In the automotive landscape of the 1980s, amidst iconic sports cars and emerging classics, the Isuzu Impulse Car carved a unique niche. For me, stepping into young adulthood in 1990 meant also stepping into the driver’s seat of a 1984 Isuzu Impulse Special Edition – a vehicle far more uncommon than I initially grasped. Pictured just as I remember it, with its distinctive gold rims, my Impulse was part of a limited run, with Isuzu producing only 3,000 Special Edition models in 1984. This detail alone elevated it from a mere mode of transport to a genuinely rare find.
Isuzu Impulse Special Edition ownership experience
Confession time: when I first acquired the Impulse, love wasn’t exactly in the air. Its aesthetics, particularly the rear design, didn’t align with my youthful desires for a classic 1967 Camaro, a sleek 1978 Firebird, or even the contemporary Camaro RS. However, practicality, guided by my mother’s sensible veto against powerful V8 engines, led me to the Impulse. What began as a compromise soon revealed its own set of charms.
My 1984 Isuzu Impulse represented the early generation of this model. Lacking a turbocharger, its engine output was modest, producing around 90 horsepower. The celebrated “Handling By Lotus” refinement was still on the horizon, yet to be integrated into future iterations. Despite these limitations, the Isuzu Impulse car offered an engaging driving experience. Its rear-wheel-drive configuration combined with a relatively light body weight made it surprisingly fun to maneuver. Furthermore, it was well-equipped for its time, boasting power features throughout and even an aftermarket sunroof that added to its appeal. The interior was equally distinctive, featuring a uniquely styled squared instrument cluster pod that encapsulated the era’s design trends. And let’s not forget the quintessential 80s feature – a stock graphics equalizer, adding a touch of retro coolness to the driving experience.
The Isuzu Impulse car, despite its initial unassuming appearance to my younger self, grew into a memorable first car. Its rarity as a Special Edition, combined with its unique features and engaging driving dynamics, made it more than just transportation. It was an entry into a distinctive slice of automotive history.
For those intrigued by the broader story of Isuzu’s foray into unique automotive designs, I highly recommend “In Search of the Holden Piazza“. This book explores the Isuzu Impulse’s Australian counterpart, the Holden Piazza, through the adventures of enthusiasts across Australia. Further visual exploration of the Impulse’s interior can be found on pages like eBay ad featured in Bring a Trailer and my blog, offering a deeper dive into the details of this distinctive vehicle.
