A concept car (also known as concept vehicle, show vehicle or prototype) is a car made to showcase new styling and/or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not be mass-produced. General Motors designer Harley Earl is generally credited with inventing the concept car, and did much to popularize it through its traveling Motorama shows of the 1950s.

Concept cars never go into production directly. In modern times all would have to undergo many changes before the design is finalized for the sake of practicality, safety, regulatory compliance, and cost. A “production-intent” vehicle, as opposed to a concept vehicle, serves this purpose. They are also known as prototype cars, but should not be confused with prototype race cars such as the Le Mans Prototype.

With that being said, below are a collection of the most awesome and outrageous 1980’s concept cars to ever come out of Japan. Enjoy!

Subaru-F-624-Estremo

1981-Mazda-MX-81

1984-Honda-Hp-X

1984-Nissan-Mid4-Type-II

1985-Mazda-MX-03

Hit next for more of the coolest Japanese 80’s concepts you’ll ever see!