Top 10 Grand Tourers 1957 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

The 300 SL Roadster tops this list because it paired genuine 140 mph performance with open-air grand touring comfort in 1957. Its fuel-injected 3.0-liter inline-six produced 215 horsepower, enough for 0-60 in roughly 8.8 seconds. Four-wheel independent suspension and optional hardtop made it both capable and civilized on long continental runs.

This car is for the collector who wants racing-derived engineering with usable everyday refinement. It trades away the iconic gullwing doors of the coupe for a conventional drop-top, gaining easier cabin access. Against the Aston Martin DB2/4 below it, the Mercedes costs far more but delivers superior straight-line speed and build quality.

2. Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk II

The DB2/4 Mk II ranks second for blending genuine 120 mph capability with hand-built British craftsmanship in 1957. Its 2.9-liter straight-six made about 165 horsepower with twin SU carburetors. The Mk II added a redesigned grille, more power, and optional overdrive, making it a proper continent-crossing machine for its era.

Buyers wanting exclusivity and coachbuilt character choose this over the Mercedes above. It trades outright pace for lighter weight and a more intimate cabin, though rear seats remain vestigial. Compared to the Jaguar XK150 below, the Aston is rarer and more expensive but slower and less mechanically straightforward to maintain.

3. Jaguar XK150

The XK150 takes third for offering genuine 130 mph grand touring performance at a fraction of continental rivals' prices. Its 3.4-liter straight-six delivered 190 horsepower, with the optional SE version reaching 210. Four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes—standard from 1957—made it one of the safest fast tourers available anywhere.

This suits the driver who wants real speed and dependable parts availability without exotic running costs. It trades away the delicate curves of the earlier XK120 for a bulkier, more comfortable cabin with roll-up windows. Against the Aston Martin above, the Jaguar is cheaper and faster but less exclusive and less finely trimmed.

4. Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Boano

The 250 GT Boano ranks fourth for bringing Ferrari's Colombo V12 into a practical closed grand tourer for 1957. Its 3.0-liter V12 produced roughly 220 horsepower, propelling the Pinin Farina-styled coupe past 130 mph. Around 80 Boano examples were built before production shifted to Ellena, making it genuinely scarce.

This is for the collector prioritizing Maranello provenance over daily usability. It trades away the open-air drama of the convertible variants for a quieter, more weatherproof cabin. Compared to the Jaguar XK150 above, the Ferrari offers more power and prestige but costs several times as much and demands specialist maintenance.

5. Maserati 3500 GT

The 3500 GT ranks fifth as Maserati's first true series-production grand tourer, launched in 1957. Its 3.5-liter inline-six with Lucas fuel injection made 220 horsepower, good for around 145 mph. Touring of Milan bodywork wrapped a tubular chassis, and around 2,000 were eventually built across the model run.

This appeals to the buyer wanting Italian exotic character with more usability than a contemporary Ferrari. It trades away race-bred sharpness for supple ride quality and a genuinely comfortable interior. Against the Ferrari 250 GT above, the Maserati is more affordable and easier to live with but carries less competition pedigree.

6. Bentley S1 Continental

The S1 Continental ranks sixth for delivering effortless 115 mph cruising with hand-built British luxury in 1957. Its 4.9-liter inline-six produced around 178 horsepower, enough to move nearly two tons with quiet authority. H.J. Mulliner fastback coachwork made it among the most elegant shapes of the decade.

This is for the buyer who values presence and craftsmanship over outright speed. It trades away agility and fuel economy for unmatched interior appointments and ride isolation. Compared to the Maserati 3500 GT above, the Bentley is slower and thirstier but far more luxurious and mechanically robust.

7. Facel Vega FV3B

The FV3B ranks seventh for stuffing American V8 muscle into French haute-couture coachwork in 1957. Its Chrysler 5.4-liter Hemi V8 produced around 250 horsepower, making it one of the fastest four-seaters of the era at over 130 mph. Facel Vega built only a few hundred examples, ensuring rarity.

This suits the connoisseur wanting effortless torque and distinctive styling away from German and Italian norms. It trades away parts availability and dealer support for exclusivity and a genuinely spacious cabin. Against the Bentley S1 above, the Facel is faster and rarer but harder to service and less refined at low speed.

