Top 10 Grand Tourers 1986 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Porsche 928 S4

The 928 S4 ranks first because it was the most complete grand tourer on sale in 1986, pairing a 5.0-litre V8 making 316 hp with a 165 mph top speed and genuine daily usability. It offered a four-speed automatic, air conditioning, and a rear hatch that swallowed luggage, while its near-50/50 weight distribution and Weissach rear axle made it handle like a sports car. No rival matched that blend of pace, comfort, and engineering depth.

It suits the buyer who wants one car to cross continents quickly and still enjoy a mountain pass, and who accepts running costs that dwarf its purchase price. It trades away the raw charisma and light weight of the 911 directly below it, but it is faster, roomier, and far more relaxed over distance. Few 1986 GTs came close.

2. Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2

The 911 Carrera 3.2 takes second because it delivered 231 hp from its 3.2-litre flat-six, a 0-60 mph time of about 6.1 seconds, and a 152 mph top speed in a package weighing roughly 2,750 lb. Its G50 five-speed gearbox, fitted from 1987 but developed in this era, and its hydraulic clutch made it more usable than earlier 911s. It remained the purist's grand tourer, light and endlessly characterful.

It is for the driver who values steering feel and mechanical simplicity over rear-seat space and luggage capacity. It gives up the 928 S4's V8 torque, cabin quiet, and hatchback practicality, and it demands more attention in the wet. Against the Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC below it, the 911 is slower in a straight line but vastly more engaging on a winding road.

3. Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC

The 560 SEC ranks third because its 5.5-litre V8 produced 279 hp and 317 lb-ft, enough for a 155 mph top speed and effortless autobahn cruising. The pillarless coupe body, self-levelling suspension, and hand-finished interior made it one of the most luxurious GTs of 1986. It was a statement car with genuine long-distance pace.

It is for the buyer who prioritises presence, comfort, and torque over agility, and who can tolerate 14 mpg and heavy steering. It trades away the Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2's tactility and the 928 S4's balance, feeling its 3,800 lb in corners. Against the BMW 635CSi below it, the Mercedes is plusher and more powerful but less nimble and considerably thirstier.

4. BMW 635CSi

The BMW 635CSi earns fourth because its 3.4-litre straight-six made 182 hp in US trim and 218 hp in European form, with a 143 mph top speed and a chassis that flattered keen drivers. The shark-nose coupe offered a five-speed manual, four-wheel disc brakes, and a cabin that aged well. It was the enthusiast's luxury coupe of 1986.

It suits the driver who wants rear-drive balance and a manual gearbox without the running costs of a V8 Mercedes. It trades away the 560 SEC's torque and rear-seat space, and rust is a serious concern on survivors. Compared with the Jaguar XJS below it, the BMW is more reliable and sharper to drive but less opulent and slower in a straight line.

5. Jaguar XJS

The Jaguar XJS places fifth because its 5.3-litre V12 produced 262 hp and delivered a 150 mph top speed with remarkable smoothness, while the coupe's styling remained distinctive a decade after launch. From 1981 it offered the High Efficiency engine and a five-speed manual option, improving economy and driver involvement. It was a genuine continent-crosser with a unique soundtrack.

It is for the buyer who wants V12 refinement and presence on a modest budget, and who accepts that electrical faults, cooling issues, and rust are near-certain. It trades away the BMW 635CSi's reliability and the 560 SEC's build quality, and its rear seats are cramped. Against the Chevrolet Corvette C4 below it, the Jaguar is smoother and more comfortable but slower and far more fragile.

6. Chevrolet Corvette C4

The Chevrolet Corvette C4 ranks sixth because its 5.7-litre Tuned Port Injection V8 made 230 hp and 330 lb-ft, pushing the 3,200 lb coupe to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds and on to 150 mph. The 1986 model gained anti-lock brakes and a centred four-plus-three digital dashboard, and its aluminium suspension arms and rack-and-pinion steering gave real cornering grip. It was enormous performance for the money.

It is for the buyer who wants supercar-adjacent pace at a fraction of European prices and can live with a stiff ride and plasticky interior. It trades away the Jaguar XJS's refinement and the Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC's craftsmanship, and build quality is inconsistent. Against the Porsche 944 Turbo below it, the Corvette is faster in a straight line but less balanced and less durable.

7. Porsche 944 Turbo

The Porsche 944 Turbo takes seventh because its 2.5-litre turbocharged four made 217 hp, good for 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds and a 152 mph top speed, with near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and four-piston brakes. It out-handled far more expensive machinery and returned respectable fuel economy for its pace. In 1986 it was arguably the best-handling car in its price bracket.

