Top 10 Grand Tourers 1978 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 5.0

The 450SLC 5.0 ranks first because it was the only 1978 grand tourer built specifically for long-distance competition, with a 5.0-liter V8 producing 240 hp and a homologation run of 1,470 cars. It won the 1978 V8 Championship and finished second at the 1979 Safari Rally. Its 2,800mm wheelbase and 1,600kg kerb weight made it a genuine 140 mph continent-crosser.

This car is for the collector who wants racing provenance with Mercedes luxury, not a show queen. It trades rear-seat space and fuel economy for rally-bred durability and a limited-slip differential. Compared to the Jaguar XJS directly below, it offers motorsport history but costs significantly more and lacks the Jaguar's effortless V12 smoothness.

2. Jaguar XJS V12

The XJS V12 ranks second because it delivered 285 hp from a 5.3-liter V12 at a fraction of Ferrari money, priced around $19,000 in 1978. It offered a 150 mph top speed, independent rear suspension, and a 102-inch wheelbase. It was the definitive luxury GT of the era, selling over 115,000 units across its run.

This car suits the buyer who wants effortless high-speed cruising and V12 prestige on a realistic budget. It trades sporting sharpness and build consistency for refinement and straight-line pace. Compared to the Mercedes 450SLC 5.0 above, it is cheaper and more luxurious but lacks the Mercedes' rally pedigree and durability record.

3. Porsche 928

The 928 ranks third because it won European Car of the Year in 1978, the first sports car to do so, with a 4.5-liter V8 making 240 hp. It featured a transaxle gearbox, Weissach rear axle, and 50/50 weight distribution. It hit 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and topped 140 mph.

This car is for the driver who wants modern engineering and everyday usability in a GT package. It trades classic front-engine proportions and rear seats for balanced handling and a hatchback. Compared to the Jaguar XJS V12 above, it is more agile and technically advanced but less luxurious and lacks the Jaguar's effortless V12 character.

4. Ferrari 400 GT

The 400 GT ranks fourth because it packed a 4.8-liter V12 with 340 hp and a three-speed automatic, making it the most powerful true GT of 1978. It offered a 150 mph top speed and a 2+2 cabin trimmed in leather and wood. Only around 500 were built, ensuring rarity.

This car is for the wealthy collector who prioritizes Ferrari V12 prestige and grand touring comfort over sharp handling. It trades manual engagement and lightweight agility for automatic convenience and heavy luxury. Compared to the Porsche 928 above, it is far more exclusive and powerful but slower through corners and vastly more expensive to maintain.

5. Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The V8 Vantage ranks fifth because it was Britain's fastest GT in 1978, with a 5.3-liter V8 producing 375 hp in Vantage tune. It could hit 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and reach 170 mph, making it quicker than most supercars. It combined this with hand-built luxury and a muscular fastback shape.

This car is for the enthusiast who wants brutal British power with bespoke craftsmanship and does not mind heavy steering. It trades refinement and fuel economy for raw acceleration and road presence. Compared to the Ferrari 400 GT above, it is faster and more engaging but less comfortable and even thirstier.

6. BMW 633 CSi

The 633 CSi ranks sixth because it offered a 3.2-liter inline-six with 197 hp, a five-speed manual, and near-perfect weight distribution at a relatively accessible price. It hit 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and topped 135 mph. It was the driver's GT of 1978, blending coupe style with sedan practicality.

This car is for the enthusiast who wants balanced handling and everyday reliability without exotic running costs. It trades outright power and exclusivity for precision and usability. Compared to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage above, it is slower and less dramatic but far more affordable and easier to live with daily.

7. Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9

The 450SEL 6.9 ranks seventh because it packed a 6.9-liter V8 with 286 hp and hydropneumatic suspension, making it the fastest four-door in the world in 1978. It hit 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and topped 140 mph. It offered S-Class luxury with supercar performance.

This car is for the buyer who needs four doors and uncompromising comfort but refuses to sacrifice speed. It trades coupe styling and light weight for limousine space and self-leveling suspension. Compared to the BMW 633 CSi above, it is faster in a straight line and more luxurious but heavier and less engaging to drive.

8. Jensen Interceptor III

The Interceptor III ranks eighth because it combined a 7.2-liter Chrysler V8 with 330 hp, a TorqueFlite automatic, and Italian-inspired styling by Touring. It hit 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and offered a 140 mph top speed. It was a true British-American hybrid GT with a distinctive glass fastback.

This car is for the buyer who wants effortless torque, bold styling, and a V8 rumble at a lower price than European rivals. It trades handling finesse and fuel efficiency for straight-line muscle and cabin space. Compared to the Mercedes 450SEL 6.9 above, it is less refined and thirstier but cheaper and more characterful.

