Maserati Gransport: Spotted
Because the world would be dull if everyone bought 997s
Can the boomerangs be retrofitted?
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
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.
 |
 |
Every time I see one, I just think it looks like an old Jaguar XK and there is precious little about the design that screams anything other than a generic retro-Italian coupe.
I would rather have a Jag XKR which, to me eyes looks better resolved.
I love the fact that you just don't see them around. In 3 years, I've never seen another 'in the wild' when I've been in mine. General responses to it are also very favourable, having coaxed a "ooh, doesnt it sound lovely" from my mother in law, who previously hasn't so much as commented on the colour of any previous cars.
They're not for running on a shoe string, but look after them and they'll serve you well. I love mine dearly and don't know what I would replace it with short of a 612 or an FF and each of those are considerably more expensive. I'm pleased I bought one and would recommend one to anyone, so long as you do your research.
You could do worse than reading up on them on sportsmaserati.com
Every time I see one, I just think it looks like an old Jaguar XK and there is precious little about the design that screams anything other than a generic retro-Italian coupe.
I would rather have a Jag XKR which, to me eyes looks better resolved.
Some performance cars feel like they are on your side and want to work with you when you are pressing on.
The 4200 didn't feel like that.
The car felt raw and wild, which is by no means a bad thing in the right circumstances. I still remember opening the taps in a straight line in second and the back end stepping out suddenly. In the dry. I've owned a car like that before and whilst it was fun learning to drive it fast, it made it a bit waring sometimes day to day, particularly in poor conditions where the car doesn't tolerate a lapse of concentration.
It is above all a clever bit of packaging. It feels - and looks - pretty small but has way more room inside than a 911, Jag or DB9. Its easy to place on the road and punt down lanes.
As for "being surprised if it could keep up with a 997", that's part of the fun. People who have owned both reckon the 911 has the ultimate edge but would have to be very well driven to get away from one. One of the real pleasures of owning it has been discovering that its way better than expected. Only EVO reviewed it in this country at the time and they thought it a worthy alternative.
As for "being surprised if it could keep up with a 997", that's part of the fun. People who have owned both reckon the 911 has the ultimate edge but would have to be very well driven to get away from one. One of the real pleasures of owning it has been discovering that its way better than expected. Only EVO reviewed it in this country at the time and they thought it a worthy alternative.
Don't think anyone mentioned 'keeping up' with a 997. Wouldn't bother me which was faster, personally. That's a different question from what makes for the better drive.
You're quite right - good correction.
Not really the most stylish of cars, but still a headturner, with a rich looking interior. I preferred the original boomerang rear lights though.
A decent car if you use it for Grand Touring - but the bills are not for the weak-hearted.
It looks very handsome in the flesh -the photographs simply do not do justice to it.
The interior can be so luxurious (the red one had a high tech fabric the colour of which was not to my taste). Then you start the engine and I wager no other manufacturer makes a cross-plane V8 engine as charismatic as the ones in these Maseratis. 4.2 with 390-95 BHP not to be sniffed at.
For obvious reasons, I did not cane the car, nor was I allowed to drift it around roundabouts, but I did get to extend it within the legal limits of course! Seriously, you not only hear the engine, but passengers at the back can 'feel' it through the structure of the vehicle as it revs to a sonorous crescendo. I do not wish to give the wrong impression, but you really feel this car in a very special way.
The steering wheel was also surprisingly communicative and the chassis felt really planted, yet communicated what was going on through the seat. It was a fantastic car to drive, despite not liking the F1 transmission but this was only because I was not familiar with it...
Alas, I have since put a deposit down on a Spyder version (with a Six Speed Manual) because you still get a very capable car and have the advantage of hearing the sound of this wonderful engine even more.
k!Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff