Cup Series

The Generation 3 era began in 1981^[1] and, as a consequence of the second aero war between General Motors and Ford that also extended to their production models,^[2] featured bigger spoilers, and streamlined designs^[3] that barely resembled their showroom counterparts.^[3] The wheelbase was reduced to 110 inches in response to the demand of the production car market at the time, making the cars smaller than the previous two generations.^[3]

These were the cars that necessitated restrictor plates at Daytona and Talladega. In 1987 at Talladega, Bill Elliott set what remains the NASCAR qualifying record of 212.809 mph (342.483 km/h) at Talladega, circling the track in 44.998 seconds. But soon into the race, Bobby Allison's car went airborne and nearly went into the main grandstands, and that was the last unrestricted race on either of the two giant tracks. He also set the qualifying lap of 210.364 mph (338.548 km/h) at Daytona in 1987, circling the oval in 42.783 seconds, which still stands today. NASCAR mandated smaller carburetors for the rest of that season, and in 1988 required the restrictor plates.^[4]

The Generation 3 cars were used until 1991. It was the last generation without roof flaps (mandated in 1993). It was succeeded by the Generation 4 cars in 1992. In that same year, the Generation 3 car was still used in the Busch Series, until the series adopted their Generation 4 car in 1993.

Busch Series

In 1982, NASCAR's then-new second-tier series (currently known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series) competitors began looking at alternatives from the 5-litre based (311 cu in (5.1 L) engines, as in short track racing there was a push for six-cylinder engines to save on costs, with some series allowing weight breaks. One popular idea was to use 231–275 cu in (3.8–4.5 L) six-cylinder engines; instead of Cup Series' 358 cu in (5.9 L) V-8s.^[5][6][7] In 1989, NASCAR changed rules requiring cars to use current body styles, similar to the Cup cars. However, the cars still used V6 engines. The cars gradually became similar to Cup cars.

General Motors

Bill Elliott vs. Kyle Petty at Martinsville in 1985

Phil Parsons' No. 66 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in 1984

Tim Richmond's Monte Carlo on display

Buddy Baker's #88 Pontiac Grand Prix being driven by Jimmy Spencer in 1989

J. D. McDuffie's #70 1984 Pontiac Grand Prix

Buddy Baker's #88 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Rob Moroso's 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass

• Buick Regal: 1981–1985, 1988–1991
• Buick LeSabre: 1986–1987
• Chevrolet Lumina: 1989–1991
• Chevrolet Monte Carlo: 1981–1989
• Oldsmobile Cutlass: 1981–1991
• Oldsmobile Delta 88: 1986–1987
• Pontiac Grand Prix: 1981-1991
• Pontiac LeMans: 1982-1983

Ford Motor Company

Bill Elliott's 1987 Ford Thunderbird

• Ford Thunderbird: 1981–1991

Chrysler Corporation

Buddy Arrington's 1984 Chrysler Imperial

• Chrysler Cordoba: 1980
• Dodge Mirada: 1981-1986
• Imperial: 1981-1986