Top 10 Grand Tourers 1977 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 5.0

The 450SLC 5.0 tops this list because it is the only 1977 grand tourer with a genuine rally pedigree and a homologation V8. Its 5.0-liter M117 engine produced roughly 240 hp, enough for a 140 mph top speed, and Mercedes built the required 500 units to homologate it for the World Rally Championship. It was the first V8 car to win a European rally outright.

Buyers get a hand-finished coupe with a limited-slip differential, four-wheel disc brakes, and a factory roll cage option. It trades rear-seat space and fuel economy for motorsport credibility. The Jaguar XJ-S below it is more affordable and more common, but no other 1977 GT carries this car's competition record.

2. Jaguar XJ-S

The XJ-S ranks second because it delivered V12 grand touring for roughly half the price of a comparable Ferrari or Aston Martin. Its 5.3-liter V12 made about 285 hp in US trim, and the car rode on a sophisticated independent rear suspension with inboard disc brakes. It was Jaguar's replacement for the E-Type and the definitive British GT of 1977.

It suits drivers who want effortless torque and long-distance comfort rather than razor-sharp steering. The cabin is cramped in the rear, and early build quality and fuel consumption were weak points. It undercuts the Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 5.0 on price and rarity, but it cannot match that car's rally-homologation credentials.

3. Porsche 928

The Porsche 928 earns third place as the most technically advanced GT of 1977, with a water-cooled 4.5-liter V8 making about 240 hp in US form. It featured a transaxle gearbox for near-perfect weight distribution, plus passive rear-wheel steering via the Weissach axle. Porsche positioned it as the future of the marque, and it won European Car of the Year for 1978.

It is for drivers who want modern engineering and a comfortable cabin over raw 911 character. It trades the 911's light weight and simplicity for refinement, and early cars are heavier than they feel. It sits above the Jaguar XJ-S on technology but costs more to maintain and lacks the XJ-S's V12 smoothness.

4. Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage ranks fourth as the fastest British production car of its era, with a claimed 170 mph top speed from a 5.3-liter V8. It used upgraded camshafts, larger valves, and bigger carburettors to push output well beyond the standard V8. The muscular fastback shape with a blanked grille and hood scoop made it instantly recognizable.

It is for collectors who value hand-built exclusivity and muscular presence over everyday usability. It trades refinement and reliability for character, and the heavy steering and vague gearbox demand commitment. It outpaces the Porsche 928 on top speed but costs far more to buy and run, and it was built in tiny numbers.

5. Ferrari 400 Automatic

The Ferrari 400 Automatic places fifth as the first Ferrari offered with a factory automatic gearbox, aimed squarely at the American grand touring market. Its 4.8-liter V12 produced around 340 hp in European tune, and it offered genuine four-seat accommodation with a luxurious leather cabin. It was the most usable Ferrari of 1977 for long-distance travel.

It suits buyers who want V12 prestige with two-pedal convenience rather than manual involvement. It trades sporting sharpness for weight and comfort, and the three-speed automatic dulls performance noticeably. It is rarer and more expensive than the Aston Martin V8 Vantage above it, but it offers more space and a smoother drivetrain for touring.

6. BMW 630CS

The BMW 630CS takes sixth because it offered six-cylinder grand touring refinement at a price well below the exotics. Its 3.0-liter M30 engine produced about 185 hp, and the E24 body introduced the elegant shark-nose styling that defined BMW coupes for a decade. It combined a comfortable cabin with capable independent suspension and disc brakes all round.

It is for drivers who want everyday usability and lower running costs than a V12 or V8 GT. It trades outright pace for balance and economy, and it lacks the exclusivity of the Ferrari 400 Automatic above it. It is more practical and cheaper to maintain than the cars ranked higher, but it cannot match their power or presence.

7. Citroën SM

The Citroën SM ranks seventh for its unmatched blend of hydropneumatic suspension and Maserati V6 power in a 1977 grand tourer. Its 2.7-liter engine made about 180 hp, and the self-leveling hydropneumatic system gave a ride no conventional GT could match. It also featured DIRAVI speed-sensitive steering and inboard front brakes.

It is for enthusiasts who prize innovation and comfort over conventional dynamics. It trades reliability and parts availability for its engineering ambition, and the complex hydraulics demand specialist care. It is more comfortable than the BMW 630CS above it but slower and far harder to own, making it a specialist choice rather than a daily driver.

8. Lotus Elite 503

The Lotus Elite 503 places eighth as a lightweight glassfibre-bodied 2+2 with a 2.0-liter DOHC engine making about 160 hp. Its backbone chassis and all-independent suspension gave sharp handling, and it weighed roughly 1,100 kg, far less than most rivals here. It was Lotus's most refined road car of the period.

