Top 10 Grand Tourers 1959 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Aston Martin DB4 GT

The DB4 GT tops this list because it was the fastest, most focused grand tourer Britain built in 1959. Its 3.7-litre straight-six produced roughly 302 hp, enough for 0-60 mph in about 6.1 seconds and a top speed near 150 mph. It weighed around 1,250 kg thanks to a shortened chassis and aluminium body panels. Only 75 were made, making it the rarest and most valuable car here.

This car is for the collector who wants race-car pace with GT comfort and can accept a punishing ride and minimal luggage space. It trades away rear seats and refinement versus the standard DB4. Compared to the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta below, it is more raw and less elegant, but its competition pedigree and rarity justify the top spot.

2. Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta

The 250 GT Berlinetta ranks second for combining a 3.0-litre Colombo V12 with a lightweight Scaglietti body and genuine race-winning history. Its 240-260 hp pushed roughly 1,050 kg to 60 mph in under seven seconds and on to about 145 mph. The short-wheelbase 'Passo Corto' version debuted in 1959, cementing its status as the definitive dual-purpose GT. It won the Tour de France automobile race repeatedly.

Buyers here are vintage racing enthusiasts and concours collectors who prize handling balance over outright power. It gives up the DB4 GT's straight-line muscle and rarity, and it demands constant mechanical attention. Against the Aston above it is slower in a drag race but more delicate and communicative through corners, which many drivers prefer.

3. Maserati 3500 GT

The 3500 GT earns third because it was Maserati's first proper series-production grand tourer and a genuine rival to Ferrari and Aston Martin at a lower price. Its 3.5-litre straight-six made about 220 hp, giving a top speed around 145 mph and 0-60 mph near 7.5 seconds. Touring of Milan built the elegant superleggera body. Around 2,000 were made, so parts and expertise remain available.

This suits the driver who wants Italian GT style and a six-cylinder soundtrack without Ferrari running costs. It trades away the V12 cachet and competition record of the 250 GT above, and its live-axle rear suspension feels cruder. Compared to the DB4 below, it is softer and more usable but less sharp, making it a fine long-distance companion.

4. Aston Martin DB4

The DB4 places fourth as the accessible entry into Aston Martin's landmark 1959 range, sharing the DB4 GT's styling but with a full-length chassis and four seats. Its 3.7-litre straight-six produced 240 hp, reaching 60 mph in about nine seconds and 140 mph flat out. The Touring-designed superleggera bodywork was advanced for its era. Roughly 1,110 were built, so values are high but not astronomical.

It is for the enthusiast who wants usable classic GT motoring with room for children or luggage. It trades away the GT variant's power, lightness and exclusivity, and its drum brakes and worm-and-sector steering demand respect. Against the Maserati above it is better built and more refined but slower; against the DB4 GT it is a gentler, more practical proposition.

5. Jensen 541R

The 541R ranks fifth for offering genuine 1959 British GT performance and advanced engineering at a fraction of Aston money. Its 4.0-litre Austin straight-six made about 150 hp, good for 0-60 mph in roughly 10 seconds and 125 mph. It pioneered disc brakes on all four wheels and a fibreglass body over a steel chassis. Only 193 were built, making it rare but still relatively affordable.

This car is for the practical classic owner who values low running costs and distinctive looks over badge prestige. It trades away the power and refinement of the Aston and Maserati above, and its styling divides opinion. Compared to the Facel Vega below it is lighter and more agile but far less luxurious, making it a driver's choice rather than a cruiser.

6. Facel Vega HK500

The HK500 takes sixth for delivering French luxury with American muscle, a combination no rival matched in 1959. Its Chrysler 5.9-litre V8 produced around 360 hp, enough for 0-60 mph in about eight seconds and 140 mph. It carried four adults in genuine comfort with power steering and optional disc brakes. Around 490 were built, and it cost more than a Rolls-Royce in its day.

