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June 21, 2022
Once you fall in love, you're hooked—five hot Latin cars from the 80s that still captivate.
Still Hot: Five Latin Cars from the 80s That Still Captivate
French and Italian cars are collectively referred to as Latin cars. This is likely because both possess a unique, playful charm that German or Japanese cars lack in terms of design and driving dynamics. The Latin cars of the 80s, in particular, had an even richer character than today's models, which is why they still have passionate fans. Here, we present five Latin cars from the 80s that continue to attract fervent attention.
Text by OGAWA Fumio
80s Latin Cars: A Distinctive Taste Unlike Japanese or German Cars
French and Italian cars are sometimes collectively called Latin cars. While they are a minority in Japan, they have dedicated fans. Indeed, once you drive one, you understand why. With their styling and handling, they possess a unique character that hooks you once you fall in love.
Among these, older Latin cars remain highly popular. Models from even earlier eras are more individualistic, but those available in the 1980s, in particular, still retain a strong, distinctive flavor absent in Japanese or German cars, offering a glimpse into a rich automotive world when you drive them.
Sporty variants are frequently traded in the used market. Even the standard models, without "GT" or "GTI" badging, are good to drive. However, as is common with European mass-market cars, standard models have a drawback: the gear ratios between 2nd and 3rd are far apart, making them less suited to Japanese traffic conditions.
In fact, I believe the gear ratio issue is quite significant. The 2nd gear is clearly for acceleration, and 3rd is for high-speed cruising, with their roles too distinctly separated. If this bothers you, a sportier model with closer gear ratios would be better. I recommend test-driving both to compare.
1) Alfa Romeo 75 (1985): Experience Alfa Romeo's traditional ride, more agile than BMW's
For those who still believe Alfa Romeos must be rear-wheel drive, the Spider or this car might be the choice. While using components from the top-tier "Alfa 90" released in '84, it's a sedan with a distinctive appearance and ride.
The 4,330mm body is combined with a relatively long 2,510mm wheelbase. With a curb weight just under a ton and a transaxle gearbox located at the rear, the handling is quite agile. It was a model that retained Alfa Romeo's traditional character: even more agile than BMW.
The long travel in the gears is reminiscent of older cars. In this regard, it was inferior to BMW, where shifting could be done with a flick of the wrist. But that's part of its charm, too. The body sides feature design gimmicks like resin panels emphasizing the beltline; in short, it's a car that's a "bundle of character."
The 2-liter four-cylinder "Twin Spark," officially imported to Japan, was known for its agile revving. When pushed to higher RPMs, the engine's sound, rich in high frequencies, was truly exhilarating. It makes you realize there are no cars today that offer such a unique appeal.
2) Citroën BX (1982): Recommended: The early models, where the developer's passion is more palpable
A sedan with individuality in the best sense. Its unique hydropneumatic suspension system, using nitrogen and hydraulic fluid, is a traditional Citroën feature. Thanks to a long 2,555mm wheelbase relative to its 4,230mm overall length, the interior is spacious and comfortable. This too is very Citroën.
On the other hand, the agile handling exceeded expectations, and the effectiveness of the air conditioning, using Japanese components, was a surprisingly pleasant discovery. Early models up to 1986, with their unique dashboard, felt more imbued with the developer's passion. These are the ones that remain popular today.
The extensive use of plastic in the body achieved a curb weight in the 900kg range, also contributing to its excellent handling.
In 1985, the sporty "Sport" variant was introduced. By 1986, the main grade's engine was updated with fuel injection, and the "GTI" with enhanced suspension was also unveiled.
Citroën BX Sport
The fact that the suspension was so stiff was, admittedly, jarring to my preconceived notions of Citroën. However, Citroën was actively involved in motorsport at the time (even producing the incredible Group B "BX 4TC"), so for those enthusiasts, the BX GTI, capable of comfortably seating four adults and cruising at high speeds, held significant appeal.
