The early Eighties have been the tail-end of the darkest age within the automotive trade: the Malaise Period. The time when emissions laws choked out the fireplace respiration big-block V8s of the ’60s and American automobiles have been so neutered even the good Corvette did not come normal with 200 horsepower. By the mid-’80s, America was extra accustomed to downsized unibody automobiles, however American automotive firms had a tricky time competing with the standard and reliability of imported automobiles. There have been a number of well-liked American fashions which have since light into the ether, however if you wish to develop your repertoire of obscure Eighties automobiles, MotorWeek has you lined.
MotorWeek’s YouTube channel is internet hosting a Retro Assessment Marathon this weekend, and it is completely that includes the present’s evaluations between 1981 and 1990. If you happen to’re getting ready for an look on Jeopardy, or like me you are merely excited to find out about previous automobiles, the MotorWeek ’80s Retro Marathon is streaming reside now by means of Sunday night.
Obscure automotive heaven
Once I first tuned in, I noticed the MotorWeek workforce placing a 1982 Volkswagen Quantum wagon by means of its paces on a cone course, a mannequin that I wasn’t sure ever got here to america. If you happen to assume you are already acquainted with all of the obscure and unremarkable ’80s fashions which have light from reminiscence, the identical episode that options the VW Quantum mentioned two automobiles that you just’d be hard-pressed to search out consultants on: the Dodge 024 and the Ford EXP. Once more, fashions that many individuals who weren’t alive to see on showroom flooring doubtless do not find out about.
If you happen to really feel that fashionable automobiles have misplaced the plot, I implore you to provide the ’80s Retro Assessment Marathon a watch. After a couple of highway assessments, you are more likely to thank your fortunate stars that automotive expertise has superior as a lot because it has since then. Even a number of the greatest automobiles in the marketplace had double-digit 0-to-60 occasions, panic stops that flip into uncontrollable skids, and people wretched sealed-beam headlights.
Whether or not you are studying about these marvels of the Eighties for the primary time otherwise you’re taking a stroll down reminiscence lane, tune in to the MotorWeek ’80s Retro Assessment Marathon this weekend for some nostalgic leisure.
