Where have all the Spyders gone?

[andymadmak]

Been looking on the classifieds here, and on the autotrader website, but cannot find a nice manual 2003/4 (ie, post upgrade) Maser 4200 Spyder.

If anyone sees one available on their travels, please let me know?

[mcgus]

That's because we hang on to them!

Let me know if I can help with any questions.

[andymadmak]

mcgus said:

That's because we hang on to them!

Let me know if I can help with any questions.

Thanks for that! Yes I've noticed you Spyder men hang on to your tackle. BUT I have set my heart on one and will not be denied!

Seriously, if anyone comes across a nice 2003/4 (V8 badged) example, preferably in blue, but any colour really, pref manual, but a cc with a new clutch would be good too, please PM me the details. Cash is waiting, as they say.

One question, the blurb I have read says the later (ie, V8 badged) examples suffer less scuttle shake due to a more rigid chassis construction and the adoption of Skyhook as standard.. does anyone have any view on whether this is BS or not? Seems a bit strange to alter the fundamental architecture of the vehicle mid production cycle..

AKM

[maser_spyder]

andymadmak said:

nice manual

I'm assuming you've driven both?

Ignore the Clarkson rubbish about flappy paddles, they're far superior to the manual on this car.

I tried both, the manual is clunky and hard work, the paddles are a much nicer drive, and a much faster gear change!

IIRC, scuttle shake story is BS, it's basically the same car, with a few basic upgrades (mostly software based). The REAL upgrades were made on the Gransport at a much later date!

[mcgus]

maser_spyder said:

andymadmak said:

nice manual

I'm assuming you've driven both?

Ignore the Clarkson rubbish about flappy paddles, they're far superior to the manual on this car.

I tried both, the manual is clunky and hard work, the paddles are a much nicer drive, and a much faster gear change!

IIRC, scuttle shake story is BS, it's basically the same car, with a few basic upgrades (mostly software based). The REAL upgrades were made on the Gransport at a much later date!

well we can agree on calling the scuttle shake b/s but not on the manual/paddle debate I'm afraid. Having tried to cc I waited best part of two years to find the manual I wanted. Still, each to their own!

[andymadmak]

mcgus said:

well we can agree on calling the scuttle shake b/s but not on the manual/paddle debate I'm afraid. Having tried to cc I waited best part of two years to find the manual I wanted. Still, each to their own!

EVO said this at the time

"Maserati's list of significant changes for the '03 Spyder and Coupe is short but focused. It includes new software for the Cambiocorsa transmission that prioritises engine torque rather than revs as a parameter, new software and dampers for the adaptive damping system, an all-new stability program called MSP, a new steering box with more direct gearing, larger anti-roll bars, grippier tyres and a bodyshell 20 per cent stiffer in torsion for the Spyder."

[maser_spyder]

andymadmak said:

mcgus said:

well we can agree on calling the scuttle shake b/s but not on the manual/paddle debate I'm afraid. Having tried to cc I waited best part of two years to find the manual I wanted. Still, each to their own!

EVO said this at the time

"Maserati's list of significant changes for the '03 Spyder and Coupe is short but focused. It includes new software for the Cambiocorsa transmission that prioritises engine torque rather than revs as a parameter, new software and dampers for the adaptive damping system, an all-new stability program called MSP, a new steering box with more direct gearing, larger anti-roll bars, grippier tyres and a bodyshell 20 per cent stiffer in torsion for the Spyder."

The bodyshell bit of that is BS, the rest is mostly true, although it's mainly a few software upgrades that were done for the benefit of a new press release to boost sales.

The cars basically drive exactly the same. The only major differences that really changed things were in the Gransport.

If you've had an earlier model properly serviced at a main dealer, the software upgrades will have been applied anyway, so it's irrelevant!

[fieldl]

I have an 04 Spyder in black with a manual box. Selling it would break my heart but I rarely use it and intend to race next season with the CSCC. So doubt it will get any use. I have been trying to come to terms with selling it for the last two weeks.

[andymadmak]

fieldl said:

I have an 04 Spyder in black with a manual box. Selling it would break my heart but I rarely use it and intend to race next season with the CSCC. So doubt it will get any use. I have been trying to come to terms with selling it for the last two weeks.

Well, if you do decide to sell, please PM me through my profile and I'll come and take a look.

Cheers

Andy

[yewtree4200]

yewtree4200 said:

I am new to this forum and have been looking for a manual 2003 4200 Spyder with glass rear screen, 20-30k miles and FSH (preferably with receipts). I regularly scan the obvious sources e.g. Auto trader, EBay and the sites of Indy dealers for approx a year now. Even though I am willing to be flexible on colour combo and miles, I have not seen THE car yet. Were any manual 4200 Spyders registered in 2003? Just don’t want a Cambiocorsa.

I am also still looking for a manual Spyder!