Perhaps one of the most remarkable moments in automotive history, the year 1987 brought forth a host of groundbreaking cars that continue to captivate car enthusiasts to this day. From powerful supercars to reliable everyday vehicles, 1987 was a year full of automotive marvels. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best cars of the 1987 model year.
Ferrari F40: A Legendary Masterpiece
To mark Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, the legendary Ferrari F40 was unveiled in 1987. Designed as a successor to the iconic 288 GTO, this masterpiece was the last car personally approved by the legendary Enzo Ferrari himself. With its stunning design and incredible performance, the Ferrari F40 quickly became synonymous with speed and luxury. It remains one of Ferrari’s most coveted and celebrated cars of all time.
Honda and Toyota: Japanese Reliability and Durability
In 1987, Honda Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation dominated the automobile industry with their exceptional vehicles. Honda surpassed Toyota as the best-selling brand, offering six of the most reliable and durable cars that year. Toyota, although experiencing challenges due to its expanding product range, still managed to secure two spots among the top performers. Japanese-engineered cars dominated the market, emphasizing their commitment to quality and innovation.
Unmatched Quality: Japanese vs. German vs. American
1987 was a year that showcased the superiority of Japanese engineering. Japanese-built cars claimed all ten spots in the list of the best cars of the year. In contrast, German-built cars failed to secure any positions among the top ten, while American manufacturers were also absent from the rankings. This marked a significant shift in the industry, solidifying Japan’s reputation for producing high-quality and reliable vehicles.
Our Favorite Cars from 1987
Let’s dive deeper into some of our favorite cars from the 1987 model year:
Ferrari F40
To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Ferrari created the F40, a supercar that combined racing technology with road performance. This iconic vehicle was built with simplicity and essential systems in mind, making it a remarkable achievement in automotive engineering.
Porsche 959
Featuring a turbocharged rear-mounted flat-six engine with 450 horsepower, the Porsche 959 was the epitome of supercar performance in its era. With power distributed to all four wheels, it pushed the boundaries of what was possible in terms of speed and handling.
Lotus Esprit Turbo HC
The Lotus Esprit Turbo HC made its debut in 1987, showcasing high compression and remarkable performance. Introduced to celebrate twenty years of Lotus in Norfolk, this limited edition offered enhanced features and a unique driving experience.
Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Clubsport
The Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Clubsport was a track-inspired 911 that captured the essence of the renowned Rennsport lineage. With an impressive history of performance versions, the Clubsport continued the tradition by offering refined engineering and exhilarating driving dynamics.
Ruf Yellow Bird
The Ruf Yellow Bird gained fame as one of the most renowned tuned vehicles of its time. It achieved legendary status when Road & Track declared it the “Fastest car in the world!” after reaching an astonishing top speed of 211 mph during testing in Northern Germany.
Mazda RX-7 Turbo II
The Mazda RX-7 Turbo II was a sleek coupe that delivered power and performance. With a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive, this car boasted an impressive output of 178 horsepower and a thrilling driving experience.
FAQs
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What was the most notable car of 1987?
The Ferrari F40 stands out as the most notable car of 1987, capturing the essence of luxury and performance in a celebration of Ferrari’s 40th anniversary. -
Which brands dominated the 1987 car market?
Honda Motor Company emerged as the best-selling brand in 1987, offering a range of reliable and durable vehicles. Toyota Motor Corporation also showcased its commitment to quality, securing two spots among the top performers.
Conclusion
The cars of 1987 left an indelible mark on the automotive industry, with legendary models still revered today. From the iconic Ferrari F40 to the groundbreaking innovations of Japanese manufacturers, this year showcased the passion, craftsmanship, and ingenuity of car enthusiasts and engineers. The legacy of these cars continues to inspire and captivate automotive enthusiasts around the world.
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