Automotive Landscape of 1981
A look at models launched in 1981
- Jan 20: Chrysler K-Car Proves Successful – Chrysler introduces the Plymouth Reliant and Dodge Aries (K-cars), front-wheel-drive compact sedans that save the company from bankruptcy and revitalize American domestic manufacturing.
- Apr 12: Space Shuttle Columbia and Advanced Tech – Reusable spacecraft engineering highlights cutting-edge thermal protection systems and computer telemetry that influence automotive aerodynamic wind tunnel testing.
- Jul 29: Royal Wedding and British Auto PR – Millions worldwide watch the royal wedding, heavily showcasing British luxury limousines and coachbuilt Daimlers on international television.
- Aug 12: IBM PC Introduced and Factory Computing – The IBM Personal Computer revolutionizes office environments and quickly transforms industrial engineering, computer-aided design (CAD), and factory inventory control.
US
Dodge Aries
K-Car Sedan
POWER
92 HP
RARITY
1,000,000 Sold
US
Toyota Camry
Sedan
POWER
120 HP
RARITY
250,000 Sold
US
Chevrolet Cavalier
J-Body
POWER
88 HP
RARITY
190,000 Sold
US
DeLorean DMC-12
Coupe
POWER
130 HP
RARITY
9,000 Sold
US
DeLorean DMC-12
Gullwing Coupe
POWER
130 HP
RARITY
8,975 Sold
EUROPE
Volkswagen Scirocco
Mk2
POWER
112 HP
RARITY
291,497 Sold
EUROPE
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
W126 380 SEC
POWER
204 HP
RARITY
74,060 Sold
EUROPE
Maserati Biturbo
Coupe
POWER
205 HP
RARITY
40,000 Sold
EUROPE
Talbot Tagora
SX V6
POWER
165 HP
RARITY
20,000 Sold
EUROPE
Lamborghini Jalpa
P350
POWER
255 HP
RARITY
Very Rare
ASIA
Nissan Skyline
R30 "Newman"
POWER
190 HP
RARITY
400,000 Sold
ASIA
Honda City
AA Series
POWER
67 HP
RARITY
150,000 Sold
ASIA
Isuzu Piazza
JR120 / Impulse
POWER
135 HP
RARITY
113,419 Sold
ASIA
Toyota Soarer
Z10 Series
POWER
170 HP
RARITY
90,000 Sold