It reflects Maserati's progress in the last 10 years that we all expected the new Ghibli to be fairly exceptional. Following the evolution of the Quattroporte and the marvellous GranTurismo, its excellence appeared guaranteed.
Can the boomerangs be retrofitted?
However, things haven't quite worked out like that. Our review of the
Ghibli S
reported flawed damping and lifeless steering, the car feeling a little underdeveloped. That sense was evident again
at SMMT
And what does the underwhelming Ghibli have to do with the Gransport? Well the 4200GT-based coupe was the exact opposite of the new saloon; based on an old platform with minimal tweaks, very little was expected of it. Bring on the GranTurismo thought quite a few, we preferred the 3200GT anyway.
As it transpired the Gransport was a belter. Tweaks to the Skyhook suspension, revised Cambiocorsa software and another 10hp produced the coupe the world had always wanted from Maserati. It wasn't perfect but it was hugely talented, just a shame it took Maserati that long to hone the 3200/4200 to what it should have been.
Interiors have come a fair way
It's interesting to note that the c.8K price difference between a Cambiocorsa 4200GT and Gransport in 2005 has remained fairly consistent secondhand. This
2006 4200GT
is 26K and has covered 25,000 miles and this
Gransport
from the same year with 1,000 fewer recorded miles is 32K.
This silver car is a little less showy than the blues and reds so commonly seen and looks to be immaculate which you could reasonably expect given its low mileage and full Maser service history. As a sports car/GT for every occasion, from the commute to the continental cruise, it would surely be superb. Reading through a few reader reviews of 3200/4200s shows wildly differing experiences; some experience blissful, others horrendous. The Cambiocorsa 'box seems to go through its clutch quite quickly.
The alternatives to the Gransport are all special cars in their own right. It says something about the Maserati's value that a 30K Aston V8 Vantage is older and has more than twice the mileage. Furthermore, for proof of how savagely the V10 BMW M6 depreciated, see this 2008 car is less than either. Facelifted 510hp XKRs are also within budget.
And the 911 question? This 997 C2S manual is another fine way to spend 30K but seems a tad predictable after the Maserati. And where would be the fun in that? Be bold and get the Gransport.
MASERATI GRANSPORT
Engine: 4,244cc V8
Transmission: Six-speed Cambiocorsa automated manual
Power (hp): 400@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 334@4,500rpm
MPG: 16.1
CO2: 430g/km
First registered: 2007
Recorded mileage: 32,000
Price new: 66,900
Yours for: 30,990
See the original advert here.