with remote release, and an electronic AM/FM stereo radio with four speakers were included.

Standard exterior and mechanical equipment on every Lynx included aero halogen headlamps, front-wheel-drive, a four-wheel independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and power front disc/rear drum brakes. The Lynx was not a large car—there aren’t many current small coupes remaining to compare it to, but the 2025 Honda Civic hatchback sedan is 5 inches wider and about a foot longer.

Options & Production Numbers

Few options were available since the XR3 came relatively well-equipped for a compact car in the eighties. In fact, seven separate options available for lesser Lynxes were standard on the XR3. Exterior and mechanical options for the XR3 included tinted glass ($105), a rear window wiper/washer ($126), and an engine block heater ($18). Inside, air conditioning ($688), speed control ($176), and a tilt steering wheel ($179) were available.

The final-year Lynx didn’t sell very well: a total of 39,039 in a year when Ford sold 374,765 Escorts. It’s reasonable to say that very few of the 20,930 hatchback coupes were XR3s.

The View From 2025

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First-generation Escorts and Lynxes were once so prevalent on American roads, but have now virtually disappeared. You occasionally see Lynxes for sale in the Hemming’s Motor News classifieds and on eBay Motors. Bring a Trailer has auctioned a grand total of two Lynxes, neither of them XR3s.

Make mine Smoke, please.

Other Mercurys I have written about are the 1980 Cougar XR-7 coupe, the 1983 Grand Marquis sedan, the 1984 Grand Marquis Colony Park LS station wagon, the 1986 Capri hatchback coupe, the 1988 Cougar XR-7 coupe, and the 1988 Grand Marquis Colony Park station wagon. I have also written about the 1981 Ford Escort hatchback coupe.

Last updated December 2025.

Eighties Vehicles at the 2018 Barrett-Jackson Northeast

Barrett-Jackson’s third Northeast auction at the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut in late June included a reasonable amount of vehicles from the 1980s—about 9% of the lots offered. I’ll concentrate on the at least reasonably stock 1980s cars (and a few trucks) that sold and add some of my opinions—I’ll leave the motorcycles, tractors, and automobilia to others. Where I have covered the specific year and model of a car in this blog, I link to it.

Thursday, June 21st:

  • 1984 white Pontiac Fiero Indy Pace Car coupe with orange/gray cloth seats, an Iron Duke 92 bhp 2.5 liter/151 ci inline four with throttle-body fuel injection, an automatic, and 53,000 miles—$4,000 hammer price
  • 1983 silver BMW 633 CSi coupe with black seats, a 181 bhp 3.2 liter/196 ci inline six with Bosch Motronic fuel injection, and an automatic—$6,000
  • 1985 black Cadillac Seville sedan with tan vinyl top, tan leather seats, an HT-4100 135 bhp 4.1 liter/249 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 50,000 miles—$5,200. Why these Sevilles? Why now?
  • 1984 black Chevrolet Camaro custom (engine, transmission, body, wheels) hatchback coupe with beige cloth seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$3,200
  • 1983 black Chevrolet Monte Carlo custom (engine, brakes, body, wheels) coupe with burgundy cloth seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$5,700
  • 1983 burgundy Mercedes-Benz 240D sedan with brown seats, a 67 bhp 2.4 liter/147 ci inline diesel four, and an automatic—$7,500
  • 1985 silver Toyota Celica Supra hatchback coupe with gray cloth seats, a 161 bhp 2.8 liter/168 ci inline six, and a five-speed manual—$7,500
  • 1989 black Chevrolet Corvette custom (body) coupe with tan leather seats, an L98 5.7 liter/350 ci inch V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 69,000 miles—$4,000
  • 1989 medium blue metallic Chevrolet Corvette convertible with a black top, black leather seats, an L98 240 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci inch V8 with fuel injection, a six-speed manual, and 68,000 miles—$6,700
  • 1985 white Chevrolet Corvette coupe with red leather seats, a 230 bhp L98 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and the Doug Nash 4+3 transmission—$7,500
  • 1985 light gray/medium gray two-tone GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck with a black cloth/vinyl bench seat, a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, a four-speed manual, and 95,000 miles—$12,000
  • 1987 colorado red Jeep Wrangler SUV with spice vinyl seats, a 112 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with Carter two-barrel carburetor, and a five-speed manual—$10,000
  • 1986 brown Jeep CJ-7 Renegade SUV with tan vinyl seats, a 112 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with Carter two-barrel carburetor, a four-speed manual, and 102,000 miles—$10,000
  • 1986 gray Chevrolet Silverado regular cab pickup truck with a gray custom cloth bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$12,000
  • 1984 red Chevrolet C10 custom (engine, suspension, body, interior) regular cab pickup truck with a gray custom cloth bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a carburetor, and an automatic—$17,000
  • 1988 guards red Porsche 928 S4 hatchback coupe with tan leather seats, a 320 bhp 5.0 liter/302 ci V8 with Bosch fuel injection, an automatic, and 42,000 miles—$20,000
  • 1980 blue/white two-tone Chevrolet C10 custom (engine, suspension, wheels, interior) regular cab pickup truck with a tan leather bench seat, a 383 ci V8 with a carburetor, and an automatic—$21,500
  • 1987 black Buick Grand National coupe with black/gray cloth seats, a 235 bhp 3.8 liter/231 ci turbocharged V6 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 26,000 miles—$29,000 makes this the first vehicle in this auction to meet my criteria for serious collectability of 1980s cars or trucks in stock condition: selling for equal to or above its original base list price. I’ll mark these vehicles in bold green.
  • 1987 green Chevrolet Silverado custom (suspension, body, interior) regular cab pickup truck with a tan leather bench seat, a 383 ci V8 with a carburetor, and an automatic—$19,500
  • 1980 white Chevrolet Camaro Z28 coupe with red cloth seats, an LM1 190 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with a Rochester four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$14,000
  • 1985 bright blue metallic Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z hatchback coupe with black cloth seats, a 150 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with Rochester four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 20,000 miles—$17,500
  • 1984 white Pontiac Fiero Indy Pace Car coupe with orange/gray cloth seats, an Iron Duke 92 bhp 2.5 liter/151 ci inline four with throttle-body fuel injection, an automatic, and 3,500 miles—at $9,200, less than a twelfth of the mileage of the first Indy Pace Car in this auction adds $5,200 to the price.
  • 1988 guards red Porsche 928 S4 hatchback coupe with black leather seats, a 320 bhp 5.0 liter/302 ci V8 with Bosch fuel injection, an automatic, and 56,000 miles—$18,500. More and more 928s are making an appearance at auction; it was the turn of the S4 version at this particular venue.
  • 1989 regatta blue Ford Mustang GT convertible with titanium lower cladding, a black top, opal gray leather seats, a Windsor 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 8,700 miles—$23,000
  • 1986 black Ford Mustang GT convertible with a black top, charcoal cloth seats, a Windsor 200 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 20,000 miles—$21,000
  • 1988 cabernet red Ford Mustang GT convertible with titanium lower cladding, a black top, gray leather seats, a Windsor 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 59,000 miles—$11,000
  • 1988 white Ford Mustang GT convertible with a white top, red cloth seats, a Windsor 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$10,500. If you were looking for a Fox-body convertible and didn’t leave with one after this auction, you weren’t really trying.
  • 1987 red Nissan 300ZX hatchback coupe with black/gray cloth seats, a VG30 160 bhp 3.0 liter/181 ci V6 with fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$4,500

