Top 10 Grand Tourers 2001 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Ferrari 550 Maranello

The 550 Maranello ranks first because it revived the front-engine V12 Ferrari GT formula with 478 hp from its 5.5-liter V12, hitting 60 mph in about 4.4 seconds and 199 mph flat out. It paired a six-speed manual transaxle with a steel spaceframe and aluminum body, weighing roughly 3,700 pounds. At around $200,000 new, it was the definitive grand tourer of 2001.

Buyers get a genuine 200-mph Ferrari with a gated manual and usable luggage space behind the seats. It trades away some of the mid-engine 360's razor response for long-distance comfort and torque. Against the 456M below, the 550 is faster, newer, and more involving, which is why it takes the top spot.

2. Aston Martin V12 Vanquish

The V12 Vanquish ranks second because it launched Aston Martin into the modern era with a 5.9-liter V12 making 460 hp, a 0-60 time near 4.5 seconds, and a 190-mph top speed. Its bonded aluminum and carbon-fiber structure was advanced for 2001, and the paddle-shift automated manual signaled where GTs were heading. It cost roughly $228,000.

This is for drivers who want dramatic British presence and V12 sound with near-supercar pace. It trades away the Ferrari's manual gearbox and proven reliability, since the early paddle-shift was clunky. Compared to the 550 Maranello above, the Vanquish is more exotic-looking but less sorted dynamically and harder to live with daily.

3. Porsche 911 Turbo 996

The 996 Turbo ranks third because it delivered supercar performance at a comparatively attainable price, with a 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six producing 415 hp, 0-60 in about 3.9 seconds, and a 189-mph top speed. All-wheel drive and a six-speed manual made it usable in any weather, and it cost around $111,000 new. It was the performance-per-dollar benchmark of 2001.

This suits buyers who want devastating speed and everyday reliability rather than exotic drama. It trades away the V12 charisma and exclusivity of the Aston and Ferrari above, and its 996 interior plastics drew criticism. Against the 550 Maranello, the Porsche is quicker to 60 and cheaper but lacks the Ferrari's soul and occasion.

4. Ferrari 456M GT

The 456M GT ranks fourth because it was Ferrari's refined four-seat grand tourer, carrying a 5.5-liter V12 rated at 436 hp with a six-speed manual, reaching 60 mph in roughly 5.0 seconds and 186 mph. The "M" update brought revised aerodynamics, better cooling, and interior tweaks. It cost around $220,000 new in 2001.

This is for buyers who need two usable rear seats and a supple ride for continental touring. It trades away outright pace and sharpness compared with the 550 Maranello above, since it is heavier and softer. Against the V12 Vanquish, the 456M is more practical and comfortable but noticeably less powerful and less dramatic to look at.

5. Mercedes-Benz CL600 C215

The CL600 ranks fifth because it combined a 5.8-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 493 hp and 590 lb-ft with a 0-60 time near 4.6 seconds, all in a serene two-door coupe. Active Body Control suspension kept the roughly 4,400-pound car flat in corners, and it cost around $130,000. It was effortless luxury performance.

This is for drivers prioritizing torque, silence, and technology over lap times or manual shifting. It trades away the engagement of the Ferrari and Porsche manuals above, and its complex electronics and ABC suspension are costly to maintain. Against the 456M GT, the Mercedes is faster in a straight line and more opulent but far less involving.

6. BMW 850CSi

The 850CSi ranks sixth because it capped BMW's E31 flagship with a 5.6-liter V12 making 375 hp, a six-speed manual, and a 155-mph limited top speed. It was produced in tiny numbers through 1996, so by 2001 it was a sought-after modern classic rather than a new car. Original price was around $100,000.

This is for collectors who want a rare V12 manual coupe with wedge styling and genuine presence. It trades away outright pace versus the newer Porsche and Mercedes above, and its running costs are heavy. Compared with the CL600, the BMW is slower and less comfortable but rarer and more rewarding with its manual gearbox.

7. Jaguar XKR Coupe

The XKR Coupe ranks seventh because it offered supercharged V8 performance at a relative bargain, with a 4.0-liter unit producing 370 hp, 0-60 in about 5.2 seconds, and a 155-mph limit. It cost roughly $80,000 new, undercutting most rivals by tens of thousands. Its aluminum-rich chassis and luxurious cabin made it a true GT.

This is for buyers who want strong performance and Jaguar style without exotic-car running costs. It trades away the V12 smoothness of the cars above and the manual gearboxes of the Porsche and BMW. Against the 850CSi, the Jaguar is quicker and cheaper but less rare and less of a collector piece.

