A walk down memory lane for petrol heads

Did we mention it's our 40th anniversary? Like all good things, at Hong Kong Tatler we've gotten better with age, but that doesn't mean we don't have some golden moments in the history books too. Taking a peek through some of our 1980s titles, we found a few vintage car ads we'd love to add to the collection. 


1980: Ferrari

June 1980.jpg

June 1980, Hong Kong Tatler

There's nothing more iconic than the little red Ferrari, and the sporty mid-engine 208 GTB and 208 GTS released in 1980 is first on our retrospective wishlist. 


1981: BMW 

August 1981 bmw.jpg

August 1981, Hong Kong Tatler

Luxury German carmakers BMW launched their flagship 7-Series range in 1977. This advert, printed in Hong Kong Tatler's  August 1981 issue, is the first E23 model in the series, made only in the sedan style.


1981: Cadillac

August 1981 Cadillac.jpg

August 1981, Hong Kong Tatler

A clean, simple illustration is all a big name like Cadillac need to get their point across:  formal limousine, Fleetwood, Brougham and Seville styles have become iconic since their inception in the '50s, though the 1980s rendition is a little sleeker. 


1981: Daimler

Sept 1981 Daimler.jpg

September1981, Hong Kong Tatler

The Vanden Plas exterior was modelled on the old British coachbuilding, giving this car a bit of added nostalgia in it's rather old origins. British motor company Daimler were passed between Rolls-Royce and Jaguar in the 1960s, so the Vanden Plas exterior is most commonly associated with Jaguar today. 


1982: Aston Martin

June 1982 Lagonda.jpg

June 1982, Hong Kong Tatler

We'll never say no to an Aston Martin, but this dramatically-posed Lagonda seems to be underselling itself with the tagline: 'a somewhat exceptional alternative to walking'; then again, it has been named as one of the worst cars of all time by Time Magazine for its mechanical pitfalls. However, the quirky aesthetic, designed by British car designer William Towns, has a retro charm we love.  


1982: Porsche

Nov 1982 Porsche.jpg

June1982, Hong Kong Tatler

This speedy sporty number from Porsche was certainly quick: top speeds of 130 miles per hour, and 0-60 in just nine seconds is pretty impressive. The 944 model was manufactured from 1982 to 1991, and would generate turbo and super versions in the years to come. 


1983: Jaguar

Nov 1983 jaguar.jpg

November 1983, Hong Kong Tatler

This gorgeous illustration shows Jaguar's flagship XJ6 in a whimsical mountain landscape: the iconic round Jaguar headlights have us desperate to get our paws on this ride.


See also: Tatler Throwback: 5 Vintage Fashion Trends That Are Still Huge Today 

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