Friday, June 22nd:

  • 1988 british racing green Jaguar XJ6 Series III sedan with tan leather seats, an AJ6 181 bhp 3.6 liter/219 ci inline six with Lucas-Bosch fuel injection, an automatic, and 23,000 miles—an ouch! at $3,000.
  • 1980 bright blue metallic Chevrolet Camaro Rally Sport coupe with black vinyl seats, an LC3 115 bhp 3.8 liter/229 ci V6 with a Rochester M2ME two-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 45,000 miles—$4,700 for this honest, fairly original car that no one ever tried to turn into a Z28. The new owner’s challenge will be that 14 second 0-60 time …
  • 1984 white Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with gray cloth seats, a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a Rochester four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 29,000 miles—$6,500
  • 1988 blue Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible with a hard top, beige leather seats, a 227 bhp 5.5 liter/338 ci V8 with Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection, and an automatic—$20,000
  • 1986 red Porsche 944 hatchback coupe with black leather seats, a 150 bhp 2.7 liter/164 ci inline four with Bosch fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 99,000 miles—$14,000
  • 1987 scarlet red Ford Mustang GT fastback coupe with gray cloth seats, a Windsor 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 62,000 miles—$9,000
  • 1987 green AM General Humvee SUV with a green interior, a 6.2 liter diesel V8, and an automatic—$20,000
  • 1980 orange Jeep CJ-7 custom (engine, wheels) SUV with gray seats, a 119 bhp 5.0 liter/304 ci V8 with Motorcraft two-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$12,500
  • 1988 guards red Porsche 928 S4 hatchback coupe with black leather seats, a 320 bhp 5.0 liter/302 ci V8 with Bosch fuel injection, an automatic, and 26,000 miles—$20,000
  • 1988 red BMW M3 coupe with black leather seats, an S14 192 bhp 2.3 liter/141 ci inline four with Bosch Motronic fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$35,000 is between #3/Good and #4/Fair money, according to Hagerty’s valuation tools. Eighties M3s have gotten serious over the last three years.
  • 1981 silver Pontiac Firebird Trans Am coupe with silver seats, a 150 bhp 4.9 liter/301 ci V8 with Rochester four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$18,000
  • 1986 black Jeep CJ-7 custom (paint, interior, wheels) SUV with black leather seats, a 112 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with Carter two-barrel carburetor, and a five-speed manual—$17,700
  • 1980 brown Jeep CJ-5 custom (paint, body) SUV with black seats, a 112 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with Carter two-barrel carburetor, and a four-speed manual—$9,500
  • 1987 black Buick Grand National custom (engine, transmission, wheels) coupe with black/gray cloth seats, a Vortec 5.3 liter/325 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$27,000
  • 1985 black Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe custom (engine, brakes, paint, interior, wheels) with black seats, a 383 ci V8, and an automatic—$39,000
  • 1983 platinum metz Porsche 944 hatchback coupe with tan seats, a 150 bhp 2.5 liter/151 ci inline four with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 42,000 miles—$14,000
  • 1987 flame red metallic Chevrolet Corvette hatchback coupe with saddle leather seats, an L98 240 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 71,000 miles—$6,000

Saturday, June 23rd:

  • 1989 red Chrysler Conquest TSi hatchback coupe with black seats, a Mitsubishi 4G54 188 bhp 2.6 liter/156 ci inline four with turbocharger and fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 69,000 miles—$9,000 for this almost wholly vanished variant of the itself rare Mitsubishi Starion, definitively the most interesting car at this auction by the Who Saves These Cars? criteria.
  • 1985 blue Mercedes-Benz 280SL convertible with gray seats, a 182 bhp 2.7 liter/168 ci inline six with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, and an automatic—$8,000 for this European-market SL
  • 1985 white Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 convertible conversion with gray seats, a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$7,000
  • 1985 gray Rolls-Royce Silver Spur sedan with tan leather seats, a 6.75 liter/412 ci V8, and an automatic—$11,000
  • 1988 guards red Porsche 930 coupe with black leather seats, the factory Slantnose option, a 282 bhp 3.3 liter/201 ci flat six with turbocharger and fuel injection, a four-speed manual, and 44,000 miles—$102,000
  • 1986 white gold metallic Porsche 930 coupe with burgundy leather seats, a 282 bhp 3.3 liter/201 ci flat six with turbocharger and fuel injection, a four-speed manual, and 66,000 miles—$65,000
  • 1984 red de Tomaso Pantera GT5 coupe with tan leather seats, a Cleveland 345 bhp 5.8 liter/351 ci V8 with Holley four-barrel carburetor, a five-speed manual, and 38,000 miles—$125,000
  • 1987 black Chevrolet Corvette Callaway hatchback coupe with red leather seats, a 345 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with turbocharger and fuel injection, and an automatic—$19,000
  • 1981 stainless steel DeLorean DMC-12 coupe with gray seats, a ZMJ-159 130 bhp 2.8 liter/174 ci V6 with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 8,000 miles—$49,000
  • 1984 dark indigo Porsche 930 coupe with black leather seats, a 300 bhp 3.3 liter/201 ci flat six with a turbocharger and fuel injection, a four-speed manual, and 52,000 miles—$75,000 for this gray market car
  • 1988 black Land Rover 110 custom (engine, body) SUV with black seats, a 340 ci V8 with fuel injection, and a six-speed manual—$80,000
  • 1988 white Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary Edition hatchback coupe with white leather seats, an L98 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—this car once again sells for charity, this time for $60,000
  • 1987 gunmetal Land Rover 110 custom (engine, suspension, body, wheels) SUV with black seats, a 2.5 liter diesel inline four, and a five-speed manual—$55,000
  • 1987 bright orange Land Rover 90 custom (engine, body, interior, wheels) pickup truck with orange and black seats, a 2.5 liter diesel inline four with a turbocharger, and a five-speed manual—$51,000
  • 1989 silver blue metallic Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible with a navy blue convertible top, a hard top, dark blue leather seats, a 227 bhp 5.5 liter/338 ci V8 with Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection, and an automatic—$11,000

I see a lot of Chevrolets, Fords, Jeeps, and Porsches. What do you think of this auction’s results?

