1987 Isuzu Impulse Turbo RS: A Forgotten Japanese Classic Reclaims Automotive Spotlight

Car and Driver · 2026-07-09
1987 Isuzu Impulse Turbo RS: A Forgotten Japanese Classic Reclaims Automotive Spotlight

The 1987 Isuzu Impulse Turbo RS, a historically underappreciated Japanese classic, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity and reclaiming its place in the automotive spotlight. Once known only to a niche group of dedicated enthusiasts, this particular model is now gaining significant attention from a broader audience of car aficionados and collectors, as highlighted by insights from Car and Driver. The report indicates that the Impulse Turbo RS possesses overlooked characteristics from its era that are now resonating strongly with current automotive tastes, leading to its "forgotten gem" status rapidly changing. This re-evaluation positions the vehicle as far more than just a mere relic of the 1980s; rather, it is emerging as a compelling example of thoughtful engineering and distinctive design that warrants a comprehensive second look from anyone interested in vintage performance cars and their unique stories. Its renewed prominence underscores how certain vehicles, initially overshadowed, can eventually find their deserved recognition as automotive heritage.