RE: Maserati GranSport | PH Used Buying Guide
Discussion
I noticed that there is a kind of current of thought which can be summed up as follows:
1 modern and technological is necessarily better
2 faster is necessarily better
3 na engine is necessarily better
4 easy driving is always better
( That's just my opinion)
If there's one thing missing in modern cars, it's emotion, sensations.
the bodybuilder and cartoonish design looks like children's toys,
the interiors no longer carry the scent of material such as period leather. there is no longer the authentic look of an analog needle counter or a wooden insert, but a screen like a touch pad instead.
opening the hood reveals pieces of plastic and everything is hidden.
the engine characters are standardized and smooth to make them as easy as possible.
most directions are electric
everything is bet on efficiency and performance to the detriment of the pleasure of working with the machine.
the drivability of older vehicles is an integral part of the experience and demands commitment from the driver.
sometimes the best is the enemy of the good.
yes with small manufacturers like Maserati you would not have the audi finish, the quality of construction of the xk or a merc, you will not have the precision of a Porsche of the time or even of an m3 that's some.
yet once the door of your garage is open, everything will already be forgotten. climb on board and the exotic design signed by Enrico fumia will immerse you in a world apart so exclusive despite some flaws in the finishes.
open the hood to see the red cylinder head covers of a v8 that belongs to the past then start and listen to the pure sound of this car. there are a few things about Italian cars from this era that you can't find anywhere else.
1 modern and technological is necessarily better
2 faster is necessarily better
3 na engine is necessarily better
4 easy driving is always better
( That's just my opinion)
If there's one thing missing in modern cars, it's emotion, sensations.
the bodybuilder and cartoonish design looks like children's toys,
the interiors no longer carry the scent of material such as period leather. there is no longer the authentic look of an analog needle counter or a wooden insert, but a screen like a touch pad instead.
opening the hood reveals pieces of plastic and everything is hidden.
the engine characters are standardized and smooth to make them as easy as possible.
most directions are electric
everything is bet on efficiency and performance to the detriment of the pleasure of working with the machine.
the drivability of older vehicles is an integral part of the experience and demands commitment from the driver.
sometimes the best is the enemy of the good.
yes with small manufacturers like Maserati you would not have the audi finish, the quality of construction of the xk or a merc, you will not have the precision of a Porsche of the time or even of an m3 that's some.
yet once the door of your garage is open, everything will already be forgotten. climb on board and the exotic design signed by Enrico fumia will immerse you in a world apart so exclusive despite some flaws in the finishes.
open the hood to see the red cylinder head covers of a v8 that belongs to the past then start and listen to the pure sound of this car. there are a few things about Italian cars from this era that you can't find anywhere else.
Tmx78 said:
I noticed that there is a kind of current of thought which can be summed up as follows:
1 modern and technological is necessarily better
2 faster is necessarily better
3 na engine is necessarily better
4 easy driving is always better
( That's just my opinion)
If there's one thing missing in modern cars, it's emotion, sensations.
the bodybuilder and cartoonish design looks like children's toys,
the interiors no longer carry the scent of material such as period leather. there is no longer the authentic look of an analog needle counter or a wooden insert, but a screen like a touch pad instead.
opening the hood reveals pieces of plastic and everything is hidden.
the engine characters are standardized and smooth to make them as easy as possible.
most directions are electric
everything is bet on efficiency and performance to the detriment of the pleasure of working with the machine.
the drivability of older vehicles is an integral part of the experience and demands commitment from the driver.
sometimes the best is the enemy of the good.
yes with small manufacturers like Maserati you would not have the audi finish, the quality of construction of the xk or a merc, you will not have the precision of a Porsche of the time or even of an m3 that's some.
yet once the door of your garage is open, everything will already be forgotten. climb on board and the exotic design signed by Enrico fumia will immerse you in a world apart so exclusive despite some flaws in the finishes.
open the hood to see the red cylinder head covers of a v8 that belongs to the past then start and listen to the pure sound of this car. there are a few things about Italian cars from this era that you can't find anywhere else.