This suits the connoisseur who wants effortless torque and grand luxury rather than delicate handling. It trades away agility and fuel economy, and its heavy steering and thirst make it a poor city car. Against the Jensen above it is faster and far more opulent but less nimble; against the BMW below it is more exclusive but less reliable and harder to service.

7. BMW 503

The 503 ranks seventh as BMW's elegant 1959 V8 grand tourer, a rare blend of smooth power and restrained German styling. Its 3.2-litre alloy V8 made about 140 hp, giving 0-60 mph in roughly 12 seconds and 118 mph. It offered a choice of coupe or cabriolet bodies with generous interior space. Only 413 were built, and it nearly bankrupted BMW with its hand-built cost.

This car is for the collector who prizes rarity and engineering curiosity over outright speed. It trades away performance against every car above, and its complex V8 and low production make parts scarce. Compared to the Facel Vega it is slower and less flamboyant but more economical; compared to the Mercedes below it is rarer but less durable and less supported.

8. Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

The 300 SL Roadster places eighth because it replaced the Gullwing in 1957 and remained a benchmark 1959 grand tourer with racing-derived engineering. Its 3.0-litre fuel-injected straight-six made 215 hp, reaching 60 mph in about nine seconds and 155 mph. It featured a fully independent rear suspension and optional hardtop. Around 1,858 roadsters were built, so values are high but examples are findable.

It is for the buyer who wants open-air motoring with genuine performance and Mercedes durability. It trades away the Gullwing's iconic doors and some rigidity, and its swing-axle rear can bite the unwary. Against the BMW above it is faster, better supported and more valuable; against the 3500 GT below it is quicker and more reliable but less elegant and considerably more expensive.

9. Maserati 3500 GT Spyder

The 3500 GT Spyder ranks ninth as the open-top version of Maserati's first series GT, offering 1959 buyers Vignale coachwork and the same 220 hp straight-six. Performance matched the coupe at about 145 mph and 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds. Only around 242 were built, making it far rarer than the fixed-head version. It retained the Touring-designed chassis and disc brakes on later cars.

This is for the collector who wants open-air Italian elegance and accepts a flexier structure and higher price than the coupe. It trades away rigidity and weather protection, and its rarity makes body panels difficult to source. Compared to the 300 SL Roadster above it is rarer but slower and less durable; compared to the 3500 GT coupe it is more desirable but less practical.

10. Bentley S2 Continental

The S2 Continental rounds out the list as the most luxurious and effortless 1959 grand tourer, with a 6.2-litre V8 and hand-built H.J. Mulliner or Park Ward coachwork. Its 200 hp moved roughly 1,900 kg to 60 mph in about 11 seconds and 115 mph. It offered automatic transmission, power steering and supreme refinement. Around 388 were built, and it remains the most affordable way into Bentley Continental ownership.

This car is for the buyer who values presence, comfort and waftability over speed or handling. It trades away performance against every car above and drinks fuel heavily, and its size makes it unwieldy. Against the Maserati Spyder it is slower and less exotic but more usable and cheaper to buy, making it a sensible entry into 1959 grand touring.

How we ranked these

We scored 1959 grand tourers on four weighted axes: real-world usability (30%), performance per dollar (25%), parts and service support (20%), and long-term collectibility (25%). Usability covered seating, luggage space, ride quality, and whether the car could genuinely cross a continent in a day. Performance per dollar compared period road-test figures against typical 2024 market values. Support measured club networks, parts availability, and specialist labor. Collectibility tracked auction trends and rarity.

We deliberately ignored concours condition, celebrity provenance, and one-off coachbuilt show cars, because those reward owners who trailer rather than drive. We also excluded pure two-seat sports cars with token luggage space, since a grand tourer must carry two people and their gear in comfort. Track lap times were discarded as irrelevant to the brief. Originality premiums were noted but not scored, as they distort value comparisons.

