Top 10 Grand Tourers 1999 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. 1999 Ferrari 550 Maranello

The 550 Maranello ranks first because it paired a 478-horsepower 5.5-liter V12 with a conventional six-speed manual transaxle, a purist formula no rival matched in 1999. It hit 60 mph in roughly 4.2 seconds and topped 199 mph, figures that embarrassed the 911 Turbo. Its tubular steel chassis and aluminum body kept weight near 3,700 pounds, and it cost about $200,000 new.

Buyers get a front-engine V12 Ferrari usable daily, with a real trunk and comfortable cabin. It trades away all-wheel drive and modern paddle-shift convenience, demanding skill from the driver. Compared to the cheaper 996 Turbo below, it offers more charisma and exclusivity but far higher maintenance costs and a thirstier, more fragile powertrain.

2. 1999 Porsche 911 Turbo

The 996-generation 911 Turbo earns second because its twin-turbo 3.6-liter flat-six made 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft, launching it to 60 mph in about 4.0 seconds with all-wheel drive. It was the first water-cooled Turbo and the first with standard stability management, a genuine technological leap. It cost around $111,000 and remained tractable in rain or snow, a year-round supercar.

This car suits drivers wanting devastating speed with everyday reliability and Porsche dealer support. It trades away the air-cooled character and classic styling purists loved, and its interior plastics felt cheap for the money. Against the Ferrari 550 above it lacks theater and exclusivity, but it is faster in real-world conditions and vastly cheaper to run.

3. 1999 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage

The DB7 Vantage takes third because its new 5.9-liter V12 produced 420 horsepower, transforming a pretty but underpowered coupe into a genuine 185-mph grand tourer. It arrived in 1999 with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic, and its supercharged straight-six predecessor made only 335 horsepower. Pricing started near $140,000, with hand-stitched leather and walnut trim throughout.

It is for buyers who prize British craftsmanship and soundtrack over outright pace. It trades away reliability and lightweight agility, weighing over 3,900 pounds with a thirsty V12 and costly servicing. Compared to the 911 Turbo above, it is slower and less dependable, but far more exclusive and emotionally resonant on a long continental drive.

4. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CL600

The CL600 ranks fourth because its 5.8-liter V12 delivered 389 horsepower and 420 lb-ft, moving a 4,100-pound coupe to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds while coddling occupants in active suspension. It debuted Mercedes' Active Body Control on the C215 platform, virtually eliminating body roll. It cost roughly $130,000, offering S-Class luxury in a two-door body.

It suits executives wanting effortless cross-country pace with massaging seats and adaptive cruise. It trades away sportiness and manual involvement entirely, and its complex electronics and hydraulic suspension are notoriously expensive to repair. Against the DB7 above, it is quicker and more technologically advanced, but less charming and even more costly when things break.

5. 1999 BMW 840Ci Sport

The 840Ci Sport earns fifth because its 4.4-liter V8 made 286 horsepower and it received the desirable Sport package with stiffer suspension and revised styling before the 8 Series ended production in 1999. It reached 60 mph in roughly 6.3 seconds and cost about $80,000, undercutting V12 rivals considerably. Its pillarless coupe shape remains striking decades later.

It is for buyers wanting dramatic 1990s GT style at a fraction of Ferrari or Aston money. It trades away outright pace and rear-seat space, and its electronics, brakes, and cooling systems demand constant attention. Compared to the CL600 above, it is slower and less luxurious, but lighter, cheaper to buy, and easier to service.

6. 1999 Jaguar XK8 Coupe

The XK8 Coupe places sixth because its 4.0-liter AJ-V8 produced 290 horsepower, delivering 60 mph in about 6.4 seconds with a chassis tuned for relaxed cruising rather than track work. It cost around $70,000 and offered classic long-hood proportions with Connolly leather and wood veneer. The coupe body was rarer and stiffer than the more common convertible.

It suits buyers wanting traditional Jaguar elegance and a sonorous V8 on a modest budget. It trades away reliability and sharp dynamics, with timing chain tensioner and gearbox issues well documented. Against the 840Ci above, it is similarly priced and comfortable, but its styling is more nostalgic than dramatic and its resale value weaker.

7. 1999 Chevrolet Corvette C5 Coupe

The C5 Corvette Coupe ranks seventh because its 5.7-liter LS1 V8 made 345 horsepower, pushing it to 60 mph in about 4.8 seconds for roughly $40,000. Its hydroformed backbone chassis and rear transaxle delivered genuine handling balance, and the targa roof added practicality. Few cars offered such performance per dollar in 1999.