That sums it up rather nicely 1 modern and technological is necessarily better
2 faster is necessarily better
3 na engine is necessarily better
4 easy driving is always better
( That's just my opinion)
If there's one thing missing in modern cars, it's emotion, sensations.
the bodybuilder and cartoonish design looks like children's toys,
the interiors no longer carry the scent of material such as period leather. there is no longer the authentic look of an analog needle counter or a wooden insert, but a screen like a touch pad instead.
opening the hood reveals pieces of plastic and everything is hidden.
the engine characters are standardized and smooth to make them as easy as possible.
most directions are electric
everything is bet on efficiency and performance to the detriment of the pleasure of working with the machine.
the drivability of older vehicles is an integral part of the experience and demands commitment from the driver.
sometimes the best is the enemy of the good.
yes with small manufacturers like Maserati you would not have the audi finish, the quality of construction of the xk or a merc, you will not have the precision of a Porsche of the time or even of an m3 that's some.
yet once the door of your garage is open, everything will already be forgotten. climb on board and the exotic design signed by Enrico fumia will immerse you in a world apart so exclusive despite some flaws in the finishes.
open the hood to see the red cylinder head covers of a v8 that belongs to the past then start and listen to the pure sound of this car. there are a few things about Italian cars from this era that you can't find anywhere else.
More detail on the MC-Victory version of the Gransport mentioned in the article can be found here:
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1558486
There is currently one for sale in the UK (of the 14 RHD believed to be in the UK). The value propostion is interesing given the bargain that a standard Gransport is, but rarity, those seats, the steering and the little carbon touches and other details such as the inset flag on the wings make all the difference and the sum of the parts is perhaps the car the Gransport always could and should have been. Any version of the Grasnport is a wonderful ownership propostion though and there is lots of support out there for owners on the dedicated forums and specialist servicing centres. Not a car or marque to be afraid of at all.
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1558486
There is currently one for sale in the UK (of the 14 RHD believed to be in the UK). The value propostion is interesing given the bargain that a standard Gransport is, but rarity, those seats, the steering and the little carbon touches and other details such as the inset flag on the wings make all the difference and the sum of the parts is perhaps the car the Gransport always could and should have been. Any version of the Grasnport is a wonderful ownership propostion though and there is lots of support out there for owners on the dedicated forums and specialist servicing centres. Not a car or marque to be afraid of at all.
Allegedly, the V8 has more power than advertised – Luca di M didn’t want it known it actually had more BHP than the 360.
In general, LdM decreed the 4200/GS wasn’t allowed to rival any Ferrari in terms of performance or dynamics. (A similar fate befell the Alfa 8C.)
Which is why it feels a wee bit underdeveloped – eg, relative to its firm ride, when cornering it leans/rolls more than expected, and the gearbox software is egregiously clunky / slow-witted compared to the 360/CS’s.
Are there any aftermarket software upgrades for the robo-gearbox?
IME, the clutch slip / ‘drag’ when pulling away at brisk-ish pace was appalling - especially when exiting T-junctions.
Beautiful and, potentially, very practical. Deserves an Eagle-style makeover.
In general, LdM decreed the 4200/GS wasn’t allowed to rival any Ferrari in terms of performance or dynamics. (A similar fate befell the Alfa 8C.)
Which is why it feels a wee bit underdeveloped – eg, relative to its firm ride, when cornering it leans/rolls more than expected, and the gearbox software is egregiously clunky / slow-witted compared to the 360/CS’s.
Are there any aftermarket software upgrades for the robo-gearbox?
IME, the clutch slip / ‘drag’ when pulling away at brisk-ish pace was appalling - especially when exiting T-junctions.
Beautiful and, potentially, very practical. Deserves an Eagle-style makeover.
NGK210 said:
Are there any aftermarket software upgrades for the robo-gearbox?
IME, the clutch slip / ‘drag’ when pulling away at brisk-ish pace was appalling - especially when exiting T-junctions.
I think this depended on whether the g/box software had been upgraded. You could load the later software to the earlier boxes but lose the blip. It makes a big difference to the engagement and change feel. Much more positive. IME, the clutch slip / ‘drag’ when pulling away at brisk-ish pace was appalling - especially when exiting T-junctions.
However it also very depended on the individual who set up the bite point (PIS?). Had this done by an independent down Exeter way and it made night and day difference. No drag or slip. However was advised never to run it in auto and select Sport all the time.
However you will never get the seamless dual clutch experience. But it is of a time. 390bhp is plenty for a gt type car, how fast can you actually go even on the French RN roads?? And it has loads or torque compared with a F car, I’d just sold a 355. Probably as quick in a straight line but less hard work.
