DRIVEN: Why The Maserati Gransport is Italy's Most Frustrating Car
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- Today, I drive the "missing link" in the Maserati lineup. Between the gorgeous, but flawed Coupe (aka 4200) and the sensational but enormous GranTurismo, came this - the Gransport. A runout special of the Coupe, the Gransport made a number of changes that allegedly meant this was the car many always wanted - but not everybody was convinced. How will I fare?
#Maserati #Gransport #Review
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Always loved the look of these, especially in Gran Sport trim like this. I saw one arrive at a restaurant at the side of Lake Como while we were on holiday once. It was being driven enthusiastically by an impeccably suited cool Italian guy wearing the obligatory sunglasses. His mate/work colleague was riding shotgun. I couldn’t help but notice that once inside they ordered a bottle of red and each a plate of spaghetti. The guy’s handling of his fork to eat his spaghetti was a sight to behold, so impressive was his dexterity. Afterwards the Maser once more left at great speed. It was just so Italian and just the coolest scene ever! Real La Dolce Vita stuff. It left an impression that’s never gone away. The Blu Mediterraneo colour is stunning and, as you say James, the only colour to have.. Good size too for U.K. roads and reasonably practical. Most importantly, what a sound! You’d forgive it almost anything for that alone.
Cool story! Thanks for sharing.
It's actually a reasonable car. You have to feather the throttle. Little learning curve. Fantastic cars. He just doesn't know
Reading this and imagining the scene unfolding in front of me made my day. Great commentary. This car does have presence. No denying that.
Friends - hope everyone is well. I have a 2006 Maserati GranSport…..and I love it. Larini decats, Tubi exhaust and drive by wire. I’ve been reading a lot of comments on here….having owned mine since 2007 this is just another example of a car where you either get this Maserati or you don’t. This car can easily do over 180 mph and will hit 60 in around 4.6 seconds. What a lot of people don’t understand is that these are true Italian cars….with all their little quirks….it’s really an experience. If you can, go drive a well maintained one and you won’t regret it. What you will find in this car you won’t find in any boring Mercedes, BMW, Audi….you just have to drive this car to understand what it’s all about….this car is far from ordinary and if you want that…buy one of the above cars. The normally aspirated engine that pulls like a scolded dog, smell of the Italian leather and the scarcity will almost guarantee you that no one else will have a car like this. Be different, try one and you will understand my passion.
Completely agree, I have rare aniversery blue GS, factory tubi upgrade and installed the formula dynamics dbw F1 upgrade. I am fortunate to drive a lot of exotic cars, I will never sell this...
The gear box and looks date it. I'd take a dct e92 or e93 m3 over the gransport. I think Maserati nailed it with the granturismo in terms of looks and stradale was probably the best driving one. The new qp gts/ trofeo with the v8 biturbo is not bad either.
Ive always wanted one for a very very long time. Seems like a massive deal! What is the most expensive maintenance or repair you have done?
Fair enough…if