Top 10 Grand Tourers 1987 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage ranks first because it combined a 5.3-liter V8 with twin superchargers to produce roughly 400 horsepower, making it one of the fastest GTs of its era. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed near 170 mph. Hand-built construction and muscular styling defined the ultimate British grand tourer.

This car suits collectors who want raw power and exclusivity, as only a few hundred were built annually. It trades away modern refinement and fuel economy for old-school muscle and presence. Compared to the Ferrari Testarossa directly below, it offers more torque but less mid-engine balance, making it a choice for straight-line devotees.

2. 1987 Ferrari Testarossa

The 1987 Ferrari Testarossa ranks second for its iconic 4.9-liter flat-12 engine producing 390 horsepower and a top speed of 180 mph. Its wide rear track and side strakes made it a poster car of the 1980s, with 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. It blended grand touring comfort with supercar performance.

It appeals to buyers who want dramatic styling and Ferrari heritage, though maintenance costs are high and the cabin is tight. It trades practicality for presence, with limited luggage space. Compared to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage above, it is more balanced but less torquey, and compared to the Porsche 928 below, it is faster but far less reliable.

3. 1987 Porsche 928 S4

The 1987 Porsche 928 S4 ranks third because its 5.0-liter V8 produced 320 horsepower and pushed it to 165 mph, with 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. It offered near-supercar pace with everyday usability, including a comfortable cabin and optional automatic transmission. It was a technological tour de force with passive rear steering.

This car is for drivers who want a daily-usable grand tourer with balanced handling and a hatchback. It trades away the raw drama of the Ferrari Testarossa above for reliability and comfort. Compared to the BMW 635CSi below, it is faster and more advanced, but it costs more to maintain and lacks the BMW's classic coupe proportions.

4. 1987 BMW 635CSi

The 1987 BMW 635CSi ranks fourth for its 3.4-liter inline-six producing 182 horsepower, delivering smooth power and a 140 mph top speed. It combined elegant Paul Bracq styling with a driver-focused cockpit and available five-speed manual. It was the quintessential affordable grand tourer of its time.

It suits enthusiasts who want classic BMW dynamics and everyday reliability without exotic car running costs. It trades outright speed for refinement and practicality, with a usable rear seat. Compared to the Porsche 928 S4 above, it is slower and less technologically advanced, but it is simpler to maintain and cheaper to buy, making it the better value pick.

5. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC

The 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC ranks fifth because its 5.5-liter V8 produced 279 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, offering effortless cruising and a 155 mph top speed. It featured a spacious, luxurious cabin with advanced safety systems and a smooth automatic transmission. It was a statement of wealth and engineering.

This car is for buyers who prioritize comfort and presence over lap times, with a soft ride and heavy weight. It trades agility for stability and quietness. Compared to the BMW 635CSi above, it is more powerful and luxurious but less engaging to drive, and compared to the Jaguar XJS below, it is more reliable but less stylish.

6. 1987 Jaguar XJS

The 1987 Jaguar XJS ranks sixth for its 5.3-liter V12 producing 262 horsepower, delivering silky smooth power and a 150 mph top speed. It offered a unique blend of British luxury and GT comfort, with a long hood and elegant lines. It was a bargain exotic with a troubled reliability record.

It appeals to romantics who want V12 refinement at a low price, but it demands patience with electrical gremlins and rust. It trades dependability for character and soundtrack. Compared to the Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC above, it is less reliable but more charismatic, and compared to the Chevrolet Corvette C4 below, it is smoother but slower and less agile.

7. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette C4

The 1987 Chevrolet Corvette C4 ranks seventh because its 5.7-liter V8 produced 240 horsepower and delivered 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds with a 150 mph top speed. It offered sharp handling and a digital dashboard, making it a performance bargain. It was America's affordable grand tourer.

It is for drivers who want cheap speed and easy parts availability, though the ride is stiff and interior quality is poor. It trades refinement for raw performance per dollar. Compared to the Jaguar XJS above, it is faster and more reliable but less luxurious, and compared to the Nissan 300ZX below, it is more powerful but less balanced.

8. 1987 Nissan 300ZX

The 1987 Nissan 300ZX ranks eighth for its 3.0-liter V6 producing 160 horsepower, offering a balanced chassis and a 130 mph top speed. It combined Japanese reliability with a comfortable interior and T-top roof. It was a practical and affordable GT.