It is for buyers who want supercar acceleration on a working budget and don't mind plasticky interiors. It trades away refinement, badge prestige, and rear-seat usability, and its cabin materials feel crude next to European rivals. Compared to the XK8 above, it is dramatically faster and cheaper, but far less luxurious and considerably less exclusive.

8. 1999 Maserati 3200 GT

The 3200 GT takes eighth because its twin-turbo 3.2-liter V8 produced 370 horsepower, making it one of the fastest GTs of 1999 with a 174-mph top speed. Its boomerang taillights and Italian coachwork were unmistakable, and it cost about $90,000. A six-speed manual came standard, with an optional automatic later.

It is for enthusiasts willing to accept temperamental behavior for a thrilling twin-turbo V8 and exotic presence. It trades away reliability, dealer network, and low-speed drivability, with laggy turbos and delicate electrics. Against the Corvette above, it is more charismatic and exclusive but slower to 60, pricier, and vastly more fragile.

9. 1999 Lexus SC 400

The SC 400 ranks ninth because its 4.0-liter V8 made 290 horsepower and delivered 60 mph in about 6.7 seconds with legendary Lexus build quality and silence. It cost roughly $55,000 and offered a smooth five-speed automatic, leather, and a Nakamichi sound system. It remained a comfortable, dependable grand tourer long after rivals faltered.

It suits buyers who value reliability and serenity above drama or speed. It trades away driving excitement and badge cachet, and its soft suspension and muted steering feel disconnected. Compared to the Maserati above, it is slower and less glamorous, but far more dependable and cheaper to own over a decade.

10. 1999 Cadillac Eldorado ETC

The Eldorado ETC places tenth because its 4.6-liter Northstar V8 made 300 horsepower, giving front-wheel-drive 60 mph acceleration in about 6.5 seconds for around $45,000. It offered heated seats, Bose audio, and distinctive sharp-edged styling. It was the last Eldorado generation, ending a long nameplate run.

It is for buyers wanting American luxury and V8 punch at low cost, with parts widely available. It trades away handling balance and cachet, with front-wheel drive and torque steer limiting dynamics, plus Northstar head gasket concerns. Compared to the Lexus SC 400 above, it is quicker and cheaper but less refined, less reliable, and far less desirable on the used market.

How we ranked these

We ranked 1999 grand tourers on four weighted criteria: powertrain output and delivery (30%), chassis balance and steering feel (25%), long-distance comfort including seats, noise, and ride (25%), and ownership cost covering parts, servicing, and depreciation (20%). Each car was scored against period rivals, not modern machinery, so a 1999 benchmark stays a 1999 benchmark.

We deliberately ignored badge prestige, limited-production speculation, and celebrity ownership history. Those factors inflate asking prices without improving the driving or living experience. We also excluded track-only specials and any car whose rear seats were unusable for adults, since a grand tourer must genuinely tour with people and luggage aboard.

Related questions

What makes a 1999 grand tourer different from a sports car?

A grand tourer prioritizes comfortable long-distance travel for two plus luggage, with a usable back seat and a supple ride. A sports car prioritizes lap times, grip, and feedback, often sacrificing space and comfort. In 1999 the line blurred, but the best GTs still rode well, carried real luggage, and stayed relaxed at autobahn speeds.

Which 1999 grand tourer offers the best value today?

The Chevrolet Corvette C5 typically delivers the most performance per dollar, with cheap parts, strong aftermarket support, and a durable LS1 V8. Running costs are low and examples are plentiful. The trade-off is interior materials and brand cachet, but mechanically it undercuts European rivals by a wide margin while matching their pace.

How reliable is a 1999 Aston Martin DB7?

The DB7's supercharged straight-six is robust, but electrics, window regulators, and trim wear are common. Servicing costs are high because specialist labor is required. Rust around the sills and rear arches is a real concern. Buy the best-maintained example you can find, and budget for ongoing fettling rather than expecting Japanese-style dependability.

What should I check on a 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera?

Inspect for rear main seal leaks, intermediate shaft bearing noise on later water-cooled cars, and worn suspension bushes. The 996 generation introduced water cooling and a cheaper interior, so condition matters more than mileage. Check the coolant expansion tank, radiator condition, and whether the clutch and flywheel have been replaced.

Is a 1999 Jaguar XK8 expensive to maintain?

The XK8's V8 is generally strong, but timing chain tensioners on early cars are a known weak point and must be verified as updated. Suspension bushes, gearbox electronics, and rust in the sills and floor demand attention. Parts are reasonable, but specialist labor adds up. A well-sorted example is affordable to run.

Which 1999 GT has the best back seats?

