Maserati GranTurismo S | Spotted
Everyone knows how good Maserati's just-departed GT sounds, but it offers plenty more besides
Yesterday brought news that production of Maserati’s long-lived and much-loved GranTurismo had ended. During its 12-year run the car became one of the brand’s most iconic models, consummately fulfilling the role which its name suggested, that of the sports GT. Having sold nearly 30,000 examples of the 2+2 coupe (as well as almost 12,000 units of its cabriolet equivalent) the GranTurismo can well be claimed to have kept Maserati afloat over the past decade, during what could otherwise have been a very difficult time for the historic marque.
Now it’s watch has ended; its load-bearing duties taken on by the Levante and its GT remit soon to be filled by a forthcoming, electrified replacement. But that doesn’t mean it can’t still do a job for anyone looking for a practical, family sportscar. No, those words aren’t ones commonly associated with V8-powered Italian exotics, but they are appropriate in this case nonetheless.
The GranTurismo was not only quick and comfortable, but its rear seats were genuinely usable, as was its relatively capacious boot. Its classically proportioned, sharp-yet-elegant design was penned by Pininfarina, remaining one of the key reasons why the model was able to persist for so long. And for under £20,000, today’s Sport variant makes for an even more appealing prospect still.
Alright, so it does have an attention-grabbing 92,000 miles on the clock, a figure which looks to be straying dangerously close to Brave Pill territory. For only another £3,500 you could instead buy a standard model with nearly a third of the mileage. But there are several good reasons why you shouldn’t do that.
You see the GranTurismo S wasn’t merely a lightly breathed upon trim level, as is so often the case these days. It boasted an extra half a litre of displacement within its Ferrari-derived V8, offering 440hp (up from 405 in the standard car) and 361lb ft of torque, for far more mid-range oomph. Such performance far better delivered on the model’s fantastic potential, particularly when paired with the rear-mounted automated six-speed manual - a transmission which replaced the regular, engine-mounted auto ‘box and in doing so not only improved gear changes but weight distribution, too.
Despite its mileage, today’s Spotted looks to fall only into the category of long-legged, while avoiding that of ‘leggy’. Described as being “in lovely condition inside and out,” with bodywork and alloy wheels “free from dents or scratches” the car also seems to have a thorough service history, with regular check-ups all the way from 3,000 miles into its life until just 1,000 miles ago. With a near perfect spec of blue on cream with silver wheels, it still more than looks the part. In fact, thanks to the GranTurismo’s lack of significant facelifts during its time, even keen observers may not be able to separate it from a far fresher example. What could be a better sign of a future classic than such incredible powers of rejuvenation?
SPECIFICATION - MASERATI GRANTURISMO S
Engine: 4,691cc V8
Transmission: 6-speed automated manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 460@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 383@4,750rpm
MPG: 19.6 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 337g/km
Recorded mileage: 92,000 miles
Year registered: 2009
Price new: £110,110
Price now: £19,925
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