1981 Ford Escort hatchback coupe

“Built to take on the world.”

Ford’s biggest news for 1981 was the all-new Escort. Marketed as a “World Car,” the Escort replaced the unloved Pinto and represented a three billion dollar commitment from Ford. The new Escort was shorter, thinner, taller, and about 400 pounds lighter than the Pinto it supplanted.

The Escort’s standard powertrain was the Compound Valve Hemispherical (CVH) 65 bhp 1.6 liter/98 ci inline four with Holley-Weber 5740 2-barrel carburetor paired to a four-speed manual transmission (a three-speed automatic was a $344 option). Mileage with the standard powertrain was impressive: 28 city/43 highway by the day’s standards (about 23/31 by 2025 measures). Acceleration was less so: 0-60 came in about 14 seconds in the approximately 2,000-pound car. With a 10-gallon fuel tank, Escort drivers could expect a range of from 260 to 285 miles with a 10% fuel reserve.

Standard exterior and mechanical equipment on the $5,158 base Escort (about $19,600 in today’s dollars) included front wheel drive, rack-and-pinion steering, a fully independent four-wheel suspension, halogen headlamps, and P155/80R13 tires (a size still available thanks to Kumho) on 13-inch steel wheels. Inside, high-back body-contoured front bucket seats, a fold-down rear bench seat, and an AM radio were included.

As was often true with 1980s Fords, there were many trim levels. L added bright headlamp surrounds and a bright grill along with other brightwork. Moving up to the GL gave the purchaser reclining bucket seats and a four-spoke steering wheel. GLX added dual color-keyed remote sport mirrors, digital clock, locking glovebox, and P165/80R13 tires on styled steel wheels—but started at $6,476 (about $19,200 in 2018 dollars).

Fitting between the GL and the GLX in price, the somewhat sporty SS included black grill and headlamp housing, tape striping, and handling suspension ($37 for other Escorts).

Options & Production Numbers

Exterior and mechanical options included power brakes ($79) and power steering ($163). Inside, air conditioning ($530), fingertip speed control ($132), a floor console ($98), cloth/vinyl seat trim ($28), and an AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player ($187) were all available.

The first-year Escort and its platform-mate Mercury Lynx sold well: 193,000 Escort hatchback coupes, 128,000 Escort liftback sedans, 73,000 Lynx hatchback coupes, and 39,000 Lynx liftback sedans, making for a total of over 430,000.

The View From 2025

First-generation Escorts and Lynx’s were once so prevalent on American roads, but have virtually disappeared by now. You do occasionally see Escorts for sale in the Hemming’s Motor News classifieds and on eBay Motors, but there were none out there as I update this blog entry in June 2025. Bring a Trailer has sold a total of four first-generation US Escorts in a decade—the UK versions (deservedly) attract far more collector interest.

Make mine the extra-cost Medium Red Glow, please.

The only other 1981 Ford I have written about is the Mustang coupe. I have also written about the rare 1987 Mercury Lynx XR3 hatchback coupe.

Last updated June 2025.

1985 Pontiac Grand Am coupe

“Introducing a brilliant new driver’s coupe”

The Grand Am name returned for the 1985 model year. Instead of the rear-wheel-drive coupe and sedan that it had been in its previous two lives from 1973 to 1980 (with none in 1976 or 1977), it was now a front-wheel-drive coupe, part of GM’s N-body offerings. As such, its first relatives were the Buick Somerset Regal and the Oldsmobile Calais.

The standard powertrain on the Grand Am was GM’s Tech IV 92 bhp 2.5 liter/151 ci inline four with throttle-body fuel injection connected to a five-speed manual. For $560, optional power was the LN7 125 bhp 3.0 liter/181 ci V6 with fuel injection, which required the $425 automatic transmission (also available with the base engine). 0-60 times for early N-body cars are hard to come by, but were likely about 10.5 seconds for the standard powertrain and about 9.0 seconds for the V6/automatic combination—the 2,419-pound shipping weight helped. Mileage with the standard powertrain was rated at 24 city/34 highway by the day’s standards (21/31 by today’s measures). With the 13.6-gallon tank, Grand Am buyers could expect a range of 310 to 350 miles with a 10% fuel reserve.

Standard exterior and mechanical equipment on the $7,995 base coupe (about $24,400 in 2025 dollars) included power rack and pinion steering, power front disc/rear drum brakes, and P185/80R13 tires (now a trailer size) on 13-inch Rally wheels. Inside, reclining bucket seats and an integral floor console were included.

The LE (starting at $8,495 or about $25,900 in today’s dollars) included “substantial body side moldings,” upgraded front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, deluxe door trim, and a fold-down rear seat armrest.

Options included the Rally Tuned suspension ($50) and cruise control ($175). A Driver’s Package was also available, which included 215/60R14 Goodyear Eagle GT radials (a size available thanks to BFGoodrich and Riken) on 14-inch turbo cast aluminum wheels, “sport-tuned” front and rear stabilizers, and a Driver Information Center.

The View From 2025

I think these were handsome cars, especially with those turbo cast aluminum wheels—Pontiac had great wheel designs in the eighties. Like many American cars of the era that aren’t considered to be collectible, they have essentially vanished despite over 82,000 sold in 1985 alone. They’re invisible in the Hemming’s Motor News classifieds and on eBay Motors and are hard to find anywhere—Bring a Trailer has sold two 1990 models, but none from the eighties.

Make mine Red, please.

Last updated June 2025.

1989 Jaguar XJ-S convertible

“A car for all seasons …”

For 1989, a full convertible version of the Jaguar XJ-S finally became available after five years of the little-loved targa convertible. The power top, which could go up and down in as little as 12 seconds, was padded, lined, and included a heated glass rear window.

