On this day in 1982, John DeLorean was arrested on charges of drug trafficking, in an apparent attempt to keep his failing car company afloat. Econo-boxes ruled the day, and GM was bringing us bummers like the Cimarron and a 90hp Camaro. Times were not gnarly in the auto industry, but let’s see if Derek and Dustin can find the awesome.
DEREK SAYS: The Audi Quattro
For us petrol-heads, 1982 brought greater technological advances than a home computer, more exciting events than a bunch of hockey goals, and exhaust notes more passionate than the theme from Rocky III. 1982 brought us Group B Rally. In its short, four-year lifespan, this class of racing allowed us to watch historic cars such as the Ferrari 308 GTB, BMW M1, and Porsche 959 pushed to the limits. Over 20 years later I still look back on these races with awe.
When searching for the greatest car of 1982 you can’t step outside of Group B. If you did, *cough cough* Dustin, you’d be wrong. My selection is the Audi Quattro. In addition to a Constructor’s Championship in ‘82, Michele Mouton piloted this four-wheel-drive beast to the first female win in ‘81, and Hannu Mikkola piloted one to the ‘83 Driver’s Championship. Here’s some old footage of a Quattro in action.
This revolutionary “King of Rally” is one of the all-time greats. It quieted the critics and brought four-wheel-drive to the sport. It was the basis for the most powerful rally car in history, the Audi Quattro Sport, and is the foundation upon which Audi has built its production cars since. And hey, if you’ve got a spare $100,000 burning a hole in your pocket I found you a 1982 model for sale.
So, Dustin… I challenge you to name a cooler car from ‘82. Good luck!
DUSTIN SAYS: The Mitsubishi Starion
Derek, you must be a glutton for punishment, and I am just the guy to dole out the verbal beat down of your “best car” from 1982. To be truthful, I’m surprised you didn’t just roll over and choose something like the Dodge Rampage or Aries K.
The Audi Quattro isn’t without merits. I’ll admit that it revolutionized the concept of four-wheel-drive in rally and, as a huge fan of Group B myself, I am always awed by the sheer dominance of the Audis. They were great cars, and should be credited for initiating a long and successful racing program.
However, 1982 had another beast enter the race, and I think it easily beats the unobtainable bright-and-shiny object on which Derek seems so fixated (seriously… $100,000?).
In 1982 Mitsubishi brought the Starion to the US. It was nimble, fast as a duck on a June bug, and affordable. You could buy the car in a few different forms in the early 80’s. Mitsubishi marketed it through their own dealerships as the Starion, and the cars were also sold in Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler skins as the Conquest.
The early cars were very successful in motorsport, and while they didn’t have a long history in Group B, they did make successful road and rally appearances in later years. One of the most notable examples of its true grit and craftsmanship was the 1985 SCCA Nelson Ledges 24 Hour Race. Despite heavy damage from an early rollover accident, the Starion boosted its way to a first place finish. Starions also saw their 4WD variant enter and win many rallies around the world, with notable podium finishes at Dakar, The Himalayan, French Rally Championships, Oman, The Scottish Rally, and The British Open Rally Championships.
I must also take a moment to point out that the Starion held a starring role in Cannonball Run II. In that flick, a young Jackie Chan and Richard Kiel (Jaws in the James Bond movies) drove a Starion that could fly and go underwater. I have never seen an Audi do either, nor have I seen Jaws or Jackie Chan driving one. On this argument alone, I should win.
A Starion or Conquest can easily be had for under $10,000, and that many greenbacks should only be shelled out for the very best examples. A good runner with few needs should be closer to $4000. The excellent experts and enthusiasts over at Japanese Nostalgic Car have a forum with a section dedicated to vintage Mitsu’s and there are lots of threads about the Starion. They come up for sale often, so keep your eyes open!
In summation: Rally and road racing success, affordable, excellent 80’s styling, famous Japanese quality, submarine and flight capabilities. Awesomest car of 1982, the Starion from Mitsubishi.
October 19th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
How did my 1982 Colt Mirage not make this list?
October 19th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Guys, guys… c’mon. 1982! A new television series hits the airwaves, starring a car like no other. It is the Batmobile for a new generation. A high-tech, crime-fighting, wise-cracking Trans-Am that just oozes with the stuff of pure awesome. The show is Knight Rider, and the car is K.I.T.T. (Knight Industries Two Thousand).
October 19th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I saw Jump In My Car performed live a couple years back. K.I.T.T. was front and center. Sadly, I couldn’t get too close fearing I might Hassel the Hoff.
October 19th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
’82 BMW 320is. Why? Because I owned one. Point and shoot cornering with factory Recaro sport seats. The 4 cylinder was underpowered which required “momentum passing” maneuvers. After 150k the snowplow-esque spoiler caused visual evidence of stress on the front fenders. The slightly smaller than shoe-box sized Hella fog lamps could catch rocks even if neither car or rock was in motion.