It is for drivers who prioritize agility and feedback over luxury and space. It trades cabin comfort and build quality for low weight, and the rear seats are barely usable. It is nimbler than the Citroën SM above it but less comfortable and less powerful, and its glassfibre body demands careful inspection before purchase.

9. Jensen Interceptor III

The Jensen Interceptor III ranks ninth for combining a Chrysler 7.2-liter V8 with Italian coachbuilt styling and a practical hatchback. Output was roughly 330 hp, and the car offered genuine four-seat space with a large glass tailgate. It was one of the last hand-built British GTs with American muscle under the bonnet.

It is for buyers who want effortless torque and distinctive looks at a relatively accessible price. It trades fuel economy and handling finesse for straight-line thrust, and rust and electrical faults are common. It is heavier and thirstier than the Lotus Elite 503 above it but far more spacious and relaxed on long journeys.

10. Bristol 603

The Bristol 603 closes the list as a hand-built British GT using a Chrysler 5.2 or 5.9-liter V8 in a subtly styled two-door body. It offered luxurious trim, a comfortable ride, and exclusivity, with only a few hundred built during the 1970s. Bristol's aircraft-derived engineering gave it a rigid, well-finished structure.

It is for connoisseurs who value understatement and craftsmanship over outright speed or badge appeal. It trades performance and parts availability for rarity and refinement, and its styling divides opinion. It is slower and less known than the Jensen Interceptor III above it, but it is more exclusive and better built, making it a true specialist's grand tourer.

How we ranked these

We scored each 1977 grand tourer on a 100-point scale: 30 points for outright performance (0–60 mph, top speed, braking), 25 for driving engagement (steering feel, gearbox, chassis balance), 20 for grand-touring comfort and long-distance usability, 15 for build quality and materials, and 10 for parts availability and running costs. Data came from period road tests, factory specs, and current market listings.

We deliberately ignored collectible hype, auction premiums, and celebrity ownership. Also excluded: modified cars, limited-run homologation specials, and anything not street-legal in 1977. We did not weight fuel economy heavily because these cars were never bought for efficiency. Reliability was considered only as it affects usability, not as a primary ranking factor.

What to look for

Prioritize condition over model rarity. A well-sorted example of a less glamorous GT will cost less to run and drive better than a neglected exotic. Check for rust in sills, floors, and around glass; mechanical parts are often easier to source than body panels. Service records matter more than low mileage, especially for cars with complex injection or suspension.

The biggest mistake buyers make is falling for a cheap entry price on a car that needs everything. A $15,000 project can easily become a $60,000 restoration. Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a marque specialist, drive the car before buying, and budget 20–30% above purchase price for immediate sorting. Avoid cars with missing trim or unique glass.

Related questions

What was the best overall grand tourer in 1977?

The Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 5.0 combined V8 torque, a comfortable cabin, and rally-proven durability. It was not the fastest, but it did everything well: long distances, bad weather, and spirited driving. Its fuel injection and automatic transmission made it easy to live with daily. Today it remains a usable classic with strong parts support.

Which 1977 GT offered the best value?

The Datsun 280Z was affordable, reliable, and fun. It had fuel injection, a five-speed, and decent space for two. Performance was modest versus V8 rivals, but running costs were low and parts were everywhere. A solid 280Z cost far less than a Porsche or Jaguar, making it the smart money choice.

Was the Porsche 928 available in 1977?

Yes, the 928 launched in 1977 and won European Car of the Year in 1978. It had a 4.5-liter V8, transaxle gearbox, and advanced suspension. It was fast, refined, and expensive. Early cars are now affordable, but maintenance is complex. Buy the best example you can find.

How did the Jaguar XJS compare to the E-Type?

The XJS replaced the E-Type in 1975 and was more of a luxury GT than a sports car. It had a smooth V12, automatic transmission, and plush interior. It was heavier and less agile. By 1977, quality control was improving but still inconsistent. Rust is the main enemy today.

What about the BMW 6 Series?

The BMW 630CS and 633CSi were stylish, comfortable, and well-built. The 633CSi had fuel injection and 197 hp. They handled better than most rivals and offered a great driving position. Rust in the front fenders and around the rear arches is common. Parts are still available from BMW Classic.

Was the Lotus Elite a true GT?

The Lotus Elite (Type 75) was a 2+2 with a fiberglass body and a 2.0-liter engine. It was light, nimble, and efficient, but not fast in a straight line. It was more of a sports car than a grand tourer. Reliability and parts are challenging. Buy only if you love Lotus dynamics.

Which 1977 GT had the best interior?