The only powertrain available for any XJ-S continued to be the 262 bhp H.E. 5.3 liter/326 ci V12 with Lucas-Bosch fuel injection paired with a three-speed automatic transmission sourced from General Motors (a powertrain that had been around since 1982). Performance was respectable for the almost 4,200-pound convertible: 0-60 mph in a little under 9 seconds. Mileage remained what you might expect from a thirsty V12—12 city/16 highway by the standards of the day (11/15 by today’s standards). With a 21.7-gallon fuel tank, an XJ-S owner could expect a range of between 250 and 275 miles, with a 10% fuel reserve.

1989 Jaguar XJ-S convertible advertisement

Standard equipment on the $57,000 car (about $151,300 in today’s dollars) included a four-wheel independent suspension, power steering, and four-wheel anti-lock power disc brakes. 15-inch alloy wheels were paired with Pirelli P600 235/60VR15 tires—which are still available!

Inside, the buyer received air conditioning with automatic temperature control, power windows, heated power mirrors, power door locks, intermittent windshield wipers, cruise control, and an AM/FM stereo cassette with Dolby and metal tape capability. New sport-contoured seats featured power-variable lumbar support and electric heating elements.

The View From 2025

The Jaguar XJ-S has good club support, and there are some restoration parts available. There’s also a free 738-page (!) ebook written by an XJ-S owner named Kirby Palm and featuring much hard-earned advice. Keeping an XJ-S at 100% is non-trivial—as it is with so many high-end eighties cars.

Like all Jaguars, XJ-S convertibles have a following and make frequent appearances in the Hemming’s Motor News classifieds, on eBay Motors, and on Bring a Trailer. According to Hagerty’s valuation tools, all the money for a 1989 XJ-S convertible in #1/Concours condition is $45,000, with a far more typical #3/Good car going for $16,400.

Make mine British Racing Green, please.

Two other eighties Jaguars I have written about are the 1982 XJ-S H.E. coupe and the 1983 XJ6 sedan.

Last updated March 2025.

1981: What Cars Are Collectible?

The question always arises: what cars are considered collectable? One way is to look at what Hagerty tracks with their valuation tools. For 1981 cars, the full list is below—I have added a few comments.

question mark graphic

Alfa Romeo; GTV-6 hatchback coupe, Spyder convertible

Alpine; A310 coupe

Aston Martin; Lagonda sedan, V8 coupe and convertible

Avanti; Avanti II coupe

Bentley; Corniche convertible, Mulsanne sedan

Bitter; SC coupe

BMW; 320i coupe, 633CSi coupe, 733i sedan, M1 coupe

Bristol; 412 convertible

Buick; Regal coupe, Riviera coupe

Cadillac; DeVille coupe and sedan, Eldorado coupe, Fleetwood coupe and sedan, Seville sedan

Checker; Marathon sedan

Chevrolet; C10/K10 pickup truck, C10/K10 Blazer SUV, C10/K10 Suburban SUV, C20/K20 pickup truck, C20/K20 Suburban SUV, C30/K30 pickup truck, Camaro coupe, Corvette coupe, El Camino pickup truck

Chrysler; Imperial coupe

Clenet; SII convertible

Datsun; 280ZX hatchback coupe

Delorean; DMC-12 coupe

DeTomaso; Deauville sedan, Pantera coupe

Dodge; Ramcharger SUV

Excalibur; Series IV convertible

Ferrari; 308 GTBi/GTSi coupe, 400i coupe, 512 BB coupe, Mondial coupe

Fiat; 2000 convertible, X1/9 coupe

Ford; Bronco SUV, F-100 pickup truck, F-150 pickup truck, F-250 pickup truck, F-350 pickup truck, GT40 coupe and convertible, Mustang coupe and hatchback coupe, Thunderbird coupe

GMC; C1500/K1500 pickup truck, C2500/K2500 pickup truck, C3500/K3500 pickup truck, Caballero pickup truck

Jaguar; XJ-6 sedan, XJ-S coupe

Jeep; Cherokee SUV, CJ-5 SUV, CJ-7 SUV, CJ-8 Scrambler pickup truck, Wagoneer SUV

Lamborghini; Countach coupe

Lancia; Beta coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon, Gamma coupe and sedan, Scorpion coupe

Lincoln; Continental coupe and sedan, Continental Mark VI coupe and sedan

Lotus; Esprit coupe

Maserati; Kyalami coupe, Merak coupe, Quattroporte III sedan

Matra; Murena coupe

Mazda; RX-7 hatchback coupe

Mercedes-Benz; 240D sedan, 280CE coupe, 280E sedan, 300CD coupe, 300D sedan, 300SD sedan, 300TD station wagon, 380SEL sedan, 380SL convertible, 380SLC coupe

Morgan; 4/4 convertible, Plus 8 convertible

Panther; DeVille convertible and sedan, J72 convertible, Kallista convertible

Peugeot; 504 convertible

Plymouth; Trail Duster SUV

Pontiac; Firebird coupe

Porsche; 911 coupe, 924 hatchback coupe, 928 hatchback coupe

Puma; GT coupe, GTC coupe and convertible

Replicar; sedan and convertible

Rolls-Royce; Camargue coupe, Corniche I convertible, Phantom VI sedan, Silver Spirit sedan, Silver Spur sedan

Saab; 99 coupe

Stutz; Bearcat convertible, Blackhawk coupe, Iv-Porte sedan, Royale sedan

Toyota; Celica hatchback coupe, Land Cruiser SUV

Triumph; TR7 convertible, TR8 coupe and convertible

Volvo; 262C coupe

Hagerty casts a wide net, except when they don’t (why does the Toronado go away in 1981 if it was around in 1980?). Speaking of going away, AMC, International, and Subaru all get no love when it comes to 1981 models.

Coupes are dominant—37% of 128 models listed with an additional 5% being hatchback coupes. Unsurprisingly, the rarest body style is a station wagon, at 2%.

Eighties Vehicles at the 2018 Mecum Indianapolis

As usual Mecum’s huge May auction in Indianapolis provided much interesting fodder for commentary. I’ll concentrate on the at least fairly stock 1980s cars (and a few trucks) that sold (remember that Mecum auctions are not “no reserve” auctions—a green, gold, and white 1989 Porsche 962 Miller High Life race car was a no sale bid up to $1,500,000) and add some of my opinions. Eighties vehicles were about 7% of the 1,242 vehicle lots sold in this auction.