Could easily believe that the actual output is above the advertised 390 though.
Edited by ric p on Monday 1st May 18:32
[quote=NGK210]Allegedly, the V8 has more power than advertised – Luca di M didn’t want it known it actually had more BHP than the 360.
In general, LdM decreed the 4200/GS wasn’t allowed to rival any Ferrari in terms of performance or dynamics. (A similar fate befell the Alfa 8C.)
it is especially the 3200 which released more power than announced a and more than the 360 modena. the gs makes the announced figure more or less is a torque equal to or greater than 100nm/l which is good for na.
however it's not a car that feels particularly fast it's more gt oriented more refined than a 360, I fit it in the rs4,rs5, m3 e92, xk 4.2 box even though it's newer than the gs it's rather this type of GT car with v8 engine na of intermediate displacement (the m3 being certainly more sporty). it's a totally toned down version with less character than the old 3200 GT.
by comparison the 3200 is simply a brute that feels noticeably faster than those cars when its turbos fire up and wants to do battle with you, in first 3 Gear this thing feels more brutal than a lot of much more powerful cars, all in a splendid Connolly interior, truly an epic car.
In general, LdM decreed the 4200/GS wasn’t allowed to rival any Ferrari in terms of performance or dynamics. (A similar fate befell the Alfa 8C.)
it is especially the 3200 which released more power than announced a and more than the 360 modena. the gs makes the announced figure more or less is a torque equal to or greater than 100nm/l which is good for na.
however it's not a car that feels particularly fast it's more gt oriented more refined than a 360, I fit it in the rs4,rs5, m3 e92, xk 4.2 box even though it's newer than the gs it's rather this type of GT car with v8 engine na of intermediate displacement (the m3 being certainly more sporty). it's a totally toned down version with less character than the old 3200 GT.
by comparison the 3200 is simply a brute that feels noticeably faster than those cars when its turbos fire up and wants to do battle with you, in first 3 Gear this thing feels more brutal than a lot of much more powerful cars, all in a splendid Connolly interior, truly an epic car.
Well after saying nice things about it mine has rewarded me by blowing yet another speed/abs sensor. Thanks to amazing design this sensor and associated components are assembled as part of a whole wheel bearing. These are available for the bargain price of £500+vat. This is the second time this has happened to me, previous one was probably 5 year ago so I guess I'm due. 
I had a gorgeous Gransport in anniversary blue. They were a performance bargain back then, and still are. So many positive comments from the public. Proper old school brute power, with a sound track to die for.
Fast yet practical - I took mine to Vmax and easily hit 170+ (it was raining and the wipers started lifting, which was 'interesting'), then took our 3 kids to primary school in it the next day. Top tip - turn the sports setting off when entering the school car park; had one child saying 'mummy, my ears hurt!'
Sold it as I bought a 33 foot Fairline motorboat from the South of France to restore, the thought of Maserati and yacht bills together was a bit scary. Traded down to a Porsche 964 (since sold) which I picked up for about £12k and would be worth 60k now. Meanwhile the GS is still worth low 20s. Which do I wish I had kept? The GS, any day, just an epic car.
Fast yet practical - I took mine to Vmax and easily hit 170+ (it was raining and the wipers started lifting, which was 'interesting'), then took our 3 kids to primary school in it the next day. Top tip - turn the sports setting off when entering the school car park; had one child saying 'mummy, my ears hurt!'
Sold it as I bought a 33 foot Fairline motorboat from the South of France to restore, the thought of Maserati and yacht bills together was a bit scary. Traded down to a Porsche 964 (since sold) which I picked up for about £12k and would be worth 60k now. Meanwhile the GS is still worth low 20s. Which do I wish I had kept? The GS, any day, just an epic car.
