LONG-DISTANCE GRAND TOURERS PREDATE THE SUPERCAR as one of the cornerstones of motoring, but truth be told, it’s harder than ever to justify their existence. Today’s supercars are more useable than ever and cover great distances with ease, fulfilling the task once reserved for front-engined behemoths like the Ferrari Daytona, Lamborghini Espada and Maserati Ghibli. The two roles have converged through advancements in technology, comfort and refinement, but even so, there’s still an undeniable majesty about a classical grand tourer.
A GT’s more regal, sophisticated character is deeply appealing, and one that’s tantalisingly accessible if you venture into the used market. The potential maintenance costs of running such a lavishly engineered machine tend to ward off second-hand buyers, but if you know what you’re getting into, you could land yourself a sumptuous cross-country express for hot hatch money. Read on to discover evo’s picks from the current market.
MERCEDES-AMG S63 COUPÉ
Discreet and underrated, but brilliantly fit for purpose
DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE AMG BADGE: THE S63 COUPÉ is tightly confined to its role as a grand tourer, and it’s certainly not an out-and-out sports car. If you like your GTs with real bite and purpose, there are better ways to spend £40,000. On the flip side, for a more graceful long-distance machine you’ll probably need to pay twice as much.
For whatever reason, the S-class Coupé never managed to translate its engineering brilliance into sales success. Perhaps the allure of
