The International Motor Show in Frankfurt from 1981 to 1989

Premium

The International Motor Show in Frankfurt from 1981 to 1989

This article was auto-translated. We apologize if some words are confusing or simply amusing. Would you like to help us improve?

Created on September 20, 2015

Text:

Bruno von Rotz

Photos:

Opel / General Motors

1

Volkswagen / Werk

1

Daimler AG

1

Archiv

119

122

Opel (1985) - Opel stand at the IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider (1981) - last rear-wheel drive Alfa at the IAA in 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

ASA/Scheib (1981) - Five-seater on VW chassis from 1968 to 1971 - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Bitter SC Cabriolet (1981) - new luxury class convertible by Erich Bitter - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

BMW 528i (1981) - top model of the 5-series - more spacious and more economical - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Daihatsu Charmant (1981) - World premiere with 1.3 or 1.6 liter engines - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Datsun Stanza (1981) - optionally with three, four or five doors - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

De Tomaso Longchamp (1981) - convertible created on German initiative - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ford Escort XR 3 Cabriolet (1981) - shown as a study with fixed roll bar - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ford Fiesta XR 2 (1981) - 1.6-liter engine with 84 hp - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mazda 323 (1981) - additional notchback variant - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC (1981) - the new S-Class Coupés 380 SEC and 500 SEC are crowd pullers - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Opel Ascona Cabriolet (1981) - Study - particularly successful convertible conversion - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 944 (1981) - at the International Motor Show ( IAA) in Frankfurt in 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 911 Turbo 4x4 Cabriolet (1981) - Porsche wanted to test public interest with this study - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Range Rover (1981) - ex works now also available with four doors (Monteverdi license) - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Renault 9 (1981) - Premiere in Frankfurt - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Talbot Tagora SX (1981) - most powerful French production sedan - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Unicar Auto 2000 (1981) - Withdrawal - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW Polo (1981) - one of the three new models from Volkswagen, with an unconventional hatchback - IAA 1981

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW Golf (1983) - in different colors on the stand at the IAA 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

View of a hall in Frankfurt at the International Motor Show (IAA 1985)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat Regatta (1983) - the notchback version of the Ritmo - at the International Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt in 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

AMG Mercedes-Benz S-Class (1983) - now with four-valve five-liter engine and 340 hp - IAA 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Opel Corsa Irmscher (1983) - attractive four-seater convertible without roll bar - IAA 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 911 DP Motorsport (1983) - with a racing snout - is road approval possible? - IAA 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 959 (1983) - the prototype, which was still called "Group B" here - at the International Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt in 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Speed + Sport (1983) - still nameless, the mid-engine sports car with aluminum trellis frame and Chevrolet 5.4-liter engine (later called Kodiak F1) - IAA 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW Golf II (1983) - the new, more spacious generation builds on the success of the Golf I presented in 1974 - at the International Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt in 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Audi 100 Avant (1985) - now with fully galvanized body - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

BMW 325i (1983) - the new top-of-the-range engine in the three-cylinder BMW, also available with four doors - at the International Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt in 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën CX (1985) - even more modern with facelift - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ford Sierra RS Cosworth (1985) - Engine tuning by Cosworth, transmission by Borg-Warner - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Honda Civic Shuttle (1983) - as a large family car - at the International Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt in 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lada (1985) - sporty special versions and even catalytic converter variants are offered - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mazda MX-03 (1985) - Study - with three-disc Wankel engine and two-stage turbocharger 300 km/h fast - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3 16 V (1983) - 185 hp thanks to the four-valve engine, with wing unit and fender extensions - at the International Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt in 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 300 TE (1985) - Presentation of the sophisticated 4-Matic all-wheel drive - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

MG EX-E (1985) - sports car study by the Austin Rover Group, based on the platform of the Rallye Metro 6R4 - top speed 275 km/h despite only 250 hp - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo Cabriolet (1985) - the conversion to a convertible took place in Germany - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Nissan MID 4 (1985) - 230 hp 3-liter V6 engine - series production planned - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Nissan Silvia (1983) - a very sporty model from Nissan - at the International Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt in 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Opel Junior (1983) - playful interior in the show car - at the International Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Saab Turbo Cabriolet (1983) - with the power of the turbine, still shown in Frankfurt as a study to test public interest - at the International Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Seat Ronda (1983) - a variant of the Fiat Ritmo - at the International Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt in 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Opel Corsa Sprint (1983) - racing version of the Opel Corsa in Group B trim with 126 hp - at the International Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt in 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Toyota Celica Supra (1983) - with six-cylinder engine and folding headlights - at the International Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt in 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Volvo 240 GL (1985) - improved aerodynamics on the sedan already in production since 1975 - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Volvo 360 GLS (1983) - the notchback finds more and more friends - at the International Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt 1983

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Alfa Romeo Sport Sprint Targa Zehnder (1985) - attractive open-top conversion - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Apal Francorschamps (1985) - new sports car model from Belgium with technology from the Mercedes-Benz 190 - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lancia Thema Station Wagon (1985) - shown at the IAA in Frankfurt in 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 959 (1985) - see-through model, the 200 series of the 959 is already sold out before the start of production - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Gemballa Avalanche 2 (1985) - based on the Porsche 911 Turbo, now with electronically controlled front spoiler - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Isdera Imperator 108i (1985) - tubular frame construction - production now underway - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Jeepney (1985) - manufactured in the Philippines, has nothing to do with the "real" Jeep - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 300 CE Cabriolet SGS Biarritz (1985) - Transformation into a spacious convertible - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 500 SE Koenig (1985) - with SEC front end and mighty widenings - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Opel Kadett Rallye (1985) - 4x4 vehicle with racing ambitions, shown for the first time at the IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Opel Senator Irmscher (1985) - with enlarged engine and 200 hp - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Opel Senator Kombi Keinath (1985) - more storage space for the big Opel - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 911 Bubble Car (1985) - refined in Italy - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Seat (1985) - side view, left - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Toyota MR2 Convertible (1985) - Targa version built by Schwan - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Toyota Celica (1985) - Refiner Schwan has already converted the front-wheel drive coupé into a convertible - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Treser Piccolo (1985) - Design study - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Zehnder Vision 2 (1985) - Exercise in style with sensational features - an eye-catcher - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW Golf Syncro (1985) - computer-controlled demonstration of four-wheel drive - IAA 1985

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Bitter Type 3 (1987) - based on the Opel Omega, series production as Coupé and Cabriolet announced - IAA 1987

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

BMW 325i Touring (1987) - Wagon extension of the 3-series - IAA 1987

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Daihatsu TA-X-80 (1987) - 130 hp biturbo V6 with only 986 cm3, 1.06 meter high future study with mini headlights - IAA 1987

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ferrari F40 (1987) - on display at the Ferrari and Pininfarina stand - IAA 1987

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ford Escort XR3i Zehnder (1989) - one of four variants on display - IAA 1987

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ford Sierra RS 500 (1987) - Eye-catcher on the Ford stand - IAA 1987

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (1987) - Introduction of the front passenger airbag - IAA 1987

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Opel Senator Cabriolet Keinath (1987) - Cabriolet study derived from the Senator sedan - IAA 1987

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Panther Solo (1987) - three-year-old design, now 40 cm longer and all-wheel drive, 2-liter Coworth turbo engine - IAA 1987

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Phoenix Cobra (1987) - modeled after the AC Cobra, exhibited in three different stages - IAA 1987

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Subaru F6R4 Estremo (1987) - all-wheel drive passenger car as a study with 250 hp and a top speed of 250 km/h - IAA 1987

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Treser (1987) - extremely beefy, equipped with the 1.8-liter engine of the VW Golf GTI - IAA 1987

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Racing drivers Juan Manuel Fangio and Jochen Mass at the International Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt in 1987

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Audi Coupé Abt C5 (1989) - Front and rear bumpers, side moldings and door attachments make the Coupé visually faster - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Audi V8 L Office (1989) - to be built in series - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Bitter Diplomat (1989) - four-door sedan by Erich Bitter derived from the Type 3 - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

BMW Alpina B10 Biturbo (1989) - the latest model from the small manufacturer, which only builds 500 cars per year - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

BMW 850i (1989) - the fast luxury coupé is a crowd puller - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

