In the 1980s, Ford had a successful presence in Europe with popular models like the Fiesta and the Escort. They also introduced new models like the Sierra and Scorpio. Germany was one of their key markets and had numerous dealerships across the country. However, one of the dealerships in Germany faced difficulties in the mid-1980s.
A Ford showroom in Ingolstadt, Germany, caught the attention of the Auto Retro channel on YouTube. They embarked on a 1,000-mile journey from the UK to locate the abandoned dealership. Using Google Maps and Street View, they discovered that the cars were still present, based on the images from over a decade ago. It’s uncertain if the situation has changed in recent years.
Skipping the details of how they found the location, the video takes us inside the abandoned Ford dealership. Surprisingly, everything remains as it was, including the brand-new cars from the mid-1980s. Although these cars are not particularly rare or valuable, it is still an impressive sight.
Based on available information, the original owner of the dealership passed away, and his widow had been regularly maintaining the cars and showroom until a few years ago. Now, the widow resides in a care home and is unable to continue looking after the showroom. According to Motor1.com Germany, the cars were kept by the widow for her grandchildren, but they cannot be driven on public roads because they were never registered. In the video, you can see that the cars are covered in dust, but otherwise in perfect condition.
What can be seen through the windows? At least three Ford Sierras, including a base model five-door hatchback, a red Sierra 1.6L, and a blue Sierra wagon. There is also a Ford Fiesta S and an Escort 1.1. The beige sedan is the Orion, which was the sedan version of the Escort in that era.
Unfortunately, the future of these Fords is uncertain. They may continue to sit in the abandoned showroom for many years. However, hopefully, one day they will hit the road again. It is unknown if these cars are available for purchase.
If you’re interested, you can join Motor1’s Rambling About Cars podcast to discuss this old dealership and other automotive topics. The podcast will be available on YouTube starting today at 7:30 PM Eastern.
With Audi announcing the resurrection of the RS6 and the 1980s Quattro as all-electric sports cars, it seems that there is a new trend of classic oldies making a comeback in the auto market as eco-friendly revamped versions. The electric version of the RS6 is set to debut in 2025, after the last gas-powered RS6 was made in 2010. To fill the void, Audi released the Audi Avant. However, the Audi E-Tron GT Quattro, released in 2022, did not stick to its funky 80s design and instead opted for a more modern look.
As more cars leave the market to make space for EVs, there is a growing possibility that manufacturers will continue to revive and electrify classic car concepts. Here are four beloved sporty cars – one classic and three recently discontinued – that would be highly sought after as electric vehicles.
In 2000, Honda introduced the Honda S2000, a convertible sports car designed for speed enthusiasts. The S2000 left the market in 2009 but still holds its appeal due to its powerful engine. Electric vehicles are now implementing artificial engine sounds to cater to gearheads’ preferences. The S2000’s lightweight design can easily be adapted to fit the sustainable material options commonly found in modern electric vehicles. In today’s economy, the S2000’s original price tag of $30,000 would equate to around $53,026.94, making it more affordable compared to electric sports cars on the market today.
2009 Honda S2000 Specs
Price
$35,705
Engine
2.2-liter, four-cylinder
Top Speed
149 mph
0-60 mph
5.8 seconds
Horsepower
237 horses
Torque
167 pound-feet
Honda sold over 100,000 S2000 models, with more than half of them sold in the U.S. market. If revived as an electric vehicle, the S2000 would likely have continued success in the American EV space. There are rumors that Honda is planning to bring back the S2000 in 2024 as a fully electric version with a range of 300 miles and a price range similar to the original model.
The Audi R8 Could Be Better Than Ever As An EV
Audi is electrifying its lineup, and it should consider adding the Audi R8 to the fleet. Although not a classic, the Audi R8 will be discontinued after 2023. With its high performance and 602 horsepower, the R8 has been considered an “icon” by Forbes. It gave tough competition to classic supercars like Porsche’s family tree. As it makes room for Audi’s electric future, the R8 can bring even more style and innovation with an electric powertrain.
2023 Audi R8 Specs
Price
$151,895
Engine
5.2-liter V-10
Top Speed
199 mph
0-60 mph
3.1 seconds
Horsepower
602 horses
Torque
413 pound-feet
Given its success in an oversaturated market of gas-fueled cars, the Audi R8 would certainly shine in an underdeveloped EV market.
Why The Hyundai Veloster N Has Electric Potential
The Hyundai Veloster N, although not a classic, has the potential to be electrified. Hyundai discontinued the Veloster name in 2022 after 11 years. The Veloster N gained popularity for its high performance at an affordable price. With Hyundai’s success in the electric vehicle space with the Ioniq lineup, there is an opportunity to create an electric-powered high-performance model based on the Veloster N.
2022 Hyundai Veloster N Specs
Price
$33,595
Engine
2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged
Top Speed
155 mph
0-60 mph
4.8 seconds
Horsepower
275 horses
Torque
278 pound-feet
Considering Hyundai’s prowess in creating the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, an electric version of the Veloster N would offer affordability and innovation in the electric vehicle market.
The Acura NSX Hybrid Was Halfway There
The Acura NSX, discontinued in 2022, was unable to achieve significant success despite being a popular supercar. Initially introduced in 1990, the NSX had undergone several revivals and reintroductions. The NSX became one of the quickest sports cars in the Japanese Domestic Market. Although the NSX had a hybrid powertrain, in today’s EV market, a fully electric powertrain would have been more appealing to consumers. Acura and Honda have the opportunity to push the limits of electric top speeds with a revived and fully electric NSX.
2022 Acura NSX Hybrid Specs
Price
$171,495
Powertrain
3.5-liter Hybrid twin-turbo V-6
Top Speed
191 mph
0-60 mph
2.9 seconds
Horsepower
600 horses
Torque
492 pound-feet
Sports cars have yet to fully explore their potential in the electric vehicle space. Reviving classics without their gas-powered engines opens up opportunities for more electric vehicle options that auto enthusiasts would love. The rumored revival of the Honda S2000, the return of the RS6, and the future Quattro models signal a bright future for nostalgic, high-performance, and sustainable vehicles.
Tesla’s current steering yoke design has divided opinions among fans of the brand. While some appreciate its unique and novel appearance, others find it challenging to handle, particularly at low speeds. Even racing drivers who utilize Teslas are split on the issue, with a round-wheeled Model S Plaid dominating its class at the 2021 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, while another Model S Plaid achieved a record lap for production all-electric vehicles on Germany’s famous Nurburgring track using the steering yoke.
According to InsideEVs, Tesla is not yet ready to abandon its unconventional steering wheel. The company is reportedly working on an updated version that combines elements of both the yoke and a regular steering wheel, aiming to appeal more to the wider audience. A prototype resembling this description was spotted on the upcoming Cybertruck at Tesla’s Investor Day event.
This recent change is part of a series of continuous adjustments to pricing and options availability throughout the Tesla lineup. Additionally, there are high expectations for the redesign of the Model 3, which is a key vehicle for the brand.
The Ford RS200, originally built for Group B rally racing in the 1980s by Ford of Europe, is a rare car with a fascinating history that is not well-known in the United States. Only a few of these cars are known to exist in North America, but recently one of them appeared on an episode of Jay Leno’s Garage.
The 1986 Ford RS200, owned by comedian Tim Allen, is a departure from his usual collection of hot rods and classic muscle cars. However, Allen is a big fan of rally racing because of the high speeds these cars can reach on any type of terrain. He also admires the timeless design of the RS200.
Driving the RS200 is a different experience. The car is equipped with a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Cosworth engine that has a narrow powerband, meaning it generates most of its 240 horsepower in a small range. Allen admits that the car doesn’t perform well on regular roads, especially due to its limited low-end power. However, once off the pavement, the RS200 truly shines. Its all-wheel-drive system can be adjusted to control power distribution between the front and rear wheels.
Surprisingly, Jay Leno finds the RS200 enjoyable to drive on the street. Like many small-displacement engines with large turbos, it really comes alive above 5,000 rpm. Thanks to its decent ground clearance and rally suspension, the car handles potholes and bumpy roads with ease.
During Group B rallying, the RS200 used a more powerful 2.1-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produced over 600 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. It competed against other legendary cars like the Audi Quattro, Lancia 037, and Peugeot 205 Turbo 16. The rules for this class stipulated that each car must have an enclosed cabin for two people seated side by side, and each manufacturer had to produce 200 cars for homologation.
Unfortunately, Group B rallying came to a tragic end in 1986. A terrible accident at the Rally Portugal resulted in the injury of 31 spectators and the death of three, leading top teams to withdraw from the event. Henri Toivonen and his co-driver, Sergio Cresto, lost their lives when their car plunged down a ravine during the Tour de Corse. As a result, the FIA decided to suspend Group B rallying after the 1986 season.