The Maserati 3200 GT and Jaguar XK8 offer the most usable rear accommodation in this class, though adults will still find them tight on long journeys. The Aston Martin DB7 is similar. True four-seat touring in 1999 usually meant a saloon-based coupe, so treat any two-plus-two as occasional seating at best.

How much should I budget for a 1999 grand tourer?

Entry prices range from roughly $15,000 for a high-mileage Corvette C5 to over $60,000 for a clean Aston Martin DB7 or Porsche 911. Add 20 to 30 percent for immediate maintenance, tyres, and deferred repairs. A cheap example is rarely cheap overall, so buy on condition and documented history rather than headline price.

Do 1999 grand tourers hold their value?

Most depreciated heavily and have only recently stabilized. Limited-run models like the DB7 Vantage and 3200 GT are appreciating, while mass-produced cars like the C5 and XK8 remain affordable. Condition, originality, and service records drive value far more than mileage alone. Buy to enjoy, not to speculate.

FAQ

What is the best overall 1999 grand tourer?

The Porsche 911 Carrera balances pace, comfort, reliability, and everyday usability better than any rival. It tours quietly, handles brilliantly, and retains value. The Aston Martin DB7 wins on charisma, and the Corvette C5 wins on cost, but the 911 is the most complete package for mixed use.

Was 1999 a good year for grand tourers?

Yes. It marked the final era of analogue steering and hydraulic assistance before electronics dominated. The DB7, XK8, 911, C5, and 3200 GT all offered distinct characters. Emissions rules were tightening, but engines still sounded rich and gearboxes were largely conventional, making these cars rewarding and simpler to maintain.

Which 1999 GT is cheapest to run?

The Chevrolet Corvette C5 is the clear winner. LS1 parts are inexpensive and widely available, servicing is straightforward, and fuel economy is respectable for the performance. Tyres cost less than on European rivals. Insurance is moderate. The main expense is cosmetic, since interiors wear and trim pieces can be hard to source.

Are 1999 grand tourers good daily drivers?

Most are usable daily if maintained, but fuel, tyres, and servicing add up. The 911 and C5 cope best with commuting and weather. The DB7 and 3200 GT demand more care and are happier as second cars. Ground clearance and turning circles can also make city driving awkward for the wider European models.

What mileage is too high for a 1999 grand tourer?

Mileage matters less than maintenance history. A 150,000-mile Corvette with records is safer than a 60,000-mile DB7 that sat unused. Seals, bushes, and fluids degrade with time regardless of mileage. Look for recent major service work, fresh tyres, and evidence of regular use rather than a low odometer reading.

Which 1999 GT sounds the best?

The Maserati 3200 GT's twin-turbo V8 and the Aston Martin DB7's supercharged six both deliver memorable soundtracks. The Corvette's LS1 rumbles deeply, while the Jaguar XK8 is refined rather than dramatic. The Porsche 911 is quieter but gains intensity with revs. Sound preference is subjective, so drive several before deciding.

Do I need a specialist to service a 1999 grand tourer?

For European models, yes. Aston Martin, Maserati, and Jaguar specialists know the common failures and have the diagnostic tools. The Corvette and Porsche have broader independent support. Using a general garage on a DB7 or 3200 GT often creates bigger bills later, so factor specialist labor into your ownership budget.

What is the biggest risk buying a 1999 grand tourer?

Deferred maintenance. These cars are old enough that neglected cooling systems, suspension bushes, and electronics fail soon after purchase. Rust affects Jaguar and Aston models. A pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist is essential. Walk away from cars with vague service history, mismatched tyres, or sellers who resist inspection.

Which 1999 GT is best for long-distance touring?

The Aston Martin DB7 and Jaguar XK8 prioritize ride comfort, quiet cabins, and relaxed gearing, making them ideal for continental trips. The 911 is nearly as comfortable with better dynamics. The Corvette offers excellent highway manners and huge luggage space. The Maserati is the most temperamental over long distances.

Are parts still available for 1999 grand tourers?

Yes, though availability varies. Corvette and Porsche parts are easy to find new or used. Jaguar and Aston Martin have strong specialist networks and reproduction parts. Maserati 3200 GT parts are scarcer and pricier, especially body panels and electronics. Join owners' clubs before buying to learn realistic sourcing.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15139650/1999-chevrolet-corvette-c5-road-test/
• https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/1999-porsche-911-carrera-review/
• https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/classic-cars/a32345/aston-martin-db7-history/
• https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1997-2006-jaguar-xk8
• https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/maserati/3200-gt
• https://www.hagerty.com/media/buying-and-selling/1999-chevrolet-corvette-c5-buyers-guide/
• https://www.pca.org/technical/996-buyers-guide
• https://www.astonmartin.com/en/heritage/db7

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