It is for the driver who wants precision and boost without 911 running costs, and who accepts a four-cylinder soundtrack and tight rear seats. It trades away the Chevrolet Corvette C4's torque and the 928 S4's luxury, and turbo lag is noticeable below 3,000 rpm. Against the Audi Quattro below it, the Porsche is sharper on tarmac but useless in snow and less practical.

8. Audi Quattro

The Audi Quattro ranks eighth because its turbocharged 2.1-litre five-cylinder made 200 hp in 1986, and its permanent four-wheel drive gave traction no rear-drive rival could match in rain or snow. It reached 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds and 137 mph, and its boxy coupe body seated four in reasonable comfort. It had already rewritten rally history and remained a formidable all-weather GT.

It is for the buyer who needs year-round usability and values grip over delicacy, and who can tolerate heavy steering and a dated cabin. It trades away the Porsche 944 Turbo's balance and the BMW 635CSi's refinement, and parts are increasingly scarce. Against the Ferrari Mondial below it, the Audi is more reliable and practical but far less exotic and slower at the top end.

9. Ferrari Mondial 3.2

The Ferrari Mondial 3.2 places ninth because its mid-mounted 3.2-litre V8 produced 270 hp, cutting 0-60 mph to about 6.4 seconds and lifting the top speed to 155 mph. The 1986 model gained a restyled nose and a more usable cabin, and it remains the most practical Ferrari of its era with genuine four-seat space. It offered Maranello glamour at a fraction of Testarossa money.

It is for the buyer who wants the badge and the V8 howl and accepts that servicing costs are still Ferrari-sized and performance trails cheaper rivals. It trades away the Audi Quattro's all-weather traction and the Chevrolet Corvette C4's torque, and its styling divides opinion. Against the Maserati Biturbo below it, the Ferrari is better built and faster but considerably more expensive to run.

10. Maserati Biturbo

The Maserati Biturbo ranks tenth because its twin-turbocharged 2.5-litre V6 made 185 hp in the 1986 Si model, delivering 0-60 mph in around 6.5 seconds and a 140 mph top speed from a compact coupe. It undercut every other car here on price and offered a leather-lined cabin and a distinctive exhaust note. On paper it was remarkable value.

It is for the buyer who wants Italian character on a tight budget and is prepared for temperamental electrics, weak brakes, and expensive parts. It trades away the Ferrari Mondial 3.2's build quality and the Audi Quattro's reliability, and rust is rampant. Against the Jaguar XJS above it, the Maserati is cheaper and lighter but less refined and far less durable.

How we ranked these

We ranked 1986 grand tourers on four weighted criteria: outright pace and engine character (30%), long-distance comfort and cabin quality (25%), real-world reliability and parts availability (25%), and collector trajectory plus value retention (20%). Each car was scored against period road tests, factory performance figures, and current auction results rather than brochure claims.

We deliberately ignored badge prestige, motorsport pedigree, and speculative future appreciation. Those factors reward hype over usable ownership and skew rankings toward cars nobody actually drives. We also excluded limited-run homologation specials and anything requiring a specialist just to start, because a grand tourer that cannot tour is not a grand tourer.

What to look for

Prioritise documented service history and rust inspection over mileage. On 1986 cars, timing chains, cooling systems, and electrical looms matter more than a rebuilt engine. Check that the overdrive, air conditioning, and cruise control all work, since parts for these systems are the hardest to source and the most expensive to restore correctly.

The classic mistake is buying the fastest variant you can afford rather than the best-maintained one. A tired flagship costs two to three times a clean lesser model to run. Budget for a pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist, and walk away from any car with unclear ownership history or fresh underseal hiding corrosion.

Related questions

Which 1986 grand tourer is the best overall?

The Porsche 928 S4 takes the top spot for its blend of 300hp V8 pace, genuine 150mph cruising ability, and a cabin that still feels premium today. It is also the most usable daily, with strong parts support through Porsche Classic and a large enthusiast network keeping running costs sane.

What is the best value 1986 grand tourer?

The Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC offers V8 luxury and build quality for a fraction of Porsche or Ferrari money. Clean examples remain affordable because they were built in large numbers, and Mercedes parts availability is excellent. It is the smart buy if you want presence without a specialist mechanic on retainer.

Was the Ferrari 328 GTB a true grand tourer?

Yes, though it leans sporty. The 328 GTB's 3.2-litre V8 and mid-engine layout make it more agile than traditional GTs, but it still cruises comfortably at speed. Maintenance costs are the catch, with engine-out services for major work, so budget accordingly before buying.

How reliable is a 1986 Jaguar XJS?

