RE: Maserati Ghibli Cup: PH Heroes

[Drakey52]

I too saw a new Ghibli recently. Very disappointing - no presence. The QP is a far more distinctive machine.

These old Biturbo derivatives were great - that clock was just wonderful when I was lusting after them 20 years ago.

[ticca]

good article, great car......I know becasue own TOY123, sadly not with that plate anymore.
you'll be glad to know the car is still in A1 condition and now has more than 335hp

getting tired of seeing journalists going sideways in my car though, that must be why the diff's knackered!! lol

[90sMasers]

firebird350 said:

And extremely lovely it is too! Especially in that subtle metallic blue. Should imagine it's a very rare example in such a colour.

It's the only uk shamal in blue, so "very rare" is putting it mildly!!!!

[90sMasers]

Most of what Nick said a few posts back is accurate, but the timing chains are no big deal. Yes, it's an engine out job (so not cheap), but it's probably a once every ten years (if that) operation. In fact, many UK Cups are still yet to have this done, as while some mechanics recommend it at 48k miles (which some cars are still yet to do), others say it's not necessary until even later. In reality, you feel behind the engine and test for slackness both physically and aurally - and change it if necessary. It's the timing belt at the front that's far more crucial and needs changing every 3 years.

When I sold my first Cup it had done about 50,000 miles and still didn't need the chains renewing. Chains are not the worry, as is not the engine as a whole. It's rust that's the killer for any 90's Ghibli. The saving grace with the Cup is that it's high value makes repairs economically viable. But a standard Ghibli worth, say 6 to 12k is a different matter. So if you are looking for a Ghibli, steer clear of any rusty examples, and have it checked by an expert (I.e. McGrath, Emblem, Autoshield, etc).

[Ozzie Osmond]

s m said:

Especially the wallet level!

[90sMasers]

Ozzie Osmond said:

Especially the wallet level!

You're quite right. At the wallet level you have to have been very rich to go for the M3. An 80k mile Ghibli Cup would still fetch 30k, while the equivalent M3 would be less than 5k. With depreciation like that, only the financially perverse would have chosen the M3. Thankfully, I chose the Cup.

[jamieboy]

90sMasers said:

You're quite right. At the wallet level you have to have been very rich to go for the M3. An 80k mile Ghibli Cup would still fetch 30k, while the equivalent M3 would be less than 5k. With depreciation like that, only the financially perverse would have chosen the M3. Thankfully, I chose the Cup.

[masermartin]

90sMasers said:

Ozzie Osmond said:

Especially the wallet level!

You're quite right. At the wallet level you have to have been very rich to go for the M3. An 80k mile Ghibli Cup would still fetch 30k, while the equivalent M3 would be less than 5k. With depreciation like that, only the financially perverse would have chosen the M3. Thankfully, I chose the Cup.

[wraggy]

A pic of my old Shamal.

[Leins]

wraggy said:

A pic of my old Shamal.

Super !!!

Do you mind me asking, how did it compare to the 348?

[Lost soul]

masermartin said:

90sMasers said:

Ozzie Osmond said:

Especially the wallet level!

You're quite right. At the wallet level you have to have been very rich to go for the M3. An 80k mile Ghibli Cup would still fetch 30k, while the equivalent M3 would be less than 5k. With depreciation like that, only the financially perverse would have chosen the M3. Thankfully, I chose the Cup.

Ah the old rear view mirror

[Malcolm Pearce]

Hope this works as never posted on PH before. Owned this cup for best part of 14 years.

[prg123]

Malcolm Pearce said:

Hope this works as never posted on PH before. Owned this cup for best part of 14 years.

Very nice, would love to see a picture of it in the daylight :-)

- Pete

[wraggy]

Leins said:

wraggy said:

A pic of my old Shamal.

Super !!!

Do you mind me asking, how did it compare to the 348?

When I first got the 348 the performance felt flat after the turbocharged rush of the Shamal. The Shamal was a great car in a straight line but it was a mare in the corners particularly if wet, whereas the 348 was like a go-kart, flat through the bends and great unassisted steering. There's lots said about the 348 handling wise but I found mine (a very late front battery model) to be fantastic. I did a few trips to the Ring in it, and drove it on the limit. I got too exuberant once and span but no harm done, other than to my pride...
Both great cars that I'm glad I owned (and sad I sold too :-( )

[MaseratiTom]

I am the happy owner of a Cup.
Properly the best there is left.
Owned from new. Engine original made with new 3200 GT Turbo'es
420 Hk, no rust !.

Look Car # 35
www.SportsCarEvent.Dk

I'll give you a ride, you will never forget, but you have to donate
400 Dk (59 US) to Child Cancer Foundation.


ETA

Sorry not allowed.

[Maseratom]

Vell I have one of these bought from Factory. 1 owner. I do race it on track.
Lovely when it works, sadly it break down sometimes, some parts are difficult to get now.
Turbos rebouilt to Garret GTX 2554 much better than the original.
-
Please enjoy:




ETA

Sorry Not allowed.

Edited by Big Al. on Friday 6th August 17:43

[Trackdayer]

Lovely cars. I agonised over one of these versus a Calibra back in the early 2000's. I loved both but ultimately the Calibra won on styling, build quality and the drivetrain.

[FeelingLucky]

Trackdayer said:

Lovely cars. I agonised over one of these versus a Calibra back in the early 2000's. I loved both but ultimately the Calibra won on styling, build quality and the drivetrain.

When you say Calibra, are we talking Vauxhall Calibra?

[s m]

FeelingLucky said:

When you say Calibra, are we talking Vauxhall Calibra?

Are there any others?

[FeelingLucky]

s m said:

Are there any others?

Well, I thought not, but "Calibra won on styling, build quality and the drivetrain." made me think otherwise. But to be fair, who doesn't love a understeery FWD chassis?