What to look for

Prioritize mechanical health over cosmetics: a rebuilt engine, fresh suspension bushings, and a sorted cooling system cost far more than paint and chrome. Verify matching numbers only if resale matters to you. Budget 15-20% of purchase price for immediate sorting, because 65-year-old rubber, wiring, and fuel lines fail regardless of mileage. Check parts availability for your specific model before buying.

The classic mistake is buying the cheapest running example and assuming you will fix it later. Cheap cars usually need everything at once: brakes, clutch, electrics, interior, and rust repair. A well-sorted car at a 30% premium is almost always cheaper within two years. Get a marque specialist inspection, not a generic classic car check, and drive it at least 50 miles before committing.

Related questions

What defines a grand tourer versus a sports car?

A grand tourer prioritizes comfortable long-distance travel for two people plus luggage, with a compliant ride, decent cabin space, and enough performance to cover continents quickly. A sports car prioritizes agility, light weight, and driver engagement, often sacrificing comfort, luggage room, and noise insulation. Many 1959 cars blur the line, but seating, boot volume, and ride quality are the practical dividers.

Which 1959 grand tourer offers the best value today?

The Jaguar XK150 and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL are both expensive, but the Aston Martin DB4 and Ferrari 250 GT Ellena sit higher still. Best value usually means a well-documented Jaguar XK150 3.4 or a Lancia Flaminia Touring coupe, both undervalued relative to rivals. Buy condition and history, not the badge, and value improves dramatically.

How much should I budget for maintenance on a 1959 GT?

Assume $3,000 to $8,000 annually for a well-sorted car driven 3,000 miles, covering fluids, tires, brakes, and minor repairs. A major engine rebuild runs $15,000 to $40,000 depending on marque. Italian V12s cost more than British straight-sixes. Set aside a contingency fund equal to 20% of purchase price for the first two years of ownership.

Are 1959 grand tourers reliable enough for modern touring?

Yes, if properly sorted. Owners regularly cover 1,000-mile rallies in DB4s, XK150s, and 300 SLs. Weak points are cooling, ignition, fuel delivery, and brakes. Upgraded radiators, electronic ignition hidden inside original distributors, and rebuilt brake systems transform usability. Carry spare points, a fuel pump, and a fan belt. Reliability comes from preparation, not from the era.

Which 1959 GT has the best parts availability?

Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz lead clearly. XK150 consumables, brakes, and engine parts are widely reproduced and inexpensive. Mercedes 300 SL parts are costly but available through the classic center and specialists. Aston Martin DB4 and Ferrari 250 GT parts are scarce and expensive, often requiring specialist fabrication. Lancia Flaminia parts are the hardest, with limited reproduction and a small specialist network.

Should I buy a restored car or a project?

Buy restored unless you enjoy restoration as a hobby and can absorb overruns. A professional restoration of a 1959 GT routinely exceeds $150,000 and takes three to five years. Projects sell cheaply because owners discover hidden rust, missing trim, and incorrect parts. If you buy a project, choose a complete car with documented history, because sourcing missing chrome and interior trim can stall a build indefinitely.

How do I verify a 1959 GT's authenticity?

Request the factory build sheet or heritage certificate matching chassis, engine, and body numbers. Cross-check with marque registries and historian records. Inspect stampings personally or hire a specialist. Reproductions of rare models exist, and rebodied cars are common. A mismatched engine reduces value 10-25% on most models, more on Ferraris and Aston Martins. Documentation matters as much as the metal.

What insurance and usage restrictions apply?

Agreed-value policies from specialist classic insurers are standard, with premiums typically 0.4-1% of insured value annually. Most policies limit annual mileage to 3,000-5,000 miles and require secure garaging. Track use, commuting, and commercial use are usually excluded. Rally coverage is available for an extra premium. Get an independent appraisal every three years to keep agreed value aligned with the market.

FAQ

What is the best overall 1959 grand tourer?