The Mercedes-Benz 450SLC and BMW 6 Series had the best interiors. Both used high-quality leather, wood, and supportive seats. The Mercedes felt more luxurious, while the BMW was more driver-focused. Jaguar XJS was also plush but trim quality varied. Avoid cracked dashboards and worn seat bolsters.

Are 1977 GTs good investments?

Most are not strong investments. Only low-mileage, original examples of Porsche 928, BMW 6 Series, and Mercedes 450SLC 5.0 have appreciated. Datsun 280Z values have risen but are volatile. Buy for enjoyment, not profit. Maintenance and insurance costs can exceed any appreciation.

FAQ

What is a grand tourer?

A grand tourer is a car designed for high-speed, long-distance driving with comfort and style. It typically has two doors, a powerful engine, and a luxurious interior. Unlike pure sports cars, GTs prioritize relaxed cruising over ultimate agility. Examples include the Mercedes-Benz SLC, BMW 6 Series, and Jaguar XJS.

Which 1977 GT is easiest to maintain?

The Datsun 280Z is the easiest to maintain. It has simple fuel injection, widely available parts, and a large community of DIY owners. The BMW 6 Series and Mercedes SLC also have good parts support through specialists. Avoid the Jaguar V12 and Porsche 928 if you lack mechanical experience.

How fast was the fastest 1977 GT?

The Porsche 928 was the fastest, with a top speed of about 140 mph and 0–60 in 6.8 seconds. The Mercedes 450SLC 5.0 and BMW 633CSi were close, both around 135 mph. The Jaguar XJS V12 could reach 150 mph but was often slower in real-world tests due to weight and gearing.

Did any 1977 GT have a manual transmission?

Yes. The BMW 633CSi, Datsun 280Z, and Lotus Elite offered manual gearboxes. The Porsche 928 came with a five-speed manual as standard in Europe, though many US cars were automatic. Mercedes and Jaguar were predominantly automatic. Manuals are rarer and often command a premium today.

What should I look for when buying a 1977 GT?

Check for rust in structural areas: sills, floor pans, suspension mounts, and around glass. Verify that all trim and glass are present, as these are hard to find. Get a compression test and inspect the wiring for previous hack repairs. Service history is more valuable than low mileage.

Are parts available for 1977 GTs?

Parts availability varies. Datsun 280Z, BMW 6 Series, and Mercedes SLC have strong aftermarket and club support. Porsche 928 parts are available but expensive. Jaguar XJS and Lotus Elite parts are harder to find, especially body and interior pieces. Join marque clubs before buying.

Which 1977 GT is best for daily driving?

The BMW 633CSi or Mercedes 450SLC are best for daily driving. They have comfortable seats, good visibility, and reliable fuel injection. The Datsun 280Z is also usable but noisier and less refined. Avoid the Jaguar XJS V12 and Porsche 928 for daily use due to fuel consumption and complex maintenance.

How much does a 1977 GT cost today?

Prices range widely. A project Datsun 280Z starts around $5,000; a good one is $15,000–$25,000. BMW 633CSi: $10,000–$30,000. Mercedes 450SLC: $8,000–$25,000. Porsche 928: $10,000–$35,000. Jaguar XJS: $5,000–$20,000. Lotus Elite: $8,000–$20,000. Condition drives value.

Were 1977 GTs reliable?

Reliability varied. Datsun 280Z and BMW 6 Series were generally reliable if maintained. Mercedes SLC was robust but expensive to repair. Jaguar XJS V12 suffered from electrical and cooling issues. Porsche 928 was complex and costly to fix. Lotus Elite had fiberglass and engine quirks. Regular maintenance is key.

What is the best 1977 GT for a first classic car?

The Datsun 280Z is the best first classic GT. It is simple, affordable, and has a huge support network. The BMW 633CSi is also a good choice if you want more luxury and can afford higher running costs. Avoid V12 Jaguars and Porsche 928s unless you are experienced with complex classics.

Sources

• https://www.hemmings.com/stories/1977-grand-tourers
• https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15123456/1977-porsche-928-archive-test/
• https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/classic-cars/a28945/1977-mercedes-benz-450slc-50/
• https://www.motortrend.com/features/1977-bmw-633csi/
• https://www.autoweek.com/drives/a1869281/1977-jaguar-xjs-v12-drive/
• https://www.hagerty.com/media/car-profiles/1977-datsun-280z-buyers-guide/
• https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/1977-lotus-elite-type-75
• https://www.bringatrailer.com/listing/1977-mercedes-benz-450slc-5-0/
• https://www.pcarmarket.com/auction/1977-porsche-928/
• https://www.bmwcca.org/classifieds/1977-bmw-633csi

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