Early XJS models earned a poor reputation, but by 1986 the HE V12 was better sorted. Cooling, electrics, and rust remain the weak points. A well-maintained example with uprated cooling and a rebuilt loom is dependable, but neglect turns these cars into money pits fast.

Which 1986 GT has the best engine?

The BMW M635CSi's M88 straight-six is the standout, revving to 6,500rpm with a soundtrack few V8s match. It makes 286hp and pairs with a close-ratio gearbox. The trade-off is expensive valve adjustments and timing chain maintenance, so buy on condition and records.

Are 1986 grand tourers a good investment?

Most are stable rather than spectacular. Porsche 928 S4 and BMW M635CSi values have climbed steadily, while Jaguar XJS and Mercedes SEC remain flat. Buy the best example you can find and drive it. Speculation on ordinary 1986 GTs rarely beats the cost of ownership.

What should I check on a 1986 Porsche 928?

Timing belt and water pump service history is critical, as failure destroys the engine. Inspect the torque tube, flex plate, and electrical grounds. Check the sunroof, digital dash, and air conditioning. Rust hides under the rear window and battery tray, so inspect those areas closely.

Can a 1986 grand tourer be a daily driver?

The 928 S4, Mercedes 560 SEC, and BMW M635CSi can serve as daily drivers if maintained. Parts are available and specialists exist. Ferrari and Jaguar demand more attention and are better as occasional cars. Insurance and fuel costs, not reliability, are usually the limiting factors.

FAQ

What defines a grand tourer?

A grand tourer prioritises high-speed comfort over outright lap times. It needs a powerful engine, a comfortable cabin for two plus luggage, and enough range to cross countries without fatigue. Handling matters, but ride quality and refinement matter more. That definition shaped every ranking decision on this list.

Was 1986 a good year for grand tourers?

It was a transitional year. Fuel injection and electronic management were maturing, emissions rules were tightening, and manufacturers were moving toward smoother, faster cars. The result was a strong crop: the 928 S4, M635CSi, 560 SEC, and XJS HE all represented peak development of their platforms.

How much does a 1986 Porsche 928 S4 cost today?

Clean, well-documented S4 examples typically trade between $25,000 and $45,000, with low-mileage or manual cars pushing higher. Project cars sell for under $15,000 but usually need $20,000 or more in deferred maintenance. Condition and service records drive value far more than mileage.

Is the BMW M635CSi expensive to maintain?

Yes, relative to a standard 6 Series. Valve adjustments, timing chain guides, and specialised parts add up. A well-sorted car costs roughly $2,000 to $4,000 annually in maintenance. Neglected cars can cost far more. Buy the best example you can afford rather than a cheap project.

Which 1986 GT is easiest to live with?

The Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC. It has the widest parts network, the most forgiving mechanicals, and the most comfortable cabin. Independent Mercedes specialists are everywhere, and routine service is straightforward. It is the least stressful ownership proposition on this list by a clear margin.

Did the Jaguar XJS get better in 1986?

Yes. The HE engine introduced in 1981 improved fuel economy, and by 1986 build quality had improved over the troubled early cars. The Cabriolet arrived that year, broadening appeal. Cooling and electrical systems still need attention, but a sorted XJS is a capable and comfortable long-distance car.

What is the most powerful 1986 grand tourer?

The Porsche 928 S4, with roughly 300hp from its 5.0-litre V8. The Mercedes 560 SEC and BMW M635CSi trail at around 279hp and 286hp respectively. The Ferrari 328 makes 270hp but weighs less. Power figures vary by market, so verify the specific car's specification.

Should I buy an automatic or manual 1986 GT?

It depends on the car. The 928 S4 and M635CSi are more engaging with a manual and command a premium. The 560 SEC and XJS suit their automatics, which are smoother and better for touring. Match the gearbox to how you will actually use the car.

What are the biggest ownership risks with 1986 GTs?

Rust, deferred maintenance, and parts scarcity. Electrics and cooling systems are common failure points across all makes. Specialist labour rates are high, and some parts require long waits. A thorough pre-purchase inspection and a maintenance reserve of at least $5,000 are essential.

How do I verify a 1986 GT's history?

Request service records, MOT or state inspection history, and a vehicle history report. Cross-check mileage against records and inspect for odometer tampering. Marque clubs and specialist forums can confirm originality. Never buy without seeing the car in person or sending an independent inspector.

Sources

• https://www.porsche.com/international/aboutporsche/porscheclassic/
• https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/classic/
• https://www.bmwgroup-classic.com/en.html
• https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/classiche
• https://www.jaguar.com/about-jaguar/jaguar-classic.html
• https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools
• https://www.bringatrailer.com/
• https://www.caranddriver.com/
• https://www.roadandtrack.com/

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