Edited by Biggles111 on Monday 1st May 20:51
Tmx78 said:
I noticed that there is a kind of current of thought which can be summed up as follows:
1 modern and technological is necessarily better
2 faster is necessarily better
3 na engine is necessarily better
4 easy driving is always better
( That's just my opinion)
If there's one thing missing in modern cars, it's emotion, sensations.
the bodybuilder and cartoonish design looks like children's toys,
the interiors no longer carry the scent of material such as period leather. there is no longer the authentic look of an analog needle counter or a wooden insert, but a screen like a touch pad instead.
opening the hood reveals pieces of plastic and everything is hidden.
the engine characters are standardized and smooth to make them as easy as possible.
most directions are electric
everything is bet on efficiency and performance to the detriment of the pleasure of working with the machine.
the drivability of older vehicles is an integral part of the experience and demands commitment from the driver.
sometimes the best is the enemy of the good.
yes with small manufacturers like Maserati you would not have the audi finish, the quality of construction of the xk or a merc, you will not have the precision of a Porsche of the time or even of an m3 that's some.
yet once the door of your garage is open, everything will already be forgotten. climb on board and the exotic design signed by Enrico fumia will immerse you in a world apart so exclusive despite some flaws in the finishes.
open the hood to see the red cylinder head covers of a v8 that belongs to the past then start and listen to the pure sound of this car. there are a few things about Italian cars from this era that you can't find anywhere else.
Beautifully put! 1 modern and technological is necessarily better
2 faster is necessarily better
3 na engine is necessarily better
4 easy driving is always better
( That's just my opinion)
If there's one thing missing in modern cars, it's emotion, sensations.
the bodybuilder and cartoonish design looks like children's toys,
the interiors no longer carry the scent of material such as period leather. there is no longer the authentic look of an analog needle counter or a wooden insert, but a screen like a touch pad instead.
opening the hood reveals pieces of plastic and everything is hidden.
the engine characters are standardized and smooth to make them as easy as possible.
most directions are electric
everything is bet on efficiency and performance to the detriment of the pleasure of working with the machine.
the drivability of older vehicles is an integral part of the experience and demands commitment from the driver.
sometimes the best is the enemy of the good.
yes with small manufacturers like Maserati you would not have the audi finish, the quality of construction of the xk or a merc, you will not have the precision of a Porsche of the time or even of an m3 that's some.
yet once the door of your garage is open, everything will already be forgotten. climb on board and the exotic design signed by Enrico fumia will immerse you in a world apart so exclusive despite some flaws in the finishes.
open the hood to see the red cylinder head covers of a v8 that belongs to the past then start and listen to the pure sound of this car. there are a few things about Italian cars from this era that you can't find anywhere else.
This is the comment of the year.
foxhounduk said:
Tmx78 said:
I noticed that there is a kind of current of thought which can be summed up as follows:
1 modern and technological is necessarily better
2 faster is necessarily better
3 na engine is necessarily better
4 easy driving is always better
( That's just my opinion)
If there's one thing missing in modern cars, it's emotion, sensations.
the bodybuilder and cartoonish design looks like children's toys,
the interiors no longer carry the scent of material such as period leather. there is no longer the authentic look of an analog needle counter or a wooden insert, but a screen like a touch pad instead.
opening the hood reveals pieces of plastic and everything is hidden.
the engine characters are standardized and smooth to make them as easy as possible.
most directions are electric
everything is bet on efficiency and performance to the detriment of the pleasure of working with the machine.
the drivability of older vehicles is an integral part of the experience and demands commitment from the driver.
sometimes the best is the enemy of the good.
yes with small manufacturers like Maserati you would not have the audi finish, the quality of construction of the xk or a merc, you will not have the precision of a Porsche of the time or even of an m3 that's some.
yet once the door of your garage is open, everything will already be forgotten. climb on board and the exotic design signed by Enrico fumia will immerse you in a world apart so exclusive despite some flaws in the finishes.
open the hood to see the red cylinder head covers of a v8 that belongs to the past then start and listen to the pure sound of this car. there are a few things about Italian cars from this era that you can't find anywhere else.
Beautifully put! 1 modern and technological is necessarily better
2 faster is necessarily better
3 na engine is necessarily better
4 easy driving is always better
( That's just my opinion)
If there's one thing missing in modern cars, it's emotion, sensations.
the bodybuilder and cartoonish design looks like children's toys,
the interiors no longer carry the scent of material such as period leather. there is no longer the authentic look of an analog needle counter or a wooden insert, but a screen like a touch pad instead.
opening the hood reveals pieces of plastic and everything is hidden.
the engine characters are standardized and smooth to make them as easy as possible.
most directions are electric
everything is bet on efficiency and performance to the detriment of the pleasure of working with the machine.
the drivability of older vehicles is an integral part of the experience and demands commitment from the driver.
sometimes the best is the enemy of the good.
yes with small manufacturers like Maserati you would not have the audi finish, the quality of construction of the xk or a merc, you will not have the precision of a Porsche of the time or even of an m3 that's some.
yet once the door of your garage is open, everything will already be forgotten. climb on board and the exotic design signed by Enrico fumia will immerse you in a world apart so exclusive despite some flaws in the finishes.
open the hood to see the red cylinder head covers of a v8 that belongs to the past then start and listen to the pure sound of this car. there are a few things about Italian cars from this era that you can't find anywhere else.
