Top 10 Grand Tourers 1985 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Aston Martin V8 Vantage 1985

The 1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage ranks first because it was Britain's fastest production car, hitting 170 mph from a 5.3-liter V8 with Weber carburetion and a claimed 380 hp. It combined genuine supercar pace with four seats, a real trunk, and hand-finished leather. No other 1985 grand tourer matched that blend of speed and long-distance luxury.

It is for the collector who wants a muscular, old-school British GT and can tolerate heavy steering and 12 mpg. It trades away refinement and reliability against the cheaper Mercedes below it, but no rival here offers its V8 charisma or outright pace. Buyers wanting easier servicing should look at the Porsche 928 instead.

2. Porsche 928 S 1985

The 1985 Porsche 928 S ranks second because its 4.7-liter V8 made 288 hp in US trim, good for 0-60 in about 6.2 seconds and a 155 mph top speed. It paired that pace with a transaxle, near-50/50 weight distribution, and a comfortable 2+2 cabin. It was the most technically advanced grand tourer of its year.

It suits drivers who want supercar performance with daily usability and a real hatchback. It trades away the Aston's hand-built exclusivity and the Ferrari's drama, and automatic cars feel softer than the five-speed manual. Against the Ferrari 412 below it, the Porsche is faster, cheaper to run, and far more common.

3. Ferrari 412 1985

The Ferrari 412 ranks third because its 4.9-liter flat-12 produced about 340 hp, pushing this 4-seat flagship to roughly 155 mph. It was Ferrari's final front-engine V12 GT with a manual option, and it offered a genuinely usable rear seat plus automatic transmission availability. Few 1985 cars carried this much presence.

It is for the buyer who wants a V12 Ferrari grand tourer and accepts heavy maintenance costs and 10 mpg. It trades away the Porsche's reliability and the Aston's rarity, and its 4-speed automatic dulls performance. Compared with the BMW 635CSi below it, the Ferrari is faster and more exotic but vastly more expensive to keep running.

4. BMW 635CSi 1985

The BMW 635CSi ranks fourth because its 3.4-liter inline-six made 182 hp, enough for 0-60 in about 7.8 seconds and a 135 mph top speed. It wrapped that drivetrain in Paul Bracq's shark-nose coupe body, with four seats, a real trunk, and superb highway manners. It was the definitive attainable 1985 grand tourer.

It is for the enthusiast who wants classic GT style with parts availability and reasonable running costs. It trades away V8 or V12 power and the exclusivity of the cars above it, and rust is a serious concern. Against the Mercedes 500SEC below it, the BMW is sportier and cheaper to maintain but less luxurious.

5. Mercedes-Benz 500SEC 1985

The Mercedes-Benz 500SEC ranks fifth because its 5.0-liter V8 made 184 hp in US trim, delivering effortless torque and a 137 mph top speed. It offered a pillarless coupe body, four genuine seats, and build quality that still feels modern. Few 1985 GTs cruised long distances so calmly.

It is for the buyer who prioritizes comfort, safety, and durability over outright speed. It trades away the BMW's handling sharpness and the Ferrari's drama, and the automatic-only drivetrain limits engagement. Compared with the Jaguar XJS below it, the Mercedes is more reliable and better built but heavier and less charismatic.

6. Jaguar XJS 1985

The Jaguar XJS ranks sixth because its 5.3-liter V12 made about 262 hp, giving a 150 mph top speed and remarkable smoothness. It offered a luxurious cabin, four seats, and a ride that favored long-distance comfort over track work. In 1985 it was one of the most affordable ways into V12 grand touring.

It is for the driver who wants V12 refinement and Jaguar style on a budget. It trades away reliability, with cooling and electrical faults common, and the rear seats are cramped. Against the Mercedes 500SEC above it, the Jaguar is faster and more charismatic but far more temperamental and costly to maintain.

7. Chevrolet Corvette C4 1985

The Chevrolet Corvette C4 ranks seventh because its tuned-port-injection 5.7-liter V8 made 230 hp, cutting 0-60 to about 6.3 seconds. It paired that with a digital dashboard, four-wheel disc brakes, and a removable roof panel at a fraction of European GT prices. It was America's performance bargain in 1985.

It is for the buyer who wants serious performance and low running costs without European maintenance bills. It trades away rear-seat space and luggage capacity, making it a two-seat GT rather than a true four-place tourer. Against the Jaguar XJS above it, the Corvette is faster, cheaper, and more reliable but less luxurious and less exclusive.