8. Chevrolet Corvette C5

The C5 Corvette ranks eighth because it delivered near-supercar acceleration for the money, with a 5.7-liter LS1 V8 making 350 hp, 0-60 in about 4.7 seconds, and a 175-mph top speed. It cost around $40,000, a fraction of the European GTs. Its hydroformed frame and rear transaxle gave it genuine handling balance.

This is for buyers who prioritize raw performance per dollar over badge prestige and interior refinement. It trades away the luxury, build quality, and exclusivity of every car above, and its cabin feels plasticky. Against the XKR Coupe, the Corvette is faster and cheaper but far less comfortable and less special to own.

9. Maserati 3200 GT

The 3200 GT ranks ninth because it brought Maserati back with a twin-turbo 3.2-liter V8 producing 370 hp, 0-60 near 5.0 seconds, and a 174-mph top speed. Its distinctive boomerang taillights and Italian coupe proportions made it memorable. It cost roughly $90,000 when new in 2001.

This is for enthusiasts who want Italian character and turbo V8 thrust at a discount to Ferrari. It trades away reliability, dealer support, and refinement compared with the Porsche and Mercedes above, and the automated manual was not offered. Against the XKR Coupe, the Maserati is more exotic and similarly quick but less dependable and less practical.

10. Bentley Continental R

The Continental R ranks tenth because it represented old-school British grand touring with a 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 producing around 385 hp and immense torque, moving roughly 5,300 pounds with authority. It cost over $300,000 new, making it the most expensive car here. Its hand-built cabin and presence were unmatched.

This is for buyers who value craftsmanship, space, and effortless torque over agility or value. It trades away fuel economy, modern electronics, and any pretense of sportiness, and running costs are enormous. Against the Maserati 3200 GT, the Bentley is far more luxurious and costly but slower, thirstier, and harder to park.

How we ranked these

We scored each 2001 grand tourer on four weighted pillars: powertrain output and delivery (30%), chassis balance and steering feel at real road speeds (25%), long-distance comfort including seats, noise and ride (25%), and ownership reality such as parts availability, service costs and known failure points (20%). Every car was judged as a used machine in 2024, not as a showroom novelty, so condition and running costs counted heavily.

We deliberately ignored top-speed bragging rights, Nürburgring lap times, and factory options that almost no surviving example actually has. Limited-run exotics and coachbuilt one-offs were excluded because they cannot be realistically bought, insured or serviced. We also ignored collector hype and auction momentum, since inflated prices tell you nothing about whether a car is good to drive or affordable to keep.

What to look for

Prioritise documented service history over mileage. A 90,000-mile car with fresh belts, fluids, bushes and dampers is a far better buy than a 30,000-mile garage queen needing a full recommission. Check that the specific model's known weak points have been addressed with receipts, and budget 15-20% of the purchase price for immediate sorting regardless of what the seller claims.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing the cheapest example of the most prestigious badge. A neglected V12 or twin-turbo flagship will drain five figures in one season, while a well-kept, less glamorous model delivers 90% of the experience for a fraction of the running cost. Buy the best condition car you can afford, not the biggest engine.

Related questions

Which 2001 grand tourer offers the best value today?

The Aston Martin DB7 Vantage and Jaguar XKR both deliver genuine GT pace and comfort for a fraction of Ferrari or Porsche money. The XKR's supercharged V8 and Mercedes-derived automatic make it a relaxed long-distance tool, and parts are widely available. Buy on rust, timing chain tensioners and cooling system condition rather than mileage.

Is a 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo a true grand tourer?

Yes, despite the 911 badge. The 996 Turbo's 3.6-litre twin-turbo flat-six, all-wheel drive and usable rear seats make it a credible continent-crosser with supercar acceleration. Watch for coolant pipe failures, intermediate shaft concerns on related models, and tired suspension bushes. Well-maintained examples remain the most usable fast GT of the era.

What should I check on a used Ferrari 456M?

The 456M's V12 is robust but the surrounding systems are not. Inspect the cambelt service history, the notoriously complex climate control, the electric seats and the suspension. Clutch wear on the manual cars is expensive. Budget heavily for deferred maintenance, and insist on a pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist before committing.

How does the Bentley Continental GT compare with these 2001 cars?

The Continental GT arrived in 2003, so it sits just outside this group, but it reset the GT benchmark with its W12 and all-wheel drive. Compared with 2001 rivals it is faster and more luxurious, yet heavier and thirstier. Early cars are now affordable, though running costs remain substantial. It is a natural next step if your budget stretches.

Are 2001 grand tourers reliable enough for daily use?

Some are. The Jaguar XKR, Mercedes CL and BMW 8-series successors can handle regular use if maintained properly. Italian and British exotics generally cannot without constant attention. The key is choosing a model with strong parts support and a specialist near you. Daily-driving a neglected exotic is how owners end up with five-figure repair bills.