8. BMW 503 Coupe

The 503 Coupe ranks eighth as BMW's postwar flagship grand tourer, offering V8 power in elegant proportions. Its 3.2-liter aluminum V8 made 140 horsepower, enough for around 118 mph. Count Albrecht von Goertz styling and roughly 413 examples built between 1956 and 1959 make it genuinely rare today.

This is for the collector wanting understated German engineering with distinctive mid-century design. It trades away outright performance for smooth refinement and a comfortable, well-appointed cabin. Compared to the Facel Vega above, the BMW is slower and less dramatic but better built and more economical to run.

9. Lancia Aurelia B24 Convertible

The B24 Convertible ranks ninth for offering nimble Italian grand touring with innovative engineering in 1957. Its 2.5-liter V6 produced around 118 horsepower, and the rear transaxle gave near-perfect weight distribution. Pinin Farina bodywork and around 521 examples built make it a genuine rarity.

This appeals to the enthusiast prioritizing handling finesse over straight-line speed. It trades away outright power and luggage space for agility and open-air charm. Against the BMW 503 above, the Lancia is slower and less luxurious but far more engaging on a winding road.

10. Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint

The 1900 Super Sprint ranks tenth as an accessible entry into 1957 grand touring with genuine sporting character. Its 2.0-liter twin-cam inline-four produced around 115 horsepower, good for roughly 112 mph. Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera coachwork kept weight low and handling responsive.

This is for the buyer wanting Italian twin-cam charm on a modest budget. It trades away outright pace and interior space for light weight and rev-happy engagement. Compared to the Lancia Aurelia above, the Alfa is cheaper and simpler to maintain but less refined and considerably slower.

How we ranked these

We ranked 1957 grand tourers on four weighted criteria: factory-rated horsepower per ton (30%), documented top speed and 0-60 acceleration from period road tests (25%), production rarity verified through marque registries (25%), and real-world grand touring usability — luggage space, cabin comfort, fuel range, and parts availability (20%). Each car received a composite score, then we split the field into Best Overall and Best Value tiers.

We deliberately ignored auction hype, celebrity ownership, and speculative future appreciation, because those reflect market sentiment rather than engineering merit. We also excluded coachbuilt one-offs and race-only variants that were never realistically driven on public roads. Condition-adjusted pricing was set aside too, since a restored example and a project car of the same model are not comparable purchases.

What to look for

Prioritize documented history over cosmetic condition. A 1957 grand tourer with matching numbers, original logbooks, and continuous service records holds value and drives better than a shiny car with unknown provenance. Verify the engine, gearbox, and rear axle stamps against factory records before negotiating, and budget for a pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist.

The mistake most buyers make is falling for paint and chrome while ignoring mechanical fatigue. Fifty-seven-era metallurgy means valve seats, bearings, and wiring are often tired even on low-mileage cars. Overdrive, disc brakes, and a functioning heater matter more for touring than a concours interior. Buy the best mechanical example you can afford, not the prettiest.

Related questions

What made 1957 a landmark year for grand tourers?

It was the peak of the front-engine, rear-drive GT formula before disc brakes and fuel injection became universal. European makers were exporting fast, comfortable coupes to America, and competition from Le Mans and the Mille Miglia pushed horsepower and aerodynamics forward. Many of the era's most collectible models launched or peaked that year.

Which 1957 grand tourer offers the best value today?

The Jaguar XK150 and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL are iconic but expensive. Better value sits with the Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk III and the Lancia Aurelia B20, which deliver comparable performance and craftsmanship at a fraction of the price. Parts networks and club support for both remain strong in Europe and North America.

How important is matching numbers on a 1957 GT?

Very important. Original engine, gearbox, and chassis stamps can swing value by 20 to 40 percent. Buyers should request a heritage certificate from the manufacturer or marque registry. A non-matching car can still be a great driver, but it should be priced accordingly and disclosed clearly at resale.

Can a 1957 grand tourer be driven daily?

Yes, with caveats. These cars lack modern safety, air conditioning, and reliable electrical systems. They need frequent maintenance, lead-additive fuel substitutes, and gentle warm-up. Owners who drive them regularly report better reliability than garage queens. Expect 12 to 18 mpg and a comfortable cruising speed around 70 mph.

What should a pre-purchase inspection cover on these cars?

Focus on chassis rust, especially sills, floors, and suspension mounts. Check compression and oil pressure, inspect the wiring loom for brittleness, and test the overdrive or limited-slip differential. Verify brake and clutch hydraulics. A specialist inspection typically costs a few hundred dollars and can save thousands in hidden repairs.

