
FIND A CAR

e.g. Ref ID, Corrolla 1997, etc

Sambung Bayar

Advanced Search

Top 10 Cars of the 80s (Part 2)

August 18, 2011 by NYC
Filed under: Interesting Stuff

Mercedes 280/300 SE W126

Regarded as the “King of cars” even by some today, the W126 was a stately car for those whom have struck big. Not surprising since it was the flagship from Mercedes. While it measured almost as large as the Swedish 240, it was much more exquisite and refined in the comfort department. A handful still roam the streets today in pristine condition although most are weekend cars.

Toyota Crown

Before we had Lexus LS, this was Toyota’s answer to Europe’s luxury offering even though we remember them in taxi or ‘kereta sewa’ guise. Mostly powered by diesel engines, their unmistakable clattering was one of the most welcoming noises for those whom relied on public transport. I particularly liked the cushy upholstery which was often either wrapped in PU or some micro-fiber fabric.

Toyota Corolla KE70

Last of the rear wheel driven compact family sedans from Toyota, this fourth generation Corolla remains until today a favorite ‘learners’ project car by drifters. Next to the chisel shaped Sunny, it was much more boxy, echoed by square headlamps and chromed bumpers on the DX model. This later gave way to the GL with a cleaner front end matched by large plastic bumpers on both ends. Its 1.3litre 4K 8-valve OHV engine was simple to maintain and tough. Other variants include a station wagon and very small amount of liftback imported from Japan.

BMW 3 Series E30

BMW owes its long line of sporting credential to the original 3 series E30. While the M3 stole the limelight on the racetrack, the standard version was almost as good to drive on a daily basis. Sold mostly in 4 and 2-door sedan guise, there were also a very small amount of cabriolets with a foldable fabric roof. Rather compact than commodious, most of them (318i and 320i) were kept as a weekend car. Nonetheless, its front-wheel rear-driven layout and suspension setup is still an amazing car to own today.

Honda Civic EF

To most Chinese, the number ‘4’ is best avoided. But for Honda, the fourth generation Civic was probably the one that fused sporty DNA into their best seller. Having a really low down hood and body line, with a large glass area, it was by far the sleekest 4-door sedan of its time. To match its looks, Honda introduced the so-called “double-wishbone suspension” for above average handling. Power came mostly from a carburetor-fed D15 SOHC engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Some of them are still used on the tracks, although mostly are the 2-door hatchback versions with the popular B-series under the hood.