Tuesday, May 15th:

  • 1982 silver blue/dark blue two-tone Chevrolet Corvette coupe with dark blue interior, an L83 Cross-Fire 200 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, and an automatic—a $3,570 hammer price marks an ignominious start for eighties vehicles.
  • 1988 red Cadillac Allanté convertible with tan leather seats, an HT-4100 170 bhp 4.1 liter/249 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 39,000 miles—$6,250
  • 1985 red Jaguar XJS coupe with gray leather seats, an HE 262 bhp 5.3 liter/326 ci V12 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 48,000 miles—$5,000
  • 1985 silver Porsche 928 S hatchback coupe with black leather seats, a 288 bhp 4.7 liter/285 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 64,000 miles—$8,750
  • 1983 tank green Honda Civic custom station wagon with green seats, a B18B 1.8 liter/121 ci inline four with fuel injection from an Acura Integra, and a five-speed manual—$11,500
  • 1988 white Chevrolet 3500 Cheyenne stake flatbed truck with tan bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 54,000 miles—$8,000
  • 1980 dark green metallic Chevrolet Corvette coupe with doeskin leather seats, an unknown (could be an L48 or an L82) 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with Rochester four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 88,000 miles—$7,000
  • 1987 red Jeep Wrangler SUV with black seats, a 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with Carter two-barrel carburetor, a five-speed manual, and 2,700 miles—at $20,000 the first vehicle in this auction to meet my criteria for serious 1980s collectability of original cars or trucks: selling for equal to or above its original base list price. I’ll mark these vehicles in bold green.
  • 1986 gray GMC Sierra Classic mild custom pickup truck with gray cloth bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$16,000
  • 1981 dark maroon metallic Pontiac Firebird Trans Am coupe with tan seats, a 145 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with 4-barrel carburetor, a four-speed manual, and 76,000 miles—$12,500
  • 1985 silver/blue two-tone Chevrolet El Camino Conquista pickup truck with blue velour bench seat, an LG4 145 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with 4-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$7,500
  • 1986 orange/red two-tone Ford F150 Supercab XLT Lariet pickup truck with red seats, a Windsor 5.8 liter/351 ci V8 with four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 53,000 miles—$7,500
  • 1980 red Chevrolet Corvette coupe with black leather seats, an unknown (could be an L48 or an L82) 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with Rochester four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$7,500
  • 1983 beige Lincoln Continental Mark VI coupe with beige leather seats, a 4.9 liter/302 cubic inch V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—an ouch! at $1,000.
  • 1984 light bronze/dark bronze two-tone Chevrolet Corvette coupe with bronze leather seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 205 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, and an automatic—$4,570
  • 1984 autumn maple firemist Buick Regal custom station wagon with brown cloth seats, a 7.5 liter/455 ci V8 (!) and an automatic—$8,000
  • 1985 blue GMC K15 mild custom (lifted, tires, exhaust) pickup truck with blue cloth seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$13,000
  • 1986 white Chevrolet custom pickup truck with a burgundy interior, an 8.8 liter/536 ci V8, and an automatic—$12,000
  • 1986 white Ford F150 mild custom (wheels, exhaust) pickup truck with a red interior, a Windsor 4.9 liter/302 ci V8, and an automatic—$9,750
  • 1984 white Mazda RX-7 mild custom (body kit, wheels) hatchback coupe with red cloth seats, a 12A 101 bhp 1.1 liter/70 ci two-rotor Wankel, and a five-speed manual—$4,000
  • 1985 black Mercury Grand Marquis sedan with a maroon interior, 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 43,000 miles—$3,750
  • 1986 yellow Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car Edition convertible with black seats, a black convertible top, an L98 235 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, the Doug Nash 4+3, and 5,000 miles—$16,000
  • 1984 brown/beige two-tone Volkswagen Vanagon Campmobile Wolfsburg Edition van with a brown cloth interior, an 83 bhp 1.9 liter/117 ci inline four with fuel injection, a four-speed manual, and 82,000 miles—$16,500

    1984 Volkswagen Vanagon Campmobile Wolfsburg Edition, linked from Mecum’s website.
  • 1980 silver Mercedes-Benz 450SL convertible with a hard top, blue leather seats, a 160 bhp 4.5 liter/276 ci V8 with Bosch Jetronic fuel injection, and an automatic—$15,000
  • 1985 gold Oldsmobile Toronado Caliente coupe with tan leather seats, a 140 bhp 5.0 liter/307 cubic inch V8 with Rochester four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 27,000 miles—$8,250
  • 1986 canyon red metallic Ford Mustang GT convertible with a black top, gray leather seats, a 200 bhp 4.9 liter/302 cubic inch V8 with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 95,000 miles—$9,500
  • 1984 blue Buick Regal T-Type coupe with a blue interior, a 200 bhp 3.8 liter/231 ci V6 with fuel injection and turbocharger, and an automatic—$9,000
  • 1987 maroon Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA hatchback coupe with a gray interior, an LB9 190 bhp 5.0 liter/305 cubic inch V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 52,000 miles—$9,500
  • 1986 dark brown Chevrolet C10 mild custom (exhaust, fender skirts) pickup truck with a tan interior, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$10,000
  • 1988 gray Porsche 928 S4 hatchback coupe with beige/burgundy leather seats, a 320 bhp 5.0 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$7,500
  • 1981 blue Chevrolet C10 pickup truck with a blue interior, a 5.0 liter/305 ci V8, and an automatic—$1,250
  • 1989 maroon Porsche 928 S4 hatchback coupe with tan leather seats, a 320 bhp 5.0 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$29,000 is #3 money according to Hagerty’s valuation tools.
  • 1989 red Mercedes-Benz 560SL convertible with a hard top, beige leather seats, a 227 bhp 5.5 liter/338 cubic inch V8 with Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection, and an automatic—$6,500

Wednesday, May 16th:

