4200 - Talk To Me.

4200 - Talk To Me.

Author
Discussion

neutral 3

Original Poster:

6,503 posts

171 months

Sunday 3rd November 2019
quotequote all
As above, any owners / former owners on here ?

neutral 3

Original Poster:

6,503 posts

171 months

Monday 4th November 2019
quotequote all
Thanks for the replies. What is the " Skyhook " suspension ?
Is there a Series 2 version from circa 2004 ?
Plus a " Sports Suspension " option ?

neutral 3

Original Poster:

6,503 posts

171 months

Thursday 7th November 2019
quotequote all
andymadmak said:
The 4200 came in both Spyder (shorter wheelbase, 2 seat convertible) and coupe (genuine 4 seater.) Choice of manual 6 speed box or a Cambiocorsa (ie flappy paddle) 6 speed.
Launched in 2001 (I believe) and it was an updated (for that read 'fettled by Ferrari') version of the 3200. Out went the old Maserati turbo V8. In came a a 48 valve, bendy crank, chain drive cam version of the Ferrari 430 engine. Engine-wise these things are pretty bullet proof provided that oil and filters are changed regularly.

In 2003 the range got a little update - stiffer chassis by way of foam filling the box sections, plus the Spyder got a glass rear window and various other detail upgrades that are worth having. . These earlier cars are typically called "Classicos"

In 2004 there was a facelift - nothing changed majorly on the mechanical front over the 2003 upgrades, but the front and rear bumpers got a makeover, plus the front grille was not so nice (imho)
Essentially if you want the earlier looks, go for a 2003 car because the upgrades are worth having, especially on the Spyder.

Couple of years later the range was superseded by the Gransport. - same car basically, but with a wilder body kit, bigger wheels, valved exhaust, changes to the interior etc. The Transport Spyder was dropped from the range within a year or so.

Skyhook was standard for UK cars. It's basically a switchable suspension system. You get 'sport mode' and 'normal mode'. Sport mode stiffens the suspension up a bit and sharpens the throttle map.

Things to look for:

If it's a cambiocorsa get a clutch reading done by a reputable specialist. Abuse or poor adjustment can result in short (ie sub 20k miles) life.
manuals suffer less in this regard - but get the linkage checked for the gear leaver. If it's a fight to operate it's either out of adjustment/lubrication or knackered. (or you could also have clutch wear of course)

Check the heater matrix. They ALL fail, without question. It's a faulty design. Changing is a dash out job, and the bit itself is only £30quid!
Symptoms are a wet passenger footwell carpet.

Have the front subframe checked. There have been some stories of corrosion and new ones are hard to get/expensive

Make sure that EVERYTHING works. Locks, windows, aircon, instruments etc. It's a Maserati so bits are not always cheap. (even if the cars often are)

Suspension should be checked to make sure it works properly - but check to see if the skyhook has been removed - some owners change out for fixed rate springs and dampers.

Service history is a must - although most will be in the Indy network. Check out Sportsmaserati.com for more information on who to trust.

These cars are geometry and tyre sensitive, so check for uneven wear (inner front edges is a sign) plus cheap/dodgy mixes of tyres. It's a Maserati, capable of 170mph +, so you really do NOT want one where the owner has scrimped on basics like this.

OEM Brakes are pricey, but there is a Sportsmaserati alternative that saves LOTS of money and appears to be of better quality!

Paint and general finish should be pretty good. Buy on condition and history. A true enthusiast will be obvious!

I've owned my 2003 manual Spyder since 2010. It has never let me down. I've taken it to Italy twice, topped 170mph, and generally loved the thing. It hardly gets any use these days since I bought the Aston, but I can't bring myself to sell it just yet. On a good day, with the roof down and that fabulous V8 singing as I work my way up and down the box it's a wonderful place to be.
Thanks, much appreciated, very interesting !
I am looking for a manual in black, anyone ?