It suits buyers who want low running costs and everyday usability, though it lacks the power of V8 rivals. It trades straight-line speed for nimble handling. Compared to the Chevrolet Corvette C4 above, it is slower but more refined, and compared to the Toyota Supra below, it is less powerful but lighter and cheaper.

9. 1987 Toyota Supra

The 1987 Toyota Supra ranks ninth because its 3.0-liter inline-six produced 200 horsepower, delivering 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and a 140 mph top speed. It offered a comfortable ride and a driver-focused cockpit. It was a strong value in the sports GT segment.

It is for enthusiasts who want reliable performance and tuning potential, though it is heavier than the Nissan 300ZX above. It trades agility for straight-line speed. Compared to the Mazda RX-7 below, it is more powerful but less nimble, and it costs more to buy but offers better low-end torque.

10. 1987 Mazda RX-7

The 1987 Mazda RX-7 ranks tenth for its 1.3-liter rotary engine producing 146 horsepower, offering a light 2,600-pound curb weight and sharp handling. It reached 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and a 130 mph top speed. It was the purist's affordable GT.

It is for drivers who value handling over comfort, though the rotary engine requires oil checks and rebuilds. It trades practicality for a low curb weight. Compared to the Toyota Supra above, it is slower but more engaging, and it is the cheapest to buy and maintain on this list, making it the best value for budget-focused enthusiasts.

How we ranked these

We scored each 1987 grand tourer on four weighted categories: powertrain output and delivery (30%), chassis balance and steering feel (25%), long-distance comfort and cabin quality (25%), and real-world running costs including parts availability (20%). Every car was judged as it sat in 1987 showrooms, not with modern upgrades or restomods applied.

We deliberately ignored collector hype, auction appreciation, and brand mythology. A car's future value tells you nothing about how it drives today, and celebrity ownership or racing pedigree distorts prices without improving the experience. We also excluded track-focused specials and low-volume homologation cars that were never realistically usable as daily grand tourers.

What to look for

Prioritise service history over mileage. A 1987 GT with 90,000 documented miles and fresh belts, bushes, and cooling components will cost far less than a 40,000-mile garage queen needing everything recommissioned. Rubber, fuel lines, and electronics age regardless of odometer, so receipts matter more than the number on the dial.

The classic mistake is buying on looks and dyno numbers, then discovering the car needs a $6,000 timing service, a rebuilt brake booster, and unobtainable trim. Budget 20-30% of purchase price immediately for deferred maintenance. Also verify parts supply before you fall in love, because some 1987 electronics are now effectively irreplaceable.

Related questions

What is the best overall 1987 grand tourer?

The Porsche 928 S4 takes the top spot for its blend of 320hp V8 muscle, near-50/50 weight distribution, and genuine 150mph cruising ability. It was faster and more refined than most rivals, with a cabin built for continents rather than lap records. Parts support through Porsche specialists remains strong, which matters enormously three decades on.

Which 1987 grand tourer offers the best value?

The Chevrolet Corvette C4 represents the value pick, delivering 240hp from its L98 V8 and impressive grip for a fraction of European prices. Consumables are cheap, the aftermarket is enormous, and any competent mechanic can service it. You sacrifice cabin refinement and badge prestige, but the performance-per-dollar gap is enormous.

Was the Ferrari 328 a true grand tourer?

Yes, though it leaned sporty. The 328 GTB and GTS carried a 270hp 3.2-litre V8 and offered far better usability than the 308 it replaced, with improved cooling and steering. It could cover distance comfortably, but luggage space and servicing costs made it a more demanding ownership proposition than German alternatives.

How did the BMW M6 compare in 1987?

The E24 M6 packed the M88/3 straight-six producing 256hp in US trim, wrapped in a handsome, understated coupe body. It was quick, stable, and beautifully built, but heavy and thirsty. Values have climbed sharply, and timing chain and valve adjustment work is expensive, so inspect thoroughly before buying.

Was the Jaguar XJS a competitive GT in 1987?

The XJS offered a 5.3-litre V12 with effortless torque and superb ride quality, plus a facelift that improved styling and cabin ergonomics. Fuel consumption was brutal and the V12 demanded meticulous cooling maintenance. Well-sorted examples are wonderful tourers, but neglected ones can bankrupt an owner quickly.

Did the Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC belong on this list?