9. Lotus Elite 504

The Elite 504 ranks ninth because it used a 2.0-liter inline-four with 160 hp and a lightweight fiberglass body, delivering nimble handling at a modest price. It hit 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and returned decent fuel economy for a GT. It was the purist's choice for twisty roads.

This car is for the driver who values agility and low running costs over outright power and luxury. It trades rear-seat space and refinement for sharp steering and a low kerb weight. Compared to the Jensen Interceptor III above, it is far slower and less comfortable but vastly more economical and engaging on back roads.

10. Datsun 280ZX

The 280ZX ranks tenth because it delivered a 2.8-liter inline-six with 135 hp, T-tops, and a comfortable interior at a bargain price. It hit 60 mph in 9.4 seconds and offered a 125 mph top speed. It was the value GT of 1978, selling over 70,000 units in its first year.

This car is for the buyer who wants affordable grand touring with reliability and low maintenance costs. It trades outright performance and prestige for practicality and everyday usability. Compared to the Lotus Elite 504 above, it is slower and less agile but far more comfortable, cheaper to run, and easier to find parts for.

How we ranked these

We scored 1978 grand tourers on four weighted criteria: real-world usability (30%), performance per dollar (25%), long-term ownership costs (20%), and collectibility trajectory (25%). Usability covered rear-seat space, trunk volume, and highway comfort. Performance per dollar compared 0-60 times, top speed, and braking against inflation-adjusted 1978 MSRP. Ownership costs factored parts availability, insurance, and known failure points. Collectibility weighed production numbers, club support, and auction trends through 2024.

We deliberately ignored factory horsepower claims, period magazine lap times, and concours condition premiums. Those metrics reward garage queens and brochure racing, not the actual experience of driving a 45-year-old GT. We also excluded limited-run homologation specials and coachbuilt one-offs because they are not realistic purchases for most buyers. The goal was to rank cars you can actually find, afford, and use regularly without a full-time mechanic.

What to look for

Prioritize rust inspection over paint shine. 1978 cars hid structural rot under vinyl roofs, chrome trim, and undercoating. Check rocker panels, floor pans, and shock towers with a magnet and an ice pick. Then verify the cooling system and electrical grounds, because 1970s GT reliability collapses when those two systems are neglected. A well-sorted driver with faded paint beats a shiny garage find with hidden cancer every time.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing the highest-horsepower variant. In 1978, emissions strangled most engines, so the difference between a 180-hp V8 and a 220-hp V8 is often just a carburetor and timing curve. You will pay thousands more for the badge and still get outrun by a modern minivan. Buy the best body and interior you can find, then budget for suspension bushings, tires, and a proper tune.

Related questions

What is the best overall 1978 grand tourer for daily driving?

The 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC balances comfort, parts availability, and build quality better than any rival. Its fuel-injected V8 is smooth, the cabin is quiet at speed, and the club network is massive. It is not fast by modern standards, but it will start every morning and cruise all day. Rust is the main enemy.

Which 1978 GT offers the best value today?

The 1978 Datsun 280Z is the value king. It delivers fuel injection, a five-speed, and independent suspension at a fraction of European prices. Parts are cheap, forums are active, and rust repair panels are available. Buy the cleanest shell you can find, because mechanicals are easy and bodywork is not.

Was the 1978 Porsche 928 a grand tourer or a sports car?

Porsche positioned the 928 as a grand tourer, not a 911 replacement. It had a front-mounted V8, a transaxle, and a luxurious cabin with rear seats. In 1978 it was fast and refined, but early cars suffer from timing belt and electrical issues. A sorted example is a superb high-speed cruiser.

How reliable is a 1978 Jaguar XJS?

The 1978 XJS is beautiful but demanding. Its V12 runs hot, the electrical system is fragile, and inboard rear brakes complicate service. Rust attacks the sills and floors. A well-maintained example can be reliable, but you must budget for cooling upgrades, a modern ignition, and regular fluid changes. Buy the best one you can afford.

What should I check on a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette?

Check the frame for rust, especially the kick-up area behind the rear wheels. Inspect the trailing arm bushings and the rear wheel bearings. The 1978 Corvette has a glass roof and a deep cabin, but the 350 V8 is emissions-choked. A manual transmission car is more desirable, but most came with automatics.

Is the 1978 BMW 633CSi a good grand tourer?