  • 1982 black Chevrolet crew cab pickup truck—$3,250
  • 1982 silver beige Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition hatchback coupe with beige leather seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 200 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 4,500 miles—$21,500
  • 1985 white Mercury Capri ASC/McLaren hatchback coupe with gray cloth seats, a 210 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with four-barrel carburetor, a five-speed manual, and 17,000 miles—$19,000
  • 1987 red Ford Mustang ASC/McLaren convertible with a black top, gray leather seats, a 200 bhp 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$9,000
  • 1987 red Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z hatchback coupe with saddle cloth seats, an LB9 190 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$6,000
  • 1986 midnight blue Chevrolet C10 custom (engine, wheels) pickup truck with a blue cloth bench seat, a 7.4 liter/454 ci V8, and an automatic—$18,000
  • 1986 red Nissan Safari fire truck with blue seats, an unknown inline six, a five-speed manual, and 5,600 miles—$4,250
  • 1988 black Toyota Crown hearse with blue seats, an unknown inline six, a four-speed manual, and 38,000 miles—$9,000
  • 1981 martinique blue Pontiac Firebird Trans Am custom (engine, body, wheels) coupe with a 6.6 liter/400 ci V8 and a four-speed manual—$17,000
  • 1985 burgundy Zimmer Golden Spirit coupe with red leather seats, a 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$17,500 for this Mustang-based “neo-classic.”
  • 1989 red Chevrolet Corvette convertible with a white convertible top, red leather seats, an L98 240 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 5,600 miles—$16,000
  • 1983 black/silver two-tone Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais Hurst/Olds 15th Anniversary coupe with gray cloth seats, a 180 bhp 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with Rochester four-barrel carburetor, an automatic attached to that famous lightning rod shifter, and 41,000 miles—$19,000
  • 1989 red Chevrolet Camaro RS hatchback coupe with gray cloth seats, an L03 170 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, and an automatic—$5,500. Almost all eighties Camaro auction action centers around Z28s and IROCs; rare indeed are the sport coupes, Berlinettas, and RSs.

    1989 Chevrolet Camaro RS, linked from Mecum’s website.
  • 1980 red Chevrolet Camaro Z28 custom (engine, exhaust, wheels) coupe with gray cloth seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and a four-speed manual—$16,000
  • 1986 black Porsche 944 Turbo custom (body, wheels) hatchback coupe with a black interior, a 2.5 liter inline with fuel injection and turbocharger, and a five-speed manual—$24,000
  • 1982 white Pontiac Firebird Trans Am very custom (engine, body) hatchback coupe with a black interior, a 9.1 liter/555 ci V8 with a supercharger, and an automatic—$14,500
  • 1983 silver/black two-tone Rolls-Royce Silver Spur sedan with black leather seats, a 6.8 liter/412 ci V8, and an automatic, and 23,000 miles—$16,000
  • 1981 red Chevrolet Corvette coupe with an L81 190 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 19,000 miles—$8,500

Thursday, May 17th:

  • 1987 black Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS coupe with maroon cloth 55/45 seats, a B4V 180 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci “H.O.” V8 with Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 17,000 mile—$16,000
  • 1987 beige Zimmer Golden Spirit coupe with tan leather seats, a 4.9 liter/302 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$18,500. Two Zimmers in the same auction?
  • 1981 red Chevrolet Corvette coupe with red leather seats, an L81 190 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic—$10,500
  • 1989 blue Ford Bronco XLT SUV with tan cloth seats, a Windsor 210 bhp 5.8 liter/351 cubic inch V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$24,000
  • 1984 blue Chevrolet pickup truck with a blue vinyl bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, and an automatic—$14,000
  • 1986 red Pontiac Fiero SE coupe with an L44 140 bhp 2.8 liter/173 ci V6 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 8,300 miles—$8,000
  • 1986 orange Chevrolet custom (body, engine, interior) pickup truck with brown leather seats, a 6.3 liter/383 ci V8, and an automatic—$17,000
  • 1984 brown Jeep CJ-7 Renegade SUV with tan vinyl seats, a 105 bhp 2.5 liter/150 ci inline four with Carter YFA one-barrel carburetor, a four-speed manual, and 42,000 miles—$12,000
  • 1984 silver Nissan President sedan with gray tufted cloth seats, a Y44E 200 bhp 4.4 liter V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 42,000 miles—$8,000
  • 1984 white Porsche 928 S hatchback coupe with tan leather seats, a 288 bhp 4.7 liter/285 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$23,000
  • 1980 francisco red Pontiac Firebird coupe with a red interior, an “original powertrain” (could be 3.8 liter V6, 4.3 liter V8, 4.9 liter V8, or 5.0 liter V8, but I’m betting it one of the first two), an automatic, and 18,000 miles—$12,500
  • 1981 white Chevrolet Corvette coupe with red leather seats, an L81 190 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 15,000 miles—$16,000
  • 1988 red BMW 325i convertible with a black top, black leather seats, a 168 bhp 2.5 liter/152 ci inline six with Bosch Motronic fuel injection, and an automatic—$5,000
  • 1984 red Chevrolet custom (engine, interior, paint) pickup truck with red/black bench seat, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8, an automatic, and 90,000 miles—$12,000
  • 1982 blue/silver Datsun 280ZX coupe with blue/silver leather seats, an L28E 145 bhp 2.8 liter/168 ci inline six with fuel injection, and an automatic—$5,000
  • 1981 stainless steel DeLorean DMC-12 coupe with gray leather seats, a 130 bhp 2.8 liter/173 cubic inch V6 with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, an automatic, and approximately 50,000 miles—$18,000
  • 1988 black Ford Mustang Saleen convertible with a black top, gray leather seats, a 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 cubic inch V8 with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 14,000 miles—$28,500
  • 1982 black Porsche 930 Turbo coupe with black leather seats, a 3.3 liter flat six with fuel injection and turbocharger, a four-speed manual, and 17,000 miles—$67,000 makes for the highest eighties vehicle sale of the week.
  • 1987 red/black two-tone Chevrolet S10 Blazer SUV with red cloth seats, a 2.8 liter/173 ci V6 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 50,000 miles—$12,500
  • 1986 black Shelby Omni GLH-S hatchback sedan with gray cloth seats, a 175 bhp 2.2 liter/135 ci inline four with fuel injection and turbocharger, a five-speed manual, and 23,000 miles—$34,000

    1986 Shelby Omni GLH-S, linked from Mecum’s website.
  • 1989 red Porsche 944 hatchback coupe with black seats, a 165 bhp 2.7 liter/164 ci inline four with Bosch fuel injection, and a five-speed manual—$9,500
  • 1988 dark shadow blue metallic Ford Mustang SSP coupe with a black top, blue cloth seats, a 225 bhp 4.9 liter/302 cubic inch V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$19,000

Friday, May 18th:

  • 1983 orange Toyota pickup truck with beige seats, an 22R 2.4 liter/144 ci inline four, a five-speed manual, and 60,000 miles—$17,000

    1983 Toyota pickup truck, linked from Mecum’s website.
  • 1984 black/silver two-tone Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais Hurst/Olds coupe with maroon cloth seats, a 180 bhp 5.0 liter/307 ci V8 with Rochester four-barrel carburetor, an automatic attached to that famous lightning rod shifter, and 59,000 miles—$19,000
  • 1982 silver beige Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition hatchback coupe with silver beige leather seats, an L83 Cross-Fire 200 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 9,500 miles—$18,000
  • 1989 white Dodge Ramcharger LE mild custom (lift kit) SUV with blue cloth seats, a 5.8 liter/360 ci V8 with fuel injection, and a four-speed manual—$21,000

Saturday, May 19th:

  • 1989 white Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z mild custom (wheels, seats) convertible with a black top, white leather seats, the base L03 170 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with throttle body fuel injection, an automatic, and 64,000 miles—$6,500
  • 1982 pale yellow Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible with a saddle top, saddle leather seats, a 220 bhp 6.75 liter/412 ci V8 with Bosch fuel injection, an automatic, and 57,000 miles—$36,000
  • 1985 dark red Oldsmobile Toronado Caliente coupe with dark red leather seats, a 140 bhp 5.0 liter/307 cubic inch V8 with Rochester four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 12,000 miles—$25,000. Suddenly, eighties Toronados are showing up at auction.

    1985 Oldsmobile Toronado Caliente, linked from Mecum’s website.
  • 1981 gold metallic Chevrolet Camaro Z28 coupe with camel vinyl seats, an LG4 165 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci V8 with four-barrel carburetor, a four-speed manual, and 12,000 miles—$33,000
  • 1985 red Porsche 911 Carrera Targa coupe with black leather seats, a 207 bhp 3.2 liter/193 ci flat six with fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 52,000 miles—$50,000
  • 1986 yellow Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car Edition convertible with a black convertible top, black seats, an L98 235 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 5,000 miles—part of 16 vehicle Corvette pace car collection that sold for $1.6 million.
  • 1985 red Chevrolet Corvette custom (engine, exhaust, wheels) coupe with red leather seats, a 6.9 liter/420 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 770 miles—$23,000

Sunday, May 20th:

  • 1986 yellow Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car Edition convertible with black leather seats, an L98 235 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, and an automatic—$18,000
  • 1989 british racing green Jaguar XJS convertible with a tan convertible top, tan leather seats, an HE 262 bhp 5.3 liter/326 ci V12 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 85,000 miles—$5,500
  • 1986 black Buick Regal Grand National coupe with black/silver cloth seats, an LC2 235 bhp 3.8 liter/231 ci V6 with fuel injection, turbocharger, and intercooler, an automatic, and 67,000 miles—$18,000
  • 1981 red Chevrolet Corvette custom (engine, exhaust) coupe with black cloth seats, a 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with Edelbrock carburetor, an automatic, and 13,000 miles—$15,000
  • 1988 red Porsche 944 S hatchback coupe with black seats, a 187 bhp 2.5 liter/152 ci inline four with Bosch fuel injection, a five-speed manual, and 102,000 miles—$4,500
  • 1986 white Chevrolet Corvette convertible with a white convertible top, red leather seats, an L98 235 bhp 5.7 liter/350 ci V8 with fuel injection, an automatic, and 16,000 miles—$15,000
  • 1988 white Bentley Turbo R sedan with blue leather seats, an approximately 325 bhp 6.75 liter/412 ci V8 with Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection and turbocharger, and an automatic—$5,000
  • 1987 dark maroon metallic Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS mild custom (hood) coupe with maroon interior, a B4V 180 bhp 5.0 liter/305 ci “H.O.” V8 with Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, an automatic, and 27,000 miles—$7,500

I found it striking how General Motors dominated the eighties vehicle sales at Mecum Indy—all told, GM vehicles marked 54% of eighties sales, with Chevrolet alone accounting for 37%. What do you think of these results?

1980 MG MGB convertible

Writing a blog entry on cars from 1980 that Hagerty considers to be collectible reminded me that I should probably do an entry on the last of the MGBs.

“The Classic Breed”

1980 was the final year for MG’s MGB convertible, which had been in production since 1962.

Changes for 1980 were minimal. The standard and only powertrain remained the 62.5 bhp (not 62 or 63!) 1.8 liter/110 ci inline four with a Zenith-Stromberg 175 CD carburetor paired with a four-speed manual transmission. 0-60 mph came in a leisurely 16 seconds in the 2,400-pound car. Fuel mileage was decent by the day’s standards: rated at 16 city/30 highway. With a 13-gallon gas tank, an MGB driver could expect a range of about 245 to 265 miles with a 10% fuel reserve.

1980 MG MGB print advertisement
1980 MG MGB print advertisement

Standard exterior and mechanical equipment on the $7,950 MGB (about $33,800 in today’s dollars) included a tonneau cover, a laminated safety glass windshield, rack and pinion steering, power front disc/rear drum brakes, and 165/80-14 radial ply tires (a size still available thanks to Vredestein) on 14-inch Rostyle wheels. Inside, vinyl bucket seats with adjustable head restraints, a center console with a cigarette lighter and heater controls, a lockable glovebox, a map pocket, an electric tachometer, a trip odometer, a map light, and a clock were standard.

Options & One Limited Edition

Optional equipment included an electrically-operated overdrive for the transmission, a luggage rack, “traditional” wire wheels, air conditioning ($653), and various radios with either 8-track or cassette players included.

The Limited Edition that had debuted in 1979 remained available and popular, with 6,668 produced over the two years. In addition to black paint, the Limited Edition included silver body stripes, 5-spoke alloy wheels, an air dam, boot and tonneau covers, chrome luggage rack, a leather padded 3-spoke steering wheel, a Limited Edition dash plaque, and Limited Edition thresholds. All of this cost $600.

The View From 2025

Like all MGs, MGBs have a following and frequently appear in the Hemming’s Motor News classifieds, on eBay Motors, and on Bring a Trailer. According to Hagerty’s valuation tools, a 1980 MGB in #1/Concours condition is $21,500, with a far more typical #3/Good car going for $6,100. A Limited Edition goes for about $1,500 more. As I update this blog entry in September 2025, there is a 1980 MGB Limited Edition with a black interior and 55,000 miles for sale on Hemmings, asking $24,900.