This is the comment of the year.
Had a go in a GranSport coupe once with a view to buying, and found the gearbox to be even more woeful and the equivalent BMW SMG of the time - no mean feat! Probably for the best as aside from that I was ready to 'take the plunge', just glad I got to try one.
Tmx78 said:
sorry for my very average English, the cambio corsa gearbox is lamentable in everyday driving, less in sporty driving the most interesting remains of this procured a manual version.
Commentaires
There is no such thing as a manual version of the Gransport.Commentaires
But, regarding those who had a poor experience with the Cambio Corsa then it was either set up wrong or not being driven as an automated manual. It should be a marvellous interactive experience and not something to put one off the car. Very smilar to the Sportshift in an Aston with similar complaints fhose pressing the 'Auto' button rather than getting on the paddles and curling one's toe.
hashluck said:
Tmx78 said:
sorry for my very average English, the cambio corsa gearbox is lamentable in everyday driving, less in sporty driving the most interesting remains of this procured a manual version.
Commentaires
There is no such thing as a manual version of the Gransport.Commentaires
But, regarding those who had a poor experience with the Cambio Corsa then it was either set up wrong or not being driven as an automated manual. It should be a marvellous interactive experience and not something to put one off the car. Very smilar to the Sportshift in an Aston with similar complaints fhose pressing the 'Auto' button rather than getting on the paddles and curling one's toe.
urquattroGus said:
I am in the process of buying one. I’ve been to look at 5 in the last two weeks, but not sure I’ve found the “one” yet.
I’ve already owned a 3200 Asetto Corsa so the Gransport feels like a walk in the park compared to that as long as I check things out properly. I also have a couple of Alfa’s to sit alongside.
I’ve driven two recently and they are good fun once you get used to the gearbox.
For about 2 weeks I was considering a 996 Carrera 2 but then came to my senses two fold, firstly a 911 (or at least any that I can afford) is not very me, and second, the engine bork factor of both the 996 and 997 are very high compared to the Gransport.
If anyone is about to sell their Gransport please do message me
Hi, I’ve had mine in Blue for about 12years. Always kept in garage and now getting the battery charged for summer use. Approx 57k miles and is a great car. Would sell to the right buyer. Based in Poole Dorset…I’ve already owned a 3200 Asetto Corsa so the Gransport feels like a walk in the park compared to that as long as I check things out properly. I also have a couple of Alfa’s to sit alongside.
I’ve driven two recently and they are good fun once you get used to the gearbox.
For about 2 weeks I was considering a 996 Carrera 2 but then came to my senses two fold, firstly a 911 (or at least any that I can afford) is not very me, and second, the engine bork factor of both the 996 and 997 are very high compared to the Gransport.
If anyone is about to sell their Gransport please do message me
ducnick said:
As far as I can see the GranSport has 3 problems.
1. The base 4200 - cheaper with all the style
2. The GranTourisimo - can be had for similar money and much newer.
3. The 5.0 jag xkr - similar money, better gearbox, quicker, cheaper to run and better built.
The above must seriously limit the market for the gransports
Thing is, the 4200 isn't much cheaper these days unless you're lucky1. The base 4200 - cheaper with all the style
2. The GranTourisimo - can be had for similar money and much newer.
3. The 5.0 jag xkr - similar money, better gearbox, quicker, cheaper to run and better built.
The above must seriously limit the market for the gransports
The GT is a slightly different kettle of fish and if I could get one for similar money I'd be going for it, larger and more wafty but just look at them
I can't see the Jag in the same light. Lovely cars, more reliable but I just can't
The only worry I ever really had with my 4200 was the clutch (which was fine but a constant niggle nonetheless) the car was fairly solid, low miles and well kept and just a brilliant amount of fun.
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