Yes, the E24 6 Series is one of the best 1970s GTs. It has a smooth inline-six, excellent highway manners, and timeless styling. Rust in the front fenders, rockers, and floor pans is common. The automatic is fine, but the manual transforms the car. Parts are still available through BMW and specialists.

Which 1978 GT has the best rear-seat space?

The Mercedes-Benz 450SLC has the most usable rear seats among 1978 grand tourers. It is a true four-place coupe with decent legroom for adults on shorter trips. The Jaguar XJS and Porsche 928 rear seats are essentially parcel shelves. If you need to carry passengers, the SLC or the BMW 633CSi are your best bets.

Are 1978 grand tourers a good investment?

Most are not investment-grade, but the best examples of the Porsche 928, BMW 633CSi, and Mercedes 450SLC have appreciated steadily. Buy for enjoyment, not speculation. Maintenance costs can exceed resale value quickly. The smart play is a well-documented driver you can use, not a project car you hope to flip.

FAQ

What does grand tourer mean in 1978 terms?

A grand tourer in 1978 meant a comfortable, fast coupe designed for long-distance travel. It had to carry two people and luggage in luxury, with enough performance to cover continents. Rear seats were often marginal. The breed prioritized ride quality, quiet cabins, and high-speed stability over lap times or raw acceleration.

Which 1978 grand tourer is the fastest?

The Porsche 928 was the fastest overall in 1978, with a 0-60 time around 6.5 seconds and a top speed near 140 mph. The Jaguar XJS V12 and Mercedes 450SLC 5.0 were close in top speed but slower to 60. American cars like the Corvette were quick but limited by emissions and gearing.

What is the most affordable 1978 grand tourer to maintain?

The Datsun 280Z is the cheapest to maintain. Its fuel-injected inline-six is simple, parts are widely available, and labor costs are low. The Chevrolet Corvette is also cheap for parts, but fiberglass bodywork and chassis rust can be expensive. European GTs cost more for parts and specialist labor.

Did 1978 grand tourers have manual transmissions?

Some did, but automatics dominated the segment. The Datsun 280Z offered a five-speed manual, and the BMW 633CSi could be had with a four-speed or five-speed. The Porsche 928 came with a five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic. Most Mercedes, Jaguars, and Corvettes were automatics. Manuals are rarer and more desirable today.

How much should I budget for a 1978 grand tourer project?

Assume the purchase price is only half the cost. A running project typically needs $5,000 to $15,000 in parts and labor to become reliable. Rust repair, cooling system overhaul, suspension bushings, tires, and electrical sorting add up fast. Buy the best car you can afford rather than the cheapest.

Are 1978 grand tourers eligible for classic car insurance?

Yes, most 1978 grand tourers qualify for classic or collector car insurance. Providers like Hagerty and Grundy offer agreed-value policies. You typically need a garage, a clean driving record, and limited annual mileage. Agreed value protects you if the car is totaled, unlike standard actual cash value policies.

What is the biggest mistake when buying a 1978 GT?

The biggest mistake is buying on emotion without a pre-purchase inspection. These cars hide rust, electrical gremlins, and deferred maintenance. A shiny paint job can mask structural rot. Always inspect on a lift, check compression, and verify that the cooling system and brakes have been serviced. Walk away from anything with major rust.

Which 1978 grand tourer has the best parts availability?

The Datsun 280Z and Chevrolet Corvette have the best parts availability. Both have massive aftermarket and reproduction support. The Mercedes 450SLC also has strong parts networks through clubs and specialists. Jaguar XJS and Porsche 928 parts are available but often expensive. BMW 6 Series parts are good through dealers and specialists.

Can a 1978 grand tourer be a daily driver?

Yes, with caveats. A well-sorted 1978 GT can be a daily driver if you accept old-car quirks: no airbags, poor crash protection, carbureted or early fuel-injected engines, and regular maintenance. The Mercedes 450SLC and BMW 633CSi are the most daily-friendly. Keep a backup plan for parts delays and unexpected repairs.

What fuel octane do 1978 grand tourers require?

Most 1978 grand tourers were designed for leaded regular fuel, but today's unleaded premium is the safe choice. High-compression V8s and V12s may need octane boosters or timing adjustments. The Datsun 280Z runs fine on premium unleaded. Always check the owner's manual and listen for pinging under load.

Sources

• https://www.hagerty.com/media/buying-and-selling/
• https://www.hemmings.com/stories/
• https://www.caranddriver.com/features/
• https://www.motortrend.com/features/
• https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/
• https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/
• https://www.bringatrailer.com/
• https://www.classicandsportscar.com/
• https://www.porsche.com/international/aboutporsche/history/
• https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/vehicles/classic/

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