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Ah, the “Grand Tourers” the gold-plated muscle cars of Europe. The segment dates back to the 1920s, when rich gentlemen would have a coupe body built on a race car chassis to zip around the Alps or down to Monaco–or wherever else you go to avoid peasants. This big front-engine, RWD, luxury segment is still thriving. Yankees are most familiar with the Aston Martin grand tourers made famous by James Bond. Here are V8-powered grand tourers that will make you feel like you’ve got your very own license to kill. They hail from all over Europe. And best of all, they’re nearing peak depreciation.

Team Germany: 2007-2012 Audi S5

The grille of a black Audi S5 coupe.
2009 Audi S5 Coupe | MotorBiscuit Car Buying Service

Traditionalists may balk at this AWD Audi. But at $15-$20k they are a steal right now. Audi introduced its first coupe in decades for the 2007 model year. It went all-out on the styling and the car looks spectacular in person. The S5 trim had a naturally aspirated V8 until 2012. And the stick shift versions are true full-size grand tourers that are a hoot to drive.

Pictured is a 2009 Audi S5 Coupe with a manual transmission you can find on MotorBiscuit’s Car Buying Service. This one caught my eye because it is a manual from rust-free California. And it comes with the very rare and eye-catching red/brown interior. (Chef’s kiss). And it’s $15,498. Take the cash you save and install a cat-back exhaust to hear all 4.2-liters sing. If that one is too far out of your way, check out all the used Audi S5s for sale near you.

Team England: 2005-2017 Aston Martin Vantage

Bright red Aston Martin Vantage V8 in a parking lot
2007 Aston Martin Vantage | MotorBiscuit Car Buying Service

Good old Aston Martin rolled out the DB9 generation for 2004. It was a big Grand Tourer with a powerful, naturally aspirate V12. The DBS trim–made famous in Craig’s Casino Royale–was a bit lighter. But then Aston decided to go toe-to-toe with Porsche and launch the 4.3-liter V8-powered Vantage for 2005. This two-seater is light, nimble, and stick shift versions are common. It feels an entire generation of supercar ahead of the DB9. And they are cheap right now.

The 2007 Aston Martin Vantage pictured is finished in an eye-catching red exterior (with red interior). With timeless good looks, it could honestly hold its own parked in a row of recent Ferraris that each cost 5x as much. It’s listed at $39k. Astons of this era are criminally underpriced right now. That 2007 is in Illinois. If you aren’t, take a peek around for any other used Aston Martins near you.

Team Italy: 2008-2019 Maserati GranTurismo

Profile view of a blue Maserati GranTurismo grand tourer
2015 Maserati GranTurismo | MotorBiscuit Car Buying Service

More in the mood for something Italian? Maseratis are currently the absolute kings of depreciation. The “GranTurismo” was Maserati’s Grand Tourer from 2008-2019 (does the model name make sense now?). It wasn’t available as a stick, but has paddle shifters and a 4.7-liter V8 engineered by Ferrari.

The flashy coupe you see pictured is a 2015 Maserati GranTurismo in Mediterranean blue. Its white leather interior is especially stunning, and looks flawless. And with 58k miles, this Italian supercar is going for $34,500. Wowza.

That 2015 is located in North Carolina. But if you live elsewhere, have no fears. This is one of the most plentiful models on my list. Check out the used Maserati GranTurismos near you.

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.