What is the biggest hidden cost on a 2001 GT?

Suspension and electronics. Adaptive dampers, self-levelling systems and ageing control modules fail on nearly every car from this era, and replacements are often dealer-only and expensive. Air suspension on Mercedes and Audi models is a particular trap. Factor these into your budget before purchase, because they will fail eventually regardless of mileage.

Should I buy a manual or automatic 2001 grand tourer?

It depends on the car. Manuals command premiums on Ferraris and Aston Martins and are more engaging, but automatics suit the GT brief better and are usually cheaper. Some automated manuals from this era are slow and jerky, so drive before you buy. For resale, manual exotics hold value; for comfort, a good torque-converter automatic wins.

How important is mileage on a 2001 grand tourer?

Less than condition. These cars are over twenty years old, so rubber, plastics and fluids degrade with time as much as distance. A high-mileage car with continuous maintenance is often healthier than a low-mileage one that sat unused. Verify that belts, hoses, bushes and dampers have been replaced, and treat mileage as one data point among many.

FAQ

What is the best overall 2001 grand tourer?

The Porsche 911 Turbo (996) takes the overall win. It combines genuine supercar performance with everyday usability, all-weather traction and strong parts support. The Aston Martin DB7 Vantage and Ferrari 456M offer more charisma, but the Porsche is the one you can actually use regularly without dreading the next bill.

What is the best value 2001 grand tourer?

The Jaguar XKR. Supercharged V8 power, a comfortable cabin and relaxed long-distance manners for a fraction of European exotic prices. Parts are affordable and specialists are plentiful. Rust, timing chain tensioners and cooling systems are the main checks. It delivers most of the GT experience for the least money.

Which 2001 grand tourer has the best engine?

The Ferrari 456M's 5.5-litre V12 is the most characterful, with a soaring soundtrack and effortless torque. The Aston Martin DB7 Vantage's 5.9-litre V12 runs it close. For sheer flexibility, the Porsche's twin-turbo flat-six is hard to beat. Engine character is subjective, but these three define the era's best.

Are 2001 grand tourers a good investment?

Mostly no. Only limited-run exotics and manual Ferraris have appreciated meaningfully. The rest are depreciating assets with rising maintenance costs. Buy one to drive and enjoy, not to store. If investment matters, focus on documented low-mileage examples of rare variants, and accept that ownership costs will likely exceed any gain.

How much does it cost to maintain a 2001 grand tourer?

Budget £2,000-£5,000 annually for a mainstream model like a Jaguar or Porsche, and £5,000-£15,000 for Italian or British exotics in poor health. Tyres, brakes and fluids alone are significant. A specialist inspection before purchase is essential. Setting aside a contingency fund equal to 20% of the purchase price is prudent.

Which 2001 grand tourer is easiest to live with?

The Porsche 911 Turbo and Jaguar XKR. Both have wide dealer and specialist networks, reasonable parts availability and proven reliability when maintained. The Mercedes CL and BMW 8-series successors are also usable. Italian cars demand more patience, specialist knowledge and budget. Ease of ownership should weigh heavily in your decision.

Did any 2001 grand tourers come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. The Porsche 911 Turbo used all-wheel drive to great effect, and Audi's range-topping models offered quattro. All-wheel drive improves wet-weather confidence and traction, which suits the GT brief. It also adds complexity and weight. For year-round usability in a damp climate, it is a genuine advantage worth paying for.

What is the most common mistake when buying a 2001 GT?

Buying on badge and price rather than condition. A cheap Ferrari or Aston Martin is almost always a false economy, with deferred maintenance that surfaces immediately. Conversely, a well-documented, higher-mileage mainstream car can be a bargain. Always commission a pre-purchase inspection and walk away if the history is incomplete.

How do I verify a 2001 grand tourer's service history?

Check stamped service books against invoices, and call the specialists named in the receipts to confirm work was done. Look for continuity rather than a single big bill. Verify cambelt, clutch and suspension work dates. A car with a gap of several years in its history should be treated with suspicion regardless of how it looks.

Which 2001 grand tourer sounds the best?

The Ferrari 456M's V12 and the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage's V12 are the aural champions, with a rich, rising exhaust note under load. The Jaguar XKR's supercharged V8 has a distinctive whine. The Porsche's flat-six is more functional than musical. Sound is subjective, but the V12s are the ones owners remember.

Sources

• https://www.porsche.com/international/aboutporsche/christophorusmagazine/
• https://www.astonmartin.com/en/heritage
• https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/auto/456-m
• https://www.jaguar.com/index.html
• https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/vehicles/
• https://www.bmw.com/en/index.html
• https://www.audi.com/en.html
• https://www.hemmings.com/
• https://www.hagerty.com/

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