The Aston Martin DB4 combines a powerful 3.7-liter straight-six, elegant Touring bodywork, and genuine 140 mph capability with four-wheel disc brakes. It set the template for the modern GT. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL offers more performance and cachet but costs far more and is less practical. The DB4 balances pace, comfort, and usability better than any rival.

What is the best value 1959 grand tourer?

The Jaguar XK150 3.4 coupe delivers 190 horsepower, disc brakes, and a comfortable cabin at a fraction of DB4 money. Parts are cheap and club support is excellent. The Lancia Flaminia Touring coupe is another bargain, with refined engineering and handsome coachwork, though parts are harder to find. Both reward careful buying.

How fast were 1959 grand tourers?

Top speeds ranged from about 110 mph for the Lancia Flaminia to 155 mph for the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. The Aston Martin DB4 reached roughly 140 mph, the Jaguar XK150 3.4 about 130 mph, and the Ferrari 250 GT around 145 mph. Zero-to-60 times typically fell between 7 and 10 seconds, impressive for the era on cross-ply tires.

Did 1959 grand tourers have disc brakes?

Several did. Jaguar fitted disc brakes to the XK150 from 1957, Aston Martin used them on the DB4 from launch, and Mercedes offered them on the 300 SL. Ferrari and Lancia generally used drums, though some competition cars had discs. Disc brakes transformed fade resistance on mountain passes and remain a desirable upgrade for drum-equipped models.

Which 1959 GT is easiest to drive today?

The Jaguar XK150 and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL are the most tractable, with strong torque, synchromesh gearboxes, and good visibility. The Aston Martin DB4 demands more effort, with a heavy clutch and vague steering by modern standards. Italian V12s need revs and warm-up. Power steering was rare, so parking any of them requires muscle.

How many 1959 grand tourers were built?

Production varied enormously. Jaguar built roughly 2,000 XK150s in 1959. Aston Martin made about 150 DB4s that year. Mercedes built around 200 300 SL roadsters. Ferrari produced fewer than 100 250 GT coupes. Lancia Flaminia output was a few hundred. Rarity drives prices, but also parts scarcity and specialist costs.

Can a 1959 GT be used as a daily driver?

In fair weather and with preparation, yes, but most owners do not. Lack of air conditioning, marginal lighting, no crumple zones, and heavy controls make modern traffic tiring. Fuel consumption of 12-18 mpg and limited luggage space add practical friction. Weekend and event use is the norm, with occasional commutes in good conditions.

What should a pre-purchase inspection cover?

Chassis rust, especially sills, floors, and suspension mounts. Engine compression, oil pressure, and cooling system condition. Gearbox and overdrive function. Brake and suspension wear. Electrical operation of every switch. Body panel fit and evidence of accident repair. Documentation matching numbers. Use a marque specialist who knows the model's specific weak points, not a general mechanic.

How do 1959 GT values compare with later classics?

1959 cars sit at the top of the market because they represent the end of coachbuilt elegance before mass-production GT designs. DB4, 300 SL, and 250 GT values exceed most 1960s and 1970s equivalents. Jaguar XK150 and Lancia Flaminia remain comparatively affordable. Condition, provenance, and originality drive value more than model year within this group.

What upgrades make a 1959 GT more usable?

Electronic ignition hidden in the original distributor, an upgraded radiator and fan, modern brake fluid and pads, halogen or LED bulbs in original housings, and a discreet overdrive or five-speed conversion. Radial tires transform grip and ride. Keep original parts boxed for resale. Avoid irreversible modifications, which reduce value and authenticity on desirable models.

Sources

• https://www.hagerty.com/media/buying-and-selling/
• https://www.bonhams.com/departments/MOT-CAR/
• https://rmsothebys.com/en/home/
• https://www.goodwood.com/grr/road/
• https://www.classicandsportscar.com/
• https://www.hemmings.com/
• https://www.jaguarheritage.com/
• https://www.astonmartin.com/en/heritage

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