Despite the end of Group B, the RS200 continues to have a dedicated following in Europe. With its appearance on Jay Leno’s Garage, this rare car is likely to gain more fans in the United States.
The Tamiya Wild One radio-controlled car – a mainstay of the 1980s toy box and highly collectable today – has been turned into the full-sized, road-legal electric dune buggy of your dreams.
Available to order from £35,000, the Wild One Max is the work of Bicester-based The Little Car Company, known for its downsized EV reworkings of iconic classics like the Ferrari 250 TR and Bugatti Type 35.
It’s a faithful tribute to its pint-size namesake, albeit with some concessions to real-world usability, including a widened, two-seat cockpit, shorter suspension turrets and – crucially – windscreen wipers.
Power is supplied by eight swappable battery packs totalling 14.4kWh and giving around 120 miles of range. Weight is 500kg and top speed is pegged at 62mph.
Meanwhile, with 270mm of ground clearance, an approach angle of 34.1deg and a 50.8deg departure angle, it promises to keep up with Land Rover Defenders and Jeep Wranglers on the rough stuff.
Held to the same L7e quadricycle regulations as the Citroën Ami, it can now be ordered in left- or right-hand drive form ahead of delivery in early 2024.
As standard, it gets Cobra bucket seats with four-point harnesses, adjustable Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs, a 5.0in central screen, a reversing camera and a ‘giant sticker sheet’ – just like the original – of retro-style decals to apply.
In the late 1980s, the Japanese economy experienced a significant boom. This was largely due to the Plaza Accord signed by the U.S., Japan, Germany, France, and the U.K., which caused their currencies to gain strength against the dollar. The resulting asset price bubble led to prosperity in various sectors, including the automotive industry. Automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan all launched luxury divisions that have since become well-known names.
Prior to the economic boom, Japanese car sales increased from a 6.5 percent market share in 1973 to over 20 percent in 1980, largely due to the U.S. oil crisis.
Japan had to sign the “Voluntary Export Restraint” agreement to slow down their exports to the U.S.
Mazda, known for its legendary Miata, RX sports cars, and current CX models, also launched its own luxury division during this time. The division, called Amati, aimed to establish Mazda as a renowned luxury automaker. However, Mazda faced challenges, and the economic downturn prevented the Amati brand from taking off. Despite its potential, Amati’s failure affected Mazda’s trajectory in the luxury car market.
Amati Was Launched In 1991
Mazda saw the success of other Japanese luxury divisions and wanted to be part of that market. The Amati brand was formed to take advantage of the economic surge and establish Mazda as a competitor to German automakers. Mazda announced Amati in 1991, around the same time they won the 24-hours of Le Mans race with the 787B racecar. The Amati 1000, under development at that time, was intended to be the flagship vehicle. Mazda even opened an office in Irvine, California for research and development. However, Mazda was venturing into the luxury car market without a solid backup plan or previous experience in this sector. Before Amati, Mazda was not considered in the same league as Toyota or Honda.
Mazda’s history involves surviving the Hiroshima bombing in 1945, avoiding a merger with Toyota in the 1960s, and navigating the 1973 oil crisis. During the 1980s, Mazda faced financial struggles and employees even had to clean up after work due to budget constraints. This work condition was also observed by employees in California. However, Mazda aimed to take on luxury brands like Lexus, Mercedes, and BMW, and had signed up 67 U.S. dealers to sell the upcoming Amati.
The Amati 1000 Was Going To Have A V-12 Engine Not A W-12
Donut Media
Mazda’s prototype W-12 engine
Early speculations about the Amati suggested it would have a W-12 engine. In 1989, Mazda showcased a compact four-liter W-12 engine at the Tokyo Motor Show. However, the Amati was not equipped with a W-12 engine. The W-12 design, which consisted of three banks of inline-four engines, had never been used before and was complicated but compact.
Proposed Amati Engine Specs
Engine
NA V-12
Displacement
5.0-liter
Power (Estimated)
280 horsepower
Torque (Estimated)
245 pound-feet
Mazda planned to use an existing V-6 engine known as the K-series in the Amati. They intended to utilize the internals of the K-series engine in a new cylinder block designed for the Amati. This approach saved Mazda development costs as the V-6 engine was already well-built and compact.