Citroën BX GTI
Even today, there are many dealerships dedicated to selling Latin cars, so the BX offers a lot to enjoy. I hope you'll appreciate its individuality as a sedan that feels light in many ways.
3) Autobianchi A112 (1969): An Italian Mini That Looks Perfectly Modern
A112 Abarth
This Italian mini, with a long model life from 1969 to 1986, is remarkably timeless. Despite its short 3,228mm length, the prominent 13-inch wheels and the design emphasizing the body's shoulders make it look completely contemporary.
Autobianchi, which began car manufacturing in Milan in 1899, came under Fiat's umbrella after World War II. However, it maintained a unique position, pioneering front-engine, front-wheel-drive configurations in models like the A112 before Fiat did, almost as an experiment.
The A112 is perhaps best known in Japan for the high-performance A112 Abarth model added in 1971. With a weight of only 700kg and 70hp, it had ample power for its time. It cornered nimbly, feeling like it was 'twirling' through turns with almost no body roll.
The standard A112, on the other hand, has its own subtle charm. As someone drawn to this car's proportions, I might even prefer it over the Abarth with its aggressive overfenders.
A well-dressed man driving a car like this still looks rather stylish, even by today's standards. For those who believe cars are enduring tools for hobbies, the A112 is a perfect choice.
4) Renault 5 (1984): Its styling alone makes it worth driving today
The first-generation "Renault 5," launched in 1972, was a bestseller among French compact cars. The new "Renault 5" announced in 1984 inherited the styling concept from its predecessor but was thoroughly updated, offering a significantly improved ride.
The first generation was based on the Renault 4, a popular car introduced in 1961. While the R4 is also a charming car, it is undeniably old. The first-generation Renault 5 featured a torsion bar spring system—a type of spring that twists, also used by Porsche in the 911 for a time—and sought to improve ride comfort by pursuing freedom of movement, even to the extent of offsetting the wheelbase.
The first-generation Renault 5 was a car with many good qualities. Its design was excellent, so much so that Renault still treats it as an icon. However, it was the second generation, often called the "Super 5," that could truly compete head-on with various rivals.
Renault 5 GT Turbo
The handling became noticeably sharper, and the body's rigidity increased. At this time, a luxurious "Baccarat" model with leather interior and the sporty "5 GT Turbo" variant were also introduced. With 2-door and 4-door body styles, the range of variations was rich.
Isn't its styling alone worth driving today? It has an unpretentious form that everyone can love. When it comes to creating everyday tools, France and Italy truly excel. This is a prime example.
5) Lancia Thema (1984): Appealing for its understated and elegant interior and exterior
Lancia, an Italian automobile manufacturer, was founded in 1906 by Vincenzo Lancia, a Fiat racing team works driver.
Its car manufacturing is characterized by a design philosophy rooted in Italian integrity, such as compact engines for better cornering agility and long suspension arms for improved ride comfort and handling stability.
The "Lancia Thema" is a premium sedan using a chassis jointly developed by Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Saab. While it may not showcase Lancia's typical ingenuity, its brand image, forged through dominating the World Rally Championship with models like the "Fulvia HF," "Stratos," "Rally," and "Delta," gave it a distinct aura.
The 4,590mm long, 2,660mm wheelbase 4-door body, comparable in size to the Toyota Crown in Japan, was designed by Italdesign, led by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Its understated nature was, conversely, part of its appeal. Indeed, official cars painted in dark navy, the formal color of Italy, were seen everywhere in Italy at the time.
The interior was also refined, with the soft-touch fabric seats supplied by Ermenegildo Zegna being particularly exquisite. It's a sedan that can only be described as high-quality.
In 1986, the "Thema 8.32" was added, cramming a 3-liter V8 DOHC 32-valve engine from the Ferrari 308QV into the front, delighting car enthusiasts in Japan. In reality, however, the engine mounts were loose, and there were compromises throughout.
Although the Thema appeared unassuming, the fact that it was, in fact, quite passionate was a delightful surprise. Even on the used market, it's probably best for most people to just admire it from afar.