Thanks to the buying public's current fascination with SUVs, those expecting a new Maserati sports car anytime soon will have to continue to wait. The focus is on
the Levante
and similar cars, rather than bringing to market that
incredible Alfieri concept
the GranTurismo
- it's a lovely car, but it desperately needs updating.
As a quantifier of that, consider this: the Maserati 3200GT is only two generations off what is currently sold. It was replaced by the 4200GT in 2002, that in turn was superceded by the GranTurismo in 2007. At least the pace of the cars is swifter than the pace of development...
The 3200GT deserves its time in the limelight though because it marks the arrival of modern Maserati, the involvement of Ferrari and some very different cars: the era of slightly awkward - if quite cool - Ghiblis and Quattroportes was over. Ferrari's involvement in fact began 20 years ago this year, when it first acquired a 50 per cent share. Just the time to celebrate the first car of that era...
Obvious point though it may be, but the 3200GT still looks sensational. Which has to be a big part of the appeal now, when it's no longer going to be an everyday car and you must enjoy admiring it as much as driving it. Furthermore, while we're on the subjective stuff, you still want to suggest 'taking the Maserati', don't you? Go on, admit it...
This 3200GT
is the most affordable one on PH at present - a snip at £15K, if you ask us - but also one of the most interesting and desirable. The colour combination of Brooklands Green with cream works well, it has the desirable manual gearbox and the mileage is reasonable at 73,000. More important than all that, though, are the reams of paperwork that come with the car and the recent work undertaken. Because, let's be honest, when you're buying a cheap Maserati from last century, you want to see that it's been cared for. This particular car has had a major service, four new Pirelli P Zeros and a new radiator in the past four thousand miles, with the clutch, ABS ECU and battery all replaced during this owner's three-year tenure. Apparently there's a "mountain of paperwork" with it, and the car has "wanted for nothing" - encouraging signs.
From the pics it looks great too, with sharp paintwork, decent leather and unmarked wheels. You want to own it, don't you? And it's £15K!
Look what else is on offer: a fairly ordinary 996, or a Jaguar XKR that won't be as practical and doesn't have a manual. Not as cool either, is it? If you want a stylish, exciting, V8 2+2, then it must be Maserati. Go on, you only live once...
SPECIFICATION - MASERATI 3200GT
Engine: 3,200cc, twinturbo V8
Transmission: six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 375@6,250rpm
Torque (lb ft): 362@4,500rpm
MPG: 17
CO2: 388g/km
First registered: 2001
Recorded mileage: 73,000miles
Price new: £60,575
Yours for: £15,000
See the original advert here