BMW 850i (1989) - with V12 engine and capable of high performance - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Chrysler Saratoga (1989) - fully equipped and fitted with a powerful 3-liter V6 - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën XM (1989) - successor to the CX shaped with Bertone help - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ferrari 348 (1989) - Successor to the 328 with longitudinal mid-engine - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ferrari Testarossa Koenig Competition Evolution (1989) - 1000 hp, 1000 Nm, 370 km/h - more is almost impossible - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ford Escort Cabrio XR3i special model 'Boris Becker' (1989) - With Boris Becker as promoter - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ford Fiesta Ghia Behop (1989) - original pickup design study - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Honda Accord (1989) - initially only available as a notchback sedan - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Honda CRX MS Design (1989) - the accessories come from Austria - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Jaguar XJS Convertible Arden (1989) - with hardtop made of Kevlar - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lancia Dedra (1989) - the latest model series from Lancia, the top version 2.0 i.e. Cat costs DM 30,950 - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Land-Rover Discovery (1989) - Counter-attack against the Japanese with a mid-range model between Land-Rover and Range Rover - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Land-Rover Discvoery (1989) - Priced between Land and Range Rover - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mazda 323 foha XXX (1989) - Special version - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 280E Long (1989) - really long and with six doors - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 500 SL Brabus (1989) - Special leather, fine wood and other refinement strategies for the R129 - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 500 SL Gullwing Boschert B300 (1989) - with gullwing doors - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Opel Manta Zander Exclusiv (1989) - Gullwing doors for the Manta - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Opel Senator Irmscher (1989) - powerful and fast highway cruiser - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Opel Vectra 2000 (1989) - Presentation of the 2000 16V models of the Vetcra and Calibra with an attractive show - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Peugeot 605 (1989) - the big Peugeot as a world novelty with Pininfarina dress - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 928 Voll Cabrio (1989) - transformed into an attractive convertible by Karosseriewerk Voll for Gemballa - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 959 Cabriolet (1989) - Auto-Becker shows the converted 959 - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 964 (911) Targa (1989) - Porsche offers a wide range and bright colors for the 1990 model year - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche Panamericana (1989) - Surprise sports car based on the Carrera 4 shown as a mixture of roadster and speedster - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Saab 9000 Turbo (1989) - Foam model shows the safety construction - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Seat Proto T (1989) - Form study with cw 0.243 and transverse front engine - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Subaru Legacy (1989) - Station wagon with all-wheel drive - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Toyota 4500 GT (1989) - Concept car with 300 hp 4.5-liter V8 and four-wheel steering - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Toyota Celica 4WD (1989) - new edition of the Celica, shown to the public for the first time in Frankfurt - turbocharged four-cylinder two-liter with 205 hp in the all-wheel drive coupé - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW Corrado Design + Technik (1989) - attractive sports station wagon based on the Corrado - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW Corrado Treser (1989) - refined and tuned - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW Futura (1989) - IRVW - Single volume with gullwing doors and interesting detail solutions - IAA 1989

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Yugo Cabriolet (1989) - wants to conquer the German market, with fuel injection and catalytic converter - IAA 1989

You have only

1 out of 122

images seen in high resolution

Summary

The 1980s did not seem to mean well for the automobile. Political parties were founded across nations that wanted to attack individual mobility as "green". Yet better and cleaner cars had never been produced. The catalytic converter began to gain acceptance in the mid-1980s, and vehicle manufacturers drove their engineers to peak performance in order to develop cars that consumed less fuel and produced less harmful exhaust fumes. Aerodynamic wonders and super sports cars such as the Ferrari F40 or Porsche 959, but also the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 were created. This report summarizes the events, innovations and environment of the IAA from 1981 to 1989 and is richly illustrated with over 100 pictures.

This article contains the following chapters

1981 - difficult times and sunny convertibles
1983 - Performance competition
1985 - Cleanliness and four-wheel advance
1987 - Attention to detail and future prospects
1989 - more of everything
Further information

Estimated reading time: 10min

Preview (beginning of the article)

The 1980s did not seem to mean well for the automobile. Political parties were founded across nations that wanted to attack individual mobility as "green". Yet better and cleaner cars had never been produced. The catalytic converter began to gain acceptance in the mid-1980s, and vehicle manufacturers drove their engineers to peak performance in order to develop cars that consumed less fuel and produced less harmful exhaust fumes. At the same time, there were other problems, such as the infectious disease AIDS and major famines. However, the entertainment industry hardly cared. On television, Magnum or the drug detectives from Miami Vice had the tires spinning, and cars also played an important role in Dallas or "Hart aber herzlich". In the movie Flashdance, the seducer naturally drove a Porsche, in Blues Brothers dozens of police cars were sacrificed in a car chase.

Welcome to Zwischengas!

Continue reading this article for free?

Images of this article

Source: