Top 10 Grand Tourers 1981 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC C126

The 500 SEC tops this list because it defined 1981 grand touring: a 5.0-liter V8 making 240 hp, 0-60 in about 7.5 seconds, and a 150 mph top speed. It paired a 3,700-pound curb weight with a self-leveling suspension and ABS, then a rarity in production cars. No rival matched its combination of autobahn pace and cabin luxury.

It suits buyers who want effortless continent-crossing speed and accept 14 mpg and costly maintenance. The rear seats are tight for adults and the hydraulic suspension ages expensively. Against the Jaguar XJS below it, the SEC is faster, more reliable, and more spacious, but it costs more and lacks the XJS's visual drama.

2. Jaguar XJS HE

The XJS HE ranks second because its 5.3-liter V12 with the High Efficiency head made 262 hp and pushed the car to 150 mph. It undercut the Mercedes 500 SEC on price while offering similar pace, and its 1975-launched shape still looked exotic in 1981. The HE revision improved fuel economy to roughly 16 mpg.

It is for drivers who prize V12 smoothness and low entry cost over reliability. It trades away build quality, rear-seat space, and electrical dependability, and rust is a constant threat. Compared with the 500 SEC above, it is cheaper and more charismatic but slower to sell and far more temperamental.

3. BMW 633 CSi E24

The 633 CSi takes third because its 3.2-liter inline-six made 181 hp and delivered a 0-60 time near 8 seconds with a 134 mph top speed. The E24 chassis offered sharper steering and better balance than either the Mercedes or Jaguar. Its build quality and inline-six refinement were class-leading in 1981.

It is for enthusiasts who want a six-cylinder grand tourer with genuine handling poise. It trades away V8 and V12 power, so straight-line pace trails the top two, and the rear cabin is merely adequate. Against the Jaguar XJS below it, the BMW is slower but more reliable and cheaper to run.

4. Porsche 928 S

The 928 S ranks fourth because its 4.7-liter V8 produced 300 hp in European trim, hitting 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds and 155 mph. The transaxle layout gave near-perfect weight distribution, and the Weissach axle made it handle like a sports car. It was the most technically advanced GT of 1981.

It is for drivers who want supercar pace with daily usability and a hatchback. It trades away rear-seat comfort and simplicity, and the complex timing belt and cooling system demand vigilance. Against the BMW 633 CSi above, the Porsche is far faster but thirstier and more expensive to maintain.

5. Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The V8 Vantage ranks fifth because its 5.3-liter V8 with big-valve heads made roughly 375 hp, making it one of the fastest cars of 1981 with a claimed 170 mph top speed. It was hand-built in Newport Pagnell with a five-speed manual and a muscular, widened stance. Fewer than 500 were made across its run.

It is for collectors who want British muscle and exclusivity regardless of cost. It trades away refinement, ergonomics, and parts availability, and the steering is heavy at low speed. Against the Porsche 928 S above, the Aston is more powerful and rarer but slower to drive well and vastly more expensive to own.

6. Ferrari 400i

The 400i ranks sixth because its 4.8-liter V12 made 310 hp and offered a 0-60 time near 7 seconds with a 149 mph top speed. It was the first Ferrari with Bosch fuel injection, improving drivability, and it came with a GM three-speed automatic. It was the practical Ferrari of 1981.

It is for buyers who want a V12 Ferrari with room for four and automatic ease. It trades away the sharpness of the 308 and the pace of the 928 S, and the styling divides opinion. Against the Aston Martin V8 Vantage above, it is slower but more usable and easier to live with daily.

7. Lotus Esprit Turbo

The Esprit Turbo ranks seventh because its 2.2-liter turbocharged four made 210 hp, hitting 60 mph in about 6.1 seconds and 150 mph. It weighed only around 2,700 pounds, so it out-accelerated many V8 GTs. The Giugiaro wedge shape and bonded chassis were genuinely exotic for 1981.

It is for drivers who prioritize handling and turbo punch over refinement. It trades away luggage space, rear visibility, and reliability, and the cabin is cramped for tall drivers. Against the Ferrari 400i above, the Lotus is quicker and cheaper but far less comfortable and more fragile.

8. Maserati Kyalami 4.9

The Kyalami 4.9 ranks eighth because its 4.9-liter V8 made 280 hp and gave a 0-60 time near 7 seconds with a 145 mph top speed. It was Maserati's front-engine GT built on a De Tomaso Longchamp platform, with a five-speed manual and four seats. It was rare, with only a few hundred built.

It is for collectors who want Italian V8 character without Ferrari prices. It trades away build quality, dealer support, and rust resistance, and the styling is divisive. Against the Lotus Esprit Turbo above, the Maserati is more comfortable and sounds better but slower and much harder to service.

9. De Tomaso Longchamp GTS

The Longchamp GTS ranks ninth because its Ford-sourced 5.8-liter V8 made around 330 hp, delivering 0-60 in roughly 6.5 seconds and a 150 mph top speed. It used a ZF five-speed and De Dion rear suspension, and the GTS added flared arches and a rear spoiler. It was a genuine Italian-American hybrid GT.

It is for buyers who want muscle-car torque in Italian coachwork and can handle limited parts support. It trades away refinement, brakes, and chassis composure at the limit. Against the Maserati Kyalami above, it is faster and torquier but cruder and even rarer to find in good condition.

10. Jensen Interceptor S

The Interceptor S ranks tenth because its 5.9-liter Chrysler V8 made around 330 hp in final S form, with a 0-60 time near 7 seconds and a 140 mph top speed. It offered four real seats, a TorqueFlite automatic, and a distinctive glass hatch. It was the last of the British-American GTs.

It is for practical buyers who want V8 torque, space, and low entry prices. It trades away handling, fuel economy, and rust resistance, and the chassis feels dated next to the De Tomaso above. Against the Longchamp GTS, the Jensen is roomier and cheaper but slower and less exotic.

How we ranked these

We ranked 1981 grand tourers on four weighted criteria: real-world usability (30%), combining rear seats, luggage space, and highway comfort; drivetrain and chassis capability (25%), judged by engine output, torque delivery, and suspension sophistication; ownership cost over five years (25%), covering parts availability, service complexity, and fuel consumption; and collector trajectory (20%), based on auction results and club support.

We deliberately ignored period magazine lap times, top-speed bragging rights, and concours condition premiums. Those metrics reward cars that sit in garages rather than get driven, and they punish affordable models that deliver most of the experience for a fraction of the money. This ranking favors grand tourers you can actually use weekly without financial pain.

What to look for

Prioritize documented service history over mileage. A 1981 grand tourer with 90,000 miles and fresh belts, bushings, and cooling components is a far better purchase than a 40,000-mile car on original rubber and 45-year-old fluids. Rust inspection matters more than paint depth, especially in floor pans, sills, and around glass seals.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing the cheapest running example and budgeting nothing for deferred maintenance. A neglected V12 or turbocharged six can consume five figures in one season. Set aside 25 to 30 percent of the purchase price immediately, buy the best car you can afford, and walk away from anything with unclear ownership or missing records.

Related questions

What is the best overall 1981 grand tourer?

The Mercedes-Benz 380 SEC blends vault-like build quality, a smooth V8, and genuine four-seat comfort better than anything else that year. It is not the fastest, but it remains usable, well-supported by specialists, and comfortable on long trips. Parts availability and club knowledge make ownership predictable rather than adventurous.

Which 1981 grand tourer offers the best value?

The Porsche 928 stands out because early examples remain affordable relative to their engineering. A front-mounted V8, transaxle gearbox, and near-50/50 weight distribution delivered supercar pace in 1981. Buy a well-serviced automatic or five-speed with recent timing belt and water pump work, and you get enormous capability per dollar.

Was the Porsche 928 reliable in 1981?

Mechanically the V8 is robust, but early 928s suffered from electrical gremlins, aging wiring, and expensive timing belt services. Cooling systems and fuel injection components also demand attention. A documented example with refreshed belts, hoses, and relays is reliable enough for regular use, provided you keep a maintenance reserve.

How does the BMW 6 Series compare as a 1981 GT?

The E24 633CSi offers inline-six smoothness, excellent highway manners, and a handsome coupe shape. It is lighter and more agile than many rivals, with strong parts support through enthusiast networks. Rust in the rear arches and around the sunroof is the main risk, so inspect bodywork carefully before buying.

Is the Jaguar XJS a good 1981 grand tourer?

The XJS delivers a silky V12 and striking styling, but early cars are notorious for electrical faults, cooling issues, and complex fuel injection. Fuel economy is poor and parts can be costly. Buy only a sorted example with upgraded cooling and wiring, or budget heavily for sorting one yourself.

What about the Ferrari 400i as a 1981 GT?

The 400i pairs a V12 with a comfortable cabin and genuine long-distance ability, but running costs are severe. Service intervals, parts prices, and specialist labor make it a commitment rather than a bargain. Values have risen, so buy on condition and provenance, not on dreams of cheap exotic ownership.

Which 1981 GT is easiest to live with daily?

The Mercedes-Benz 380 SEC and BMW 633CSi are the most livable. Both offer parts availability, dealer or specialist support, and comfortable cabins. The Mercedes leans toward luxury and the BMW toward driver engagement, but either can handle commuting, road trips, and occasional track days without drama or excessive expense.

Did any 1981 grand tourer have a manual gearbox?

Yes. The Porsche 928 offered a five-speed manual, and the BMW 633CSi could be had with a manual in some markets. Manuals are rarer and typically command a premium, but they add engagement. For relaxed touring, the automatic versions of the Mercedes and Jaguar suit the GT brief well.

FAQ

What defines a grand tourer in 1981?

A grand tourer combined performance with comfort, offering two doors, a usable cabin, luggage space, and enough power for effortless long-distance travel. It prioritized relaxed high-speed cruising over outright lap times. Rear seats were often small but present, and suspension tuning favored compliance rather than track stiffness.

How much should I budget for a 1981 grand tourer?

Purchase prices range from roughly $10,000 for a project to over $60,000 for a superb exotic. Beyond purchase, set aside 25 to 30 percent for immediate maintenance. Insurance, fuel, and storage add annually. The cheapest car upfront is rarely the cheapest to own over five years.

Are 1981 grand tourers appreciating in value?

Most are stable rather than booming. Clean, documented examples of the Porsche 928, BMW 6 Series, and Mercedes SEC have risen modestly, while Jaguar XJS and Ferrari 400i values depend heavily on condition. Rust-free, well-serviced cars appreciate; projects languish. Buy quality and enjoy the car.

Which 1981 GT has the best parts availability?

Mercedes-Benz and BMW lead, with strong dealer and aftermarket support plus active clubs. Porsche 928 parts are widely available through specialists. Jaguar and Ferrari parts exist but cost more and may require sourcing from specialists or overseas suppliers. Always verify availability before committing to a restoration.

How important is rust inspection on these cars?

Critical. Structural rust in floor pans, sills, jacking points, and suspension mounts can render a car uneconomical to repair. Cosmetic rust around glass and arches hints at deeper problems. Bring a magnet and a flashlight, or pay a specialist for a pre-purchase inspection before handing over money.

Can a 1981 grand tourer be used as a daily driver?

Yes, if it is sorted. Mercedes SEC and BMW 6 Series models handle commuting well, with decent visibility and comfort. Fuel consumption is high by modern standards, and older safety equipment lags, but regular use keeps seals, fluids, and electronics healthier than long storage does.

What maintenance items should I check first?

Timing belts on the Porsche 928, cooling systems on the Jaguar XJS, and fuel injection components across most models. Also inspect bushings, brake lines, and tires for age rather than tread. Records showing recent fluid changes, belts, and hoses indicate an owner who cared.

Which 1981 GT is cheapest to insure?

Mercedes-Benz and BMW models generally cost less to insure than Ferrari or Jaguar equivalents, partly due to lower agreed values and easier repair networks. Classic or collector policies with mileage limits can reduce premiums significantly. Compare quotes and confirm the insurer understands older vehicle repair costs.

Do these cars need premium fuel?

Most 1981 grand tourers specified high-octane fuel and lack modern knock control. The Porsche 928, Mercedes V8, and BMW six run best on premium. The Jaguar V12 and Ferrari V12 also demand it. Using regular may cause pinging and reduced performance, so budget for premium at the pump.

What is the biggest mistake first-time buyers make?

Buying on emotion and ignoring deferred maintenance. A shiny car with no records often hides thousands in needed work. Inspect thoroughly, drive before buying, and reserve funds for repairs. The best purchase is a well-documented car from an owner who maintained it properly.

Sources

• https://www.hagerty.com/media/buying-and-selling/
• https://www.hemmings.com/stories/
• https://www.porsche.com/usa/aboutporsche/history/
• https://www.bmwgroup-classic.com/en.html
• https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/classic/
• https://www.jaguar.com/classic.html
• https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/classiche
• https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/

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