Economic Bust: Amati’s Implosion
Donut Media
Unconfirmed images of the Amati 1000
Developing a luxury car requires substantial investment. Lexus, for example, spent over $1 billion to develop the LS, and Mercedes exceeded its budget to maintain a high standard for the new S-class. Mazda, with a smaller budget, had already spent over $400 million on Amati. Unfortunately, Mazda’s timing couldn’t have been worse. The Japanese economic bubble burst in 1994, the same year Amati was set to go on sale, leading to the downfall of the luxury brand. Mazda, like many other sectors, faced the impact of the burst and the subsequent long-term recession known as “the lost decade.” Unlike established luxury automakers with greater capital, Mazda struggled due to its limited financial resources.
Amati’s President, Dick Colliver, joined Honda and took the learnings from Amati to Honda’s Acura division. This may have contributed to the success of Acura vehicles in the luxury car market. While brands like Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti continue to thrive, Mazda shut down the Amati division before it even launched its first car.
Factors contributing to Amati’s failure:
Bad timing: Launching a luxury brand just before an economic disaster.
Capital Deficit: Limited financial resources compared to other established luxury brands.
Poor Management: Mazda already struggled with managing its existing sub-brands.
Mazda Also Had Other Luxury Brands
Mazda
Rolling shot of a Mazda Xedos 9
Mazda Had Other Sub-Brands And Partnerships To Keep Them Afloat
Brand
Production Years
Purpose
Model
Rebadged
Autozam
1989-1998
Small cars and Kei cars, mainly rebadged Suzuki and Mazda models
Suzuki Cara
Autozam AZ-1
Eunos
1989-1996
Upscale version of existing cars sold in Japan and Australia
Mazda also ventured into other luxury brands. Moreover, they had a division dedicated to selling Ford vehicles. However, these sub-brands and partnerships did not fare well, and the cars produced under these brands did not uphold Mazda’s reputation. Mazda experimented with various car types, including luxury cars, Kei cars, luxury sports cars, and mid-engine cars. Ultimately, Mazda had to shut down most of its subsidiary brands by 1999.
Today, Mazda is known for producing quality cars, particularly the CX models and the enduring popularity of the Miata as a fun, lightweight sports car. Although Mazda could potentially launch a luxury brand now with its current success, the memory of Amati remains bitter, and Mazda denies its existence. All documentation related to the luxury brand has been destroyed or concealed, leaving no official photos or brochures. It’s as if the Amati brand never existed. The failure of Amati continues to leave us wondering what Mazda’s position would be in the market if it had succeeded.
Amongst the many vaguely sci-fi-inspired concept cars that appeared throughout the 1980s, the 1986 Oldsmobile Incas stands out due to its commitment to an unconventional design.
The most striking feature of the Incas is its steering wheel, or rather, “steering handle”. Unlike a traditional wheel, it is not circular in shape. Instead, it consists of two parallel metallic grips surrounded by an array of buttons commonly found on a car’s dashboard. This handle not only controls turning signals and windshield wipers, but also serves as the transmission shifter, hazard lights switch, headlight controls, HVAC controls, and more. In fact, there are no buttons or levers anywhere else on the dashboard, making it a unique design choice.
If the steering handle’s retro-futuristic design isn’t enough, the Incas also features innovative doors. While most may associate retro-futuristic car doors with the gullwing doors of the DeLorean, the Incas takes it a step further. It includes gullwing doors for the rear seats, whereas the driver and passenger seats are accessed by the front of the car’s hood folding up.
Although the Oldsmobile Incas never made it into production, it remains an intriguing concept car that showcases futuristic elements, such as its unconventional steering wheel and unique door design. Perhaps one day, we will see similar features implemented in everyday cars.
Let’s take a trip back to 1982 and explore the fascinating world of the Chevrolet Citation. Now, you might be wondering why we’re talking about a Chevy Citation, which was not exactly a beloved car. However, this particular model, the X-11, stands out from the rest.
The X-11 was the performance version of the Citation family, which primarily consisted of three-door and five-door hatchbacks. In its debut year of 1980, there was even a two-door coupe, but it didn’t last long due to lack of interest. However, the hatchback versions were incredibly popular, with over 800,000 units sold in the first year alone.
Despite its initial success, the Chevy Citation was not known for its long-term reliability, which explains why they are so rare to find today. Nevertheless, the X-11 model, with its sporty features and performance enhancements, has managed to maintain its appeal over the years.
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