Top five 1980s motoring milestones
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Mazda
It was a decade that welcomed in huge changes to the power and performance of the motor car, the motorway network continued to grow at an alarming rate and new laws to improve safety were introduced.
It was also the decade that saw the real beginning of the end for the manufacturing of British cars with British badges on them, and saw the foundations of Japanese car makers buidling cars in the UK.
To mark the 1980s, we've take a look at the top five motoring milestones of that period.
Think we've missed any out? Let us know by posting your comments below.
Top five 1980s motoring milestones
- 1989 - Mazda MX-5<p> Launched more than 20 years ago, the iconic roadster is still going strong. And it took the Japanese to prove fun didn't die with the MGB.</p>
- 1983 - Edwardes departs<p> Sir Michael Edwardes leaves behind a leaner British Leyland in 1982, now called Austin Rover. He was replaced by Harold Musgrove, here showing Mrs. Thatcher the new Austin Maestro Vanden Plas</p>
- 1983 - DeLorean disaster<p> The DeLorean Motor Company, based in Belfast, goes bust. Not too many of the gull-wing cars were sold, but the car achieved long-lasting success in the 80s sci-fi flick Back to the Future.</p>
- 1986 - M25 opens<p> The M25 London orbital motorway is completed, with the final section being opened by PM Margaret Thatcher. It was originally going to be one of FOUR roads to encircle London.</p>
- 1983 - Belt up<p> </p> <p> In 1983 it became a legal requirement to wear a seatbelt in the front seat of cars. Here F1 champ Jackie Stewart reminds West Ham United and England star Trevor Brooking to belt up.</p>
