Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale: Spotted
As Maserati continues to delay the GranTurismo's replacement, here's a reminder of its benchmark
Despite its considerable size and extraordinary sound, it's easy to forget about the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale. Why? Possibly it's the sheer amount of GranTurismos offered since its 2007 launch. From a used perspective, the cars receiving the most attention are surely the earliest (and cheapest) 4.2s, plus the later 4.7s with the better suited automatic gearbox. Maybe a GranCabrio too, for those who need to swan off at a moment's notice.
Consequently, the Stradale, with just 10hp more than a contemporary 4.7 Sport and missing the very handy back seats of every other model, might look like an odd fit. Particularly with only the clunky automated manual offered. Is there actually any point? Well yes, we think there is (even if Maserati unofficially acknowledged its mistake and reintroduced the third and fourth seats with a facelift). Because, as we all know damn well, what could be classed as 'illogical' when new becomes 'rather intriguing' just a few years later.
Because look at the thing. This Bianco 2000 MC isn't far off half price after 40,000 miles, available for less money than Nic's TT RS long termer was specced to. Yes, you shouldn't do new versus used, but we just did. So deal with it.
More than that the Stradale was a sensational car; we praised the four-seat version in 2013 for its gorgeous engine and finely honed dynamics (probably safe to assume the latter is unaffected by the kilos save in the two-seat model). Oh sure, it was too loud for a track day, the infotainment was crap and it's not a light car, but there was genuine talent and ability there to offset the flaws. The GranTurismo was no less fantastic when we drove it last year in our 'V8s are great' feature.
It almost goes without saying that more ostensibly sporting cars are available for the cash - see numerous examples of the original Audi R8 V8, 4.7-litre Aston Vantages, whatever 911 you care to mention - as well as fully fledged GTs that proffer something similar, maybe even better, than the Maserati - Aston DB9, Bentley Continental GT, Mercedes CL. Yet in spite of all those alternatives, the Maserati appeals; once upon a time it was referred to on PH as a cut-price Ferrari F12 - and who wouldn't be tempted by that?
While the Stradale will obviously exert a strain on your personal finances in a way that a new C63 would not, something like a Vantage or a Conti GT is not going to be affordable to run either. As surely the most popular Maserati ever (as well as still being in production), the struggle to source parts that must be familiar to rarer Trident-badged tearaways shouldn't exist. And, if you really must, there are four-seat Stradales in the classifieds as well. So all the family can find out what it is that makes Ferrari V8s (even the cross-plane ones) just so fabulous.
SPECIFICATION - MASERATI GRANTURISMO MC STRADALE
Engine: 4,691cc V8
Transmission: 6-speed automated manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 450@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 383@4,750rpm
MPG: 19.6
CO2: 337g/km
First registered: 2011
Recorded mileage: 41,000
Price new: £110,110 (2013, four-seat)
Yours for: £57,995
Never had a problem with the box
Very very dated infotainment system tho .. loved mine
I have been tempted by a MC Stradale and have kept an eye on the market. It seems despite its look, noise and general positive reviews the same cars have been for sale for months, some nearly a year and despite price drops they don't seem to be shifting.
I have a 2011 2 seater MC Stradale which I utterly love. It's by no means my first high end car but it's easily the one with the most of that "can't put your finger on it or describe" thing which some call soul.
Firstly, the 2 seater car made from 2011 to 2013 is rare with only around 80 right hand drives versions coming to the UK. It was Maserati's attempt a challenging the GT3 marketplace with a lighter, more focussed version. It's still too heavy but it is usefully lighter (around 200kg) than the Granturismo S. It has 2 seats because there is a rare factory roll cage option which makes them even more special - a la GT3 clubsport. In order to meet the MC Stradale (Maserati Corse Stradale or Masterati Racing Car for the Road) description, they binned the skyhook electronic dampers and added carbon brakes as well as a new programme for the gearbox which means the presence of a race mode. The best button ever! It changes the speed of gear changes to faster than the 599 as well as opening valves in the MC Stradale unique exhaust configuration. The result is epic and makes for one of the best road car sounds ever produced. To correct the author, they added back seats because certain overseas markets demanded them and very few specced the roll cage. In my opinion, when they did that, they removed some of the magic of the original however I can see why some see the practicality is important. It's telling that the 4 seater cars are now the same price or less than the 2 seaters and opinion over at Sports Maserati is that the 2 seater is more likely to become desirable some years from now.
I have one of 2 painted in non-metallic gloss black so it's even more rare! That car mentioned is not a well chosen example as the mileage is on the high side for one of these and SSC seem to have mixed reviews as a seller. I've not dealt with them myself so don't ask me why.
You should be able to pick up a 2 seater with less than 20k miles and full history for around 60-65k, same for a 4 seater.
On the subject of the extra 10bhp. I know of 2 that have been on a dyno and both actually produced in excess of 500bhp. It's likely a case that it was heading into Ferrari territory at the time and the boys in red underestimated the true output to keep Maserati in their place! Not the first time and probably not the last. It's a quick car, not crazy fast but plenty fast and the way it does it is wicked. I had a 911 turbo before it and that was probably quicker but without any drama and for me, more than a little boring.
The Stradale represents the last naturally aspirated v8 that will come from Italy. It sounds fantastic, handles amazingly and looks like a piece of modern art.
Get one before it's too late.
I can't help thinking that if maserati offered higher profile tyres to reduce road noise a little, slightly less rear leg room and a bit more displacement, they would be onto a winner.
I can't help thinking that if maserati offered higher profile tyres to reduce road noise a little, slightly less rear leg room and a bit more displacement, they would be onto a winner.
I can't help thinking that if maserati offered higher profile tyres to reduce road noise a little, slightly less rear leg room and a bit more displacement, they would be onto a winner.
People who have never actually seen one play it down, it’s big (true) it’s dated, it’s slow (not true) blah blah.
Then they see and experience one. It’s absolutely stunning and there’s not a bad curve on it.
The engine is strong, massively strong and pulls. Yes it’s a bit lardy but the clues in the name.
It’s size is part of its charm for me and the noise is in a league of its own.
I’ve owned my 2009 4.7 S model for over 3 years, I drove 300 miles in it yesterday and for a 9-10 year old car it turns heads continuously.
They have their faults doesn’t every car but it’s a package and a half. Can only imagine the Stradale is a step up
I just need to shift my stunning GTS now priced very well at £32k.
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