October 19th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
I guess a good arguement could be made for either car, but let’s not forget 1982 saw the introduction of the Saturn. Not a particularly good car, nor stylish, nor sporty, nor was it a great buy. What is was, however, was the first car to be made in America that conceptualized the Japanese method of making cars, and Saturn was accountable for the cars they built. Soon, every car built in America had to change they way they made or sold cars to emulate Saturn. They also intoduced a “here is the price, buy it or not, we don’t negotiate” kind of pricing that revolutioned car buying in America. Of course the third generation Firebirds were introduced in 1982 but hey – we’re all allowed mistakes!
October 19th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
KITT!
October 19th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
@ Bruce – I almost got a little hot under the collar until I snooped around and discovered 1982 actually was the birth year of Saturn. Thuogh they didn’t have a production car, the Saturn was born that year…. HUH, you learn something new everyday!
October 19th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
1982 Recaro Trans Am or the IROC Camaro
October 19th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
To Teddy: I do agree with the Recaro Trans Am Or the Mecham MSE Trans Am, both excellent examples of early Third Gen Muscle. However, the IROC version of the Camaro didn’t appear until 1985, and it didn’t even get a 350 until 1987, up until then we had the Z28 only and in 1982 The crossfire V8 305 wasn’t much to behold, power-wise. PS. not bashing you or the cars I own an IROC and have had 4 other Third Gen Cars.
October 19th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Nothing can compete with the coolness that is KITT.
October 19th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
I’m goin to have agree with dustin about the starion.
October 19th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
I’m with Dustin on this one! I’m really liking that Mitsubishi.
October 19th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
1982 Toyota Celica Supra \ Celica XX. How could you over look Toyota’s best car in the early 80s?
October 19th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Oh, come on folks! Based on Dustin’s argument it’s a good thing that the car couldn’t carry a resale value. And spinning being rebadged across 3 of Chrysler’s brands as a good thing!? Man, that is gold… The only race the Starion belongs in anymore would be the 24 Hours of LeMons .
October 19th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
I’ve got to go with the Audi, however the Starion reference brings to mind one of my favorite Car & Driver lines.
To paraphrase slightly, the writer said every time he got behind the wheel of their long-term test car he vowed to drive like a responsible adult, but the next thing he knew he was exiting Dunkin Donuts sideways.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Oh Please… where is Mitsubishi and Pontiac today? The Mitt has become a mutt with the exception of the dozen, albeit very hot, Lancer Evos sold and Pontiac sealed their fate in 2005 when they blew it by reintroduced the GTO model as just another car, not the icon it could be, taking it’s place with the Mustang and now Challenger and Camaro in the collective hearts of all who love American iron.
Audi, on the other hand, has continously reinvented the driving experience both in racing and on the street. Look at their dominance of Le Mans in recent years, with a DIESEL. Look at the road cars they are introducing every year in this decade, taking market share from the hallowed BMW and MB marques. Anyone that doesn’t want an R8 is clearly a candidate for a four-grand Starion. You can have it with Hass too!
October 19th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Well! *ruffles tail feathers and stands up straight*
I picked a car that people could actually own and had the cool points! The Starion is consistently credited with being the car that popularized the use of turbos in japanese production cars, a trend that continues today. Also, there is something completely 80’s about the styling. very hard, sharp angles that all seem to create the aerodynamic wedge of cheese look that was famous at the time. Quite frankly too, if you’ve ever sat in one, you’d think it straight out of a science fiction book. lights and knobs and electronics galore. The car was amazingly advanced for its time.
Mitsu might not be as popular now, BUT, the legacy the Starion started carries on in the EVO.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
I guess I’ll just have to wait for the “Awesomest Car of 1975″ to mention the Chrysler Cordoba, with fine Corinthian leather…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIL3fbGbU2o&feature=player_embedded
October 19th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
We at In My Garge happen to love the Cordoba. Fine Corinthian Leather is something we’ve all asked to be written into our next contracts.
October 19th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
I would have to agree with Dustin on every account however since I am a BMW fan through and through, so I would have chosen the 1982 633csi.
October 19th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
for the ones who just don’t get it
http://www.worldcarfans.com/206033112391/bmw-6-series-e24#15
October 19th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Also, in John DeLorean’s defense, he was subsequently acquitted of charges attempting to participate in drug trafficking on the basis of entrapment.
October 19th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
1982 RX-7 GSL.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Naw, 1982 Corvette. The 2nd to last year of the C3. Yay team! LOL
October 20th, 2009 at 9:24 am
@ Randy – The Corvette? Really? Wasn’t 1982 the year that you could ONLY get a 200hp automatic with the single engine choice? I’ll admit it was a pretty body style but I really only prefer to have my pets neutered , not my cars!
