Hyundai resurrected an iconic 1980’s model as a sleek, 21st century electric car

Concept cars usually offer a glimpse at the future, whether it’s an autonomous, steering wheel-less pod or something a bit closer to reality.

But some of the coolest one-offs tend to be throwbacks to the past. Case in point: Hyundai’s electric Grandeur concept unveiled last week.

Hyundai took the 1986 Grandeur sedan and launched it into the 21st century with an electric powertrain and techy interior.

The result is quite possibly the perfect mix of unmistakably ’80s aesthetics and modern touches.

From the outside, the Grandeur looks right out of 1986, except for its LED headlights and taillights, which have a gridded, pixelated design.

Hyundai put the same sort of taillights in its upcoming electric SUV, the Ioniq 5.

The blocky, grid design also shows up in the Ioniq 5’s headlights.

Inside, the Grandeur gets an ultra-wide touchscreen instead of analog gauges, dials, and buttons.

Other than that, though, the interior is delightfully retro, with cushy velvet seats and other over-the-top vintage touches.

The seat backs are finished in red leather.

Infinity mirrors in the ceiling give the back seat the feel of some dim booth in a chic 1980s restaurant.

Cigarette lighters and ashtrays that used to be commonplace in cars are long gone. But the Grandeur has a spot for your cigars.

The center console has a hidden drawer for valuables.

And you get a giant lever for a gear selector. No subtle buttons here.

Speakers are embedded in a bronze-colored light feature that stretches around the cabin.

The Grandeur concept is part of Hyundai’s Heritage Series of restomods — that is, restored and modified cars.

Earlier this year Hyundai revealed an electrified take on the Pony, a hatchback it sold starting in 1975.

The Pony also got Hyundai’s signature pixelated lights.

Hyundai also gave it cameras where the side-view mirrors would be. That’s a feature that’s not legal in the US yet, but could make its way onto roads in the near future.

Inside, the Pony, like the Grandeur concept, is equal parts new and old.

Needless to say, Hyundai will never put either of these cars into production. And it’s a darn shame — because who doesn’t want a new-school electric car wrapped up in old-school charm.