8. Maserati Biturbo 1985

The Maserati Biturbo ranks eighth because its twin-turbocharged 2.5-liter V6 made about 185 hp, giving brisk performance and a distinctive exhaust note. It offered Italian styling, a leather-lined cabin, and four seats at a price below the Porsche 928. It was an ambitious, characterful grand tourer.

It is for the enthusiast willing to accept frequent repairs for Italian twin-turbo character. It trades away reliability and build quality, with turbo and electrical issues well documented, and parts are scarce. Against the Corvette C4 above it, the Maserati is more exotic and more comfortable but dramatically less dependable and more expensive to fix.

9. Alfa Romeo GTV6 1985

The Alfa Romeo GTV6 ranks ninth because its 2.5-liter V6 made about 154 hp and it carried a rear transaxle for near-perfect balance. It delivered one of the sweetest chassis and exhaust notes of any 1985 GT, with a hatchback and usable 2+2 seating. It punched far above its modest power figure.

It is for the driver who values handling and sound over straight-line speed and luxury. It trades away outright pace, rear-seat space, and rust resistance, and electrical gremlins are common. Against the Maserati Biturbo above it, the Alfa is more reliable and better to drive but slower and less luxurious.

10. Volvo 780 1985

The Volvo 780 ranks tenth because it launched in 1985 as a Bertone-built coupe with a 2.8-liter V6 or turbo four, four seats, and Volvo's safety reputation. It offered genuine grand-touring comfort, a luxurious interior, and distinctive Italian coachwork. It was the sensible, understated choice among 1985 GTs.

It is for the buyer who wants coupe style with Volvo durability and low drama. It trades away performance and prestige, with modest power and a high price when new, and the Bertone body panels are hard to source. Against the Alfa Romeo GTV6 above it, the Volvo is more comfortable and reliable but slower and less engaging to drive.

How we ranked these

Each contender was scored on a 100-point index weighting four measurable categories: acceleration and top speed (30), chassis balance and steering feel (25), long-distance comfort and cabin quality (20), and real-world running costs including parts availability (25). Data came from period road tests, factory specifications, and current auction results. Only cars with genuine four-seat or 2+2 grand touring intent and 1985 model-year availability qualified.

Deliberately excluded: badge prestige, investment speculation, and concours condition premiums. A car that only shines when trailered to a show is not a grand tourer. Also ignored were modified examples, since engine swaps and restomods distort both value and reliability comparisons. The goal was usable, honest grand touring as it existed in 1985, not collectibility theater.

What to look for

Prioritize documented service history over mileage. A 90,000-mile car with fresh timing chains, bushings, and cooling system work will cost far less than a 45,000-mile garage queen needing deferred maintenance. Verify rust in rockers, floor pans, and around glass seals, since structural repairs dwarf mechanical ones on these aging platforms.

The classic mistake is buying on emotion after one short drive. Grand tourers reveal their flaws over hours, not minutes: highway drone, hot-start issues, tired dampers, and seats that punish after 200 miles. Insist on a cold start, a 30-minute highway run, and a pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist before money changes hands.

Related questions

What defines a grand tourer versus a sports car?

A grand tourer prioritizes comfortable, fast, long-distance travel for two people plus luggage. Sports cars chase lap times and agility. GTs typically weigh more, ride softer, carry real cargo space, and offer relaxed highway gearing. In 1985 that meant cars like the Mercedes SEC, BMW 635CSi, and Jaguar XJS, not mid-engine exotics.

Which 1985 grand tourer offers the best value today?

The BMW E24 635CSi and Mercedes W126 SEC deliver the strongest blend of durability, parts support, and usable performance per dollar. Both have active enthusiast communities, widely available service manuals, and mechanicals shared with mass-produced sedans. Jaguar XJS V12 values are lower but running costs run higher.

Are 1985 grand tourers reliable enough for daily driving?

With refreshed cooling, ignition, and fuel systems, several are. The BMW M30 six and Mercedes M117 V8 are famously long-lived. Jaguar V12 and Porsche 928 require more frequent attention. Budget for preventive maintenance and expect electrical gremlins in any 40-year-old European car regardless of badge.

How much should I budget beyond the purchase price?

Plan on 20 to 30 percent of the purchase price in the first year for baselining: fluids, belts, hoses, brakes, tires, and suspension bushings. A cheap $12,000 example can easily consume $6,000 in deferred work. Buying a well-sorted $20,000 car usually costs less overall than rescuing a bargain.

Which 1985 GT has the best parts availability?

Mercedes-Benz and BMW lead clearly. Both manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers still stock most wear items, and specialist forums document every common failure. Porsche 928 and Jaguar XJS parts exist but cost more and ship slower. Italian and British low-volume alternatives demand patience and deep pockets.

Is a V12 worth the extra cost over a six-cylinder?

Only if you value smoothness and sound above economy. V12 Jaguars and Mercedes deliver effortless cruising, but fuel consumption, service complexity, and parts prices all rise sharply. A well-tuned inline-six or V8 often provides 90 percent of the experience at half the running cost.

What should a pre-purchase inspection focus on?

Rust, compression, cooling system integrity, and electrical function. On unit-body cars, check rockers, jack points, and floor pans. On V12s, verify head gasket health and cooling. Have a marque specialist, not a generic shop, perform the inspection and provide a written report with photos.

Do these cars appreciate or depreciate?

Most have already passed their depreciation floor and now track inflation rather than delivering investment returns. Clean, documented examples of desirable models hold value. Modified, rusty, or high-mileage cars continue to slide. Buy for enjoyment, not appreciation, and maintenance costs will feel less painful.

FAQ

What is the best overall 1985 grand tourer?

The Mercedes-Benz 500SEC combines V8 torque, vault-like build quality, and genuine four-seat comfort with parts support that most rivals cannot match. It is fast enough for modern traffic, quiet at speed, and durable. The BMW 635CSi runs close behind with sharper steering and a more engaging manual option.

What is the best value 1985 grand tourer?

The BMW E24 635CSi. It offers classic proportions, a bulletproof M30 engine, strong community knowledge, and prices well below comparable Mercedes SEC or Porsche 928 examples. Rust is the main enemy, so inspect carefully. A sorted car is a genuine bargain grand tourer.

Was the Porsche 928 a grand tourer or sports car?

Porsche marketed the 928 as a grand tourer, and its layout supports that: front engine, water cooling, generous cabin, and comfortable highway manners. Its handling and power still rival sports cars. In 1985 the 928S made roughly 288 horsepower, making it one of the fastest GTs of the era.

How fast were 1985 grand tourers?

Most ran 0-60 mph in 6.5 to 8 seconds and topped out between 135 and 155 mph. The Porsche 928S and Mercedes 500SEC were quickest. Jaguar XJS V12 and BMW 635CSi sat mid-pack. These figures remain adequate for modern highways, though braking and tire technology lag far behind today.

Which 1985 GT is cheapest to maintain?

The BMW 635CSi and Mercedes 500SEC. Both share engines and drivetrains with higher-volume sedans, so parts are common and independent shops know them well. Jaguar V12 and Porsche 928 maintenance costs roughly double. Avoid neglected examples of any model, since catch-up repairs erase any purchase savings.

Did any 1985 grand tourers come with a manual transmission?

Yes. The BMW 635CSi offered a five-speed manual, as did the Porsche 928 and some Jaguar XJS variants in certain markets. Mercedes SEC models were automatic-only in most markets. Manual cars typically command a premium and deliver more driver engagement, though they are rarer and harder to find.

What is the biggest risk buying a 1985 GT?

Hidden rust and deferred mechanical maintenance. Cosmetic condition often misleads buyers, since shiny paint can hide structural rot and worn suspension. Electrical faults plague aging British and Italian cars. Always inspect on a lift, test every accessory, and verify service records before committing.

Are these cars usable on modern roads?

Yes, with caveats. They lack airbags, stability control, and modern crash structures, so defensive driving matters. Air conditioning, sound systems, and lighting often need upgrades. With refreshed suspension and tires, they cruise comfortably at 75 mph and attract attention everywhere they go.

Which 1985 GT has the best interior?

Mercedes-Benz SEC and BMW 635CSi interiors age best, with durable leather, logical ergonomics, and parts still available. Jaguar XJS cabins look gorgeous but suffer from brittle plastics and failing electronics. Porsche 928 interiors are driver-focused but expensive to restore correctly.

Should I buy a restored or original 1985 grand tourer?

A documented restoration by a known specialist usually beats a low-mileage original that has sat unused, since sitting damages seals, fuel systems, and brakes. Originality matters for collector value, but usability favors a properly sorted car. Demand receipts and photographs for any restoration claims.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g15378757/best-grand-tourers/
• https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/classic-cars/
• https://www.hemmings.com/stories/category/buying-guides/
• https://www.hagerty.com/media/buying-and-selling/
• https://www.bringatrailer.com/
• https://www.pcarmarket.com/
• https://www.bmwcca.org/
• https://www.mbca.org/

Related on PULSE

• [More grand tourers 1985 rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
• [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
• [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)