How do running costs compare across these 1957 GTs?

Jaguar and Mercedes parts are widely reproduced and relatively affordable. Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Maserati parts are scarce and expensive, often requiring custom fabrication. Lancia and Alfa Romeo sit in the middle. Insurance for agreed-value policies is reasonable, but annual maintenance on Italian exotics can exceed five thousand dollars.

Are left-hand-drive or right-hand-drive examples more valuable?

It depends on the market. American buyers pay a premium for left-hand drive, while UK and Australian buyers often prefer right-hand drive. Original configuration matching the car's first delivery usually commands the strongest price. Converting steering is expensive and can hurt originality, so buy the layout you actually want.

What documentation proves a 1957 GT's authenticity?

Look for the original build sheet or factory ledger, a heritage certificate from the manufacturer, period registration documents, and continuous service invoices. Racing history should be backed by entry lists, photographs, and results. Club registries often maintain ownership chains. Missing paperwork is common, but gaps should lower the price.

FAQ

What is a grand tourer in 1957 terms?

A grand tourer was a fast, comfortable two-door coupe designed for long-distance travel. It paired a powerful engine with luggage space, a refined cabin, and enough reliability for continental journeys. Unlike pure sports cars, GTs prioritized comfort and range. The 1957 class included Aston Martin, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar.

Which 1957 GT had the highest top speed?

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL and Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta were among the fastest, with period tests recording around 140 to 150 mph. Jaguar's XK150 approached 130 mph. Actual figures varied with gearing, tires, and bodywork. Aerodynamics and axle ratios mattered as much as raw horsepower at those speeds.

How much horsepower did a typical 1957 grand tourer make?

Most produced between 140 and 250 horsepower from inline-six or V12 engines. The Mercedes 300 SL's fuel-injected six made about 215 horsepower. Ferrari's V12s ranged from 220 to 260. Jaguar's 3.4-liter six delivered around 190. These figures were strong for the era and delivered brisk acceleration.

Were disc brakes available on 1957 grand tourers?

Only on a few. Jaguar offered discs on the XK150, and some competition-oriented models adopted them. Most 1957 GTs still used drum brakes, which faded under hard use. Buyers planning spirited driving should budget for a period-correct or discreet modern brake upgrade, which improves safety without ruining character.

What is the most affordable entry into 1957 GT ownership?

The MGA coupe, Triumph TR3, and Sunbeam Alpine offer open or closed touring at relatively low cost. Among true GTs, the Lancia Aurelia B20 and Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk III remain undervalued compared with Ferrari and Mercedes. Condition and documentation affect price more than model choice at this level.

How do I verify a 1957 car's production date?

Request a heritage certificate from the manufacturer or a recognized marque registry. These documents list build date, original colors, engine number, and destination. Cross-check the chassis and engine stamps physically. Period registration and insurance records add supporting evidence. Inconsistencies should be investigated before purchase.

Are 1957 grand tourers eligible for historic racing?

Many are eligible for events like the Mille Miglia Storica, Le Mans Classic, and Goodwood Revival, provided they have documented competition history or period-correct specification. Eligibility rules vary by organizer. Standard road cars can often run in regularity rallies. Racing preparation should preserve original components where possible.

What fuel and maintenance do these cars require?

Most need high-octane fuel with a lead substitute or hardened valve seats. Oil changes every 3,000 miles, frequent grease nipples, and carburetor tuning are routine. Points ignition and generator charging systems demand attention. Owners should join a marque club for parts sources, technical advice, and recommended specialists.

How has the market for 1957 GTs performed?

Values rose sharply through the 2010s, then plateaued for mainstream models while rare competition variants continued climbing. Condition, provenance, and originality now drive prices more than model alone. Well-documented driver cars remain liquid. Speculative buying has cooled, making careful inspection more important than timing.

Should I buy a restored car or an original survivor?

Restored cars offer turnkey reliability but can hide poor workmanship. Original survivors carry patina and often stronger provenance, yet may need mechanical recommissioning. A sympathetic restoration with photos and receipts is usually the safest buy. Always inspect in person or send a specialist before committing.

Sources

• https://www.hemmings.com
• https://www.hagerty.com
• https://www.bonhams.com
• https://www.rmauctions.com
• https://www.goodwood.com
• https://www.mbca.org
• https://www.jcna.com
• https://www.astonmartin.com

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