@ Rob – GOOD choice. I think I overlooked the 6 series because the US spec bumpers dont do the car any favors at all. I think they detract enough from the car that it makes it hard to call the coolest.
@ ae71rolla – it was on my list! it was a tough choice but it came down to 80’s awesomeness and the gadgets and space shuttle styling won me over for the Starion!
October 20th, 2009 at 11:21 am
It’s not an ‘82 but I personally like the ‘83 Celica GT. I owned one and that engine out lived the car itself. It is possibly my favorite car that I have owned. It was a little beast. If I could have that car again, I would be a happy girl.
October 20th, 2009 at 11:39 am
I believe Derek is confused,
“1982 brought us Group B Rally. ….such as the Ferrari 308 GTB, BMW M1, and Porsche 959 pushed ….”
The 308 and M1 did NOT compete in Group B rally but were in fact Group B classified cars for road racing, not rally.
October 20th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I stand corrected. However, according to the guys over at groupbrally.com the M1 did compete in the ’83 Tour of Corsica, which is a rally event. Good catch Michael!
October 20th, 2009 at 11:43 am
“In that flick, a young Jackie Chan and Richard Kiel (Jaws in the James Bond movies) drove a Starion that could fly and go underwater. I have never seen an Audi do either, nor have I seen Jaws or Jackie Chan driving one.”
If you parked an Audi on a bridge overlooking a river, I’m sure it could fly, then go underwater, if you popped it into R, slammed the brake (gas?) and cut the wheel the right (wrong?) way.
October 20th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Let’s add the Alfa Romeo GTV6 to the mix. Looking through the beautiful Italian styling at the all aluminum over head cam engine with gobs of torque mated to the 5-speed transaxle for perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Torsion bar front suspension and De Dion rear axle were state of the art for the 80’s and provide exceptional handling. The one interior feature I admired was the placement of the tachometer, smak-dab in the center of the instrument cluster!
October 20th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
But would it start?
http://www.conceptcarz.com/view/photo/95929,10784/1982-Alfa-Romeo-GTV-6_photo.aspx
October 20th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Hey! my xA has a tach dead center in my dash board!
October 20th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
The 1976 Lotus Esprit was a swimmer way before the Starion:
http://www.zimbio.com/James+Bond/articles/352/James+Bond+1976+Lotus+Auctioned
October 20th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
@Steve, great choice in the Lotus! That is a great lookin car, though for me, the front of the car is to long, otherwise a great car!
October 20th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Jose picked the right car
October 20th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
The Audi Quattro was the ultimate early-eighties car. High tech, won races, styling was perfect (even the FWD version looked great). Wasn’t available here until 1983.
The Starion raced well, but the street versions were always so cheeseball, spawning some downright ghastly Chrysler iterations. I’d rather have any Celica from that time period.
My honorable mention goes to the Alfa Romeo GTV6. If you weren’t buying a 323i, or you didn’t have enough money for the Audi, it was a cool choice. Handling was as good as any road car of the era.
The Porsche 944 was available, but it was expensive. The first GTI wasn’t here until 1983.
Bottom line: the Audi Quattro will go down in history as one of the most important cars of the century, where the Starion will be lucky if it’s listed as a competitor.
October 20th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Not sure the 944 was available until ‘83, as well as the Crossfire Injection on the 3rd gen Camaro. My ‘82 Camaro had a very anemic 4bbl 305 putting out an amazing 143hp! Luckily the Berlinetta Edition had a nice loud cassette deck to drown out the wheezing…..
October 20th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
When the Iron Duke Camaro come out? Didnt that have a very sad 84 hp or something like that?
October 20th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
‘82 on the Iron Duke. 90 rip-roaring ponies.
October 21st, 2009 at 9:36 am
Epic
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:59 pm
I’ll let you guys have your debate over 1982… because the Starion IS the awesomest car OF ALL TIME.
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:26 pm
To say 1982 was the first year of Saturn is like me saying my 1970 Chrysler should be a ‘65 because that’s when they started designing it.
Saturn was an idea being tossed around officially in 1982, established as a division in 1985, and didn’t have a product until the 1991 model year. So it shouldn’t even be involved in this conversation.
I’m not really sure what the most awesome car of 1982 is. I’d never really sat and thought about it. I’m quite fond of the Celica Supra, which may not have been as big of a technological tour de force as the Quattro or Starion, but I’ve been fond of it.
January 21st, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Well, for my money, if memory serves me right, wasn;t 1982 the midst of the “grey market” Porsche 911 turbos? Liberal trial lawyers and cry baby owners of the previous 911 turbos who were not, ” DRIVERS” and found the 2 stroke like power delivery curve of the 930 Porsches to be un-manageable , were suing Porsche, so Porsche stopped sending them to the USA during this time? But, if I had the $$, I would have jumped through whatever hoops to own a 911 turbo in 1982 , grey market or not.