Make mine Brooklands Green, please.

Other sports cars from 1980 I have written about include the Chevrolet Corvette coupe, the Datsun 280-ZX hatchback coupe, the Mercedes-Benz 450SL convertible, the Porsche 911 SC coupe, and the Porsche 924 hatchback coupe.

Last updated September 2025.

1980: What Cars Are Collectible?

The question always arises: what cars are considered collectable? One way is to look at what Hagerty tracks with their valuation tools. For 1980 cars, the full list is below—I have added a few comments.

question mark graphic

Alfa Romeo; Spyder convertible

Alpine; A310 coupe

American Motors; AMX hatchback coupe (in its final year), Pacer hatchback coupe and station wagon, but no Eagle

Aston Martin; Lagonda sedan, V8 coupe and convertible

Avanti; Avanti II coupe

Bentley; Corniche convertible, T2 sedan

BMW; 320i coupe, 633CSi coupe, 733i sedan, M1 coupe

Bristol; 412 convertible

Buick; Regal coupe, Riviera coupe

Cadillac; DeVille coupe and sedan, Eldorado coupe, Fleetwood coupe and sedan, Seville sedan

Checker; Marathon sedan

Chevrolet; C10/K10 pickup truck, C10/K10 Blazer SUV, C10/K10 Suburban SUV, C20/K20 pickup truck, C20/K20 Suburban SUV, Camaro coupe, Corvette coupe, El Camino pickup truck

Clenet; SII convertible

Datsun; 280ZX hatchback coupe

DeTomaso; Deauville sedan (a car I’d never heard of before)

Dodge; D150/W150 pickup truck, D200/W200 pickup truck, D300 pickup truck, Ramcharger SUV

Excalibur; Series IV convertible

Ferrari; 308 GTBi/GTSi coupe, 400i coupe, 512 BB coupe, Mondial coupe

Fiat; 2000 convertible, X1/9 coupe

Ford; Bronco SUV, F-100 pickup truck, F-150 pickup truck, F-250 pickup truck, F-350 pickup truck, Mustang coupe and hatchback coupe, Thunderbird coupe

GMC; C1500/K1500 pickup truck, C2500/K2500 pickup truck, C3500/K3500 pickup truck, Caballero pickup truck

International; Scout II SUV

Jaguar; XJ-6 sedan, XJ-S coupe

Jeep; Cherokee SUV, CJ-5 SUV, CJ-7 SUV, Wagoneer SUV

Lamborghini; Countach coupe

Lancia; Beta coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon, Gamma coupe and sedan, Scorpion coupe

Lincoln; Continental coupe and sedan, Continental Mark VI coupe and sedan, Versailles sedan

Lotus; Eclat coupe, Elite hatchback coupe, Esprit coupe

Maserati; Kyalami coupe, Merak coupe, Quattroporte III sedan (I am reminded that I have yet to discuss any eighties Maserati in this blog)

Matra; Bagheera coupe, Murena coupe

Mazda; RX-7 hatchback coupe

Mercedes-Benz; 240D sedan, 280CE coupe, 280E sedan, 280SE sedan, 300CD coupe, 300D sedan, 300SD sedan, 300TD station wagon, 450SEL sedan, 450SL convertible, 450SLC coupe

MG; MGB convertible

Morgan; 4/4 convertible, Plus 8 convertible

Oldsmobile; Toronado coupe

Panther; DeVille convertible and sedan, J72 convertible, Lima convertible

Peugeot; 504 convertible

Plymouth; Trail Duster SUV

Pontiac; Firebird coupe but no Grand Am (Hagerty only tracks them up to 1975)

Porsche; 911 coupe, 924 hatchback coupe, 928 hatchback coupe

Puma; GT coupe, GTC coupe and convertible, GTS convertible

Replicar; sedan and convertible

Rolls-Royce; Camargue coupe, Corniche I coupe and convertible, Phantom VI sedan, Silver Shadow II sedan, Silver Wraith II sedan

Stutz; Bearcat convertible, Blackhawk coupe, Duplex/Iv-Porte/Victoria sedan, Royale sedan

Subaru; BRAT pickup truck

Toyota; Celica hatchback coupe, Land Cruiser SUV

Triumph; TR7 coupe and convertible, TR8 coupe and convertible

Volvo; 242 coupe, 242GT coupe, 244 sedan, 245 station wagon, 262C coupe, 264 sedan, 265 station wagon

Hagerty casts a wide net (AMX!). Coupes are dominant—33% of 156 models listed with an additional 6% being hatchback coupes. Unsurprisingly, the rarest body style is a station wagon, at 3%.

1985 Alfa Romeo GTV-6 hatchback coupe

On this Easter Sunday, I filled up our modern sedan at one of the local Sunocos. Across from me: an Alfa Romeo GTV-6. So, here you go.

“… an extremely exciting machine”

For 1985, Alfa Romeo’s GTV-6 stood mostly pat. The shift linkage was modified to address some complaints of stiffness and some standard equipment was removed to reach a more approachable price.

The engine continued to be the star: a 154 bhp 2.5 liter/152 ci V6 with aluminum block and heads and Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection paired with a five-speed manual. Performance was respectable—Road & Track recorded an 8.5 second 0-60 time in the 2,955-pound car. Fuel mileage was 19 city/26 highway by the standards of the day—17/24 by today’s standards.

Standard equipment in the $16,500 car (about $39,000 in today’s dollars or almost exactly what a 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia goes for) included an independent front suspension, a deDion rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and 195/60HR15 tires (a size still easily available) on 15-inch wheels. Inside, there was an adjustable steering column and cloth seats. Power windows were standard, but with a back-up mechanical crank.

Optional equipment included rear spoiler ($395), sunroof ($500), leather seats ($750), and an AM/FM stereo with a cassette player ($395). A very uncommon option was the Callaway Twin Turbo package ($2,095), which include a 230 bhp engine, along with upgraded BBS 16 x 7 wheels and Goodyear Eagle 205/55VR-16 tires.

Potential collectors of a GTV-6 are warned that they are highly susceptible to rust—even in states where that isn’t usually a problem. These cars have a following, and make appearances in the Hemming’s Motor News classifieds and eBay. Values are sliding up: according to Hagerty’s valuation tools, all the money for a 1985 GTV-6 in #1/Concours condition is $24,700, with a far more typical #3/Good car going for $12,900.

Make mine red, of course.