Absolutely. The C126 560 SEC combined a 5.5-litre V8 with vault-like build quality and a cabin that still feels luxurious today. It was more comfortable than almost anything else here, if less agile. Rust and complex vacuum systems are the main risks, along with costly suspension components.

What about the Lotus Esprit as a 1987 GT?

The Esprit Turbo produced strong performance from its 2.2-litre turbocharged four, and its handling was among the sharpest available. However, cramped packaging, limited luggage space, and fragile electrics made it a compromised grand tourer. It rewards committed enthusiasts rather than buyers wanting effortless long-distance travel.

Is the Aston Martin V8 Vantage a sensible 1987 GT choice?

Only for the dedicated. The V8 Vantage delivered immense torque and presence, but hand-built inconsistency, heavy steering, and expensive specialist servicing make it a demanding ownership prospect. Parts are available through marque specialists, yet costs run high. It is a characterful choice, not a rational one.

FAQ

What defines a grand tourer versus a sports car?

A grand tourer prioritises comfortable, fast, long-distance travel with usable luggage space and refined cruising manners. A sports car prioritises agility, feedback, and lap times, often sacrificing comfort and practicality. Many 1987 cars sat between the two, which is why judgement calls were needed when ranking them.

How much should I budget for maintenance on a 1987 GT?

Assume $2,000 to $5,000 annually for a well-sorted European car, more for Italian exotics. Timing belts, cooling systems, suspension bushes, and electrical faults dominate. American alternatives like the Corvette cost considerably less to run. Always keep a contingency fund equal to a quarter of the purchase price.

Are 1987 grand tourers reliable enough for daily use?

With refreshed cooling, ignition, and fuel systems, many are surprisingly dependable, particularly the Porsche 928 and Mercedes 560 SEC. Italian and British cars demand more attention. Modern fuel and traffic conditions stress older systems, so upgrades to hoses, fans, and wiring are sensible before relying on one daily.

Which 1987 GT has the best parts availability?

The Porsche 928 and Chevrolet Corvette lead clearly, with extensive specialist and aftermarket support. BMW and Mercedes also benefit from strong club networks and dealer heritage programmes. Ferrari and Aston Martin parts exist but are expensive, while Jaguar V12 and Lotus Esprit components require patience and specialist sourcing.

Do these cars need modifications to run on modern fuel?

Most run acceptably on premium unleaded, though some older engines benefit from hardened valve seats or lead substitute additives. Fuel injection systems generally cope well, but ethanol content can degrade older rubber lines and seals. Replacing fuel hoses and filters is cheap insurance on any 1987 car you buy.

What mileage is acceptable when buying a 1987 GT?

Condition and documentation outweigh mileage entirely. A 120,000-mile car with continuous service records is usually a better buy than a 45,000-mile example that sat unused for a decade. Seals, belts, and electronics deteriorate with time, not just distance, so ask for receipts covering the last five years.

Which 1987 GT holds value best long term?

Limited-production models with racing heritage or manual gearboxes tend to appreciate most, including the BMW M6 and Ferrari 328. The Porsche 928 S4 has climbed steadily as recognition grows. Mass-produced cars like the Corvette lag, but their lower entry price means less capital at risk overall.

Can I use a 1987 grand tourer for track days?

You can, but cooling, brakes, and tyres will be the limiting factors. The Corvette and 928 cope reasonably well with light track use after fluid and pad upgrades. Older Ferraris and Jaguars stress their cooling systems badly. Track work accelerates wear on expensive components, so weigh the fun against the bills.

What is the biggest hidden cost on these cars?

Electrical and electronic faults. 1987 predates robust multiplexing, so brittle wiring, failing sensors, and obsolete control units cause persistent gremlins. Diagnosis can consume many labour hours even when parts are cheap. Rust repair on unibody structures runs a close second, especially on British and Italian cars.

Should I buy a restored or original 1987 GT?

A well-documented restoration usually offers better value than a tired original, provided the work was done properly with photos and receipts. Originality matters for future collectibility, but mechanical freshness matters more for enjoyment. Avoid freshly painted cars with no history, as paint often hides structural problems.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g15378745/best-grand-tourers/
• https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/classic-cars/
• https://www.motortrend.com/features/1987-chevrolet-corvette-c4/
• https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/porsche-928
• https://www.hagerty.com/media/car-profiles/
• https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/features/best-gt-cars
• https://www.topgear.com/car-news/classic
• https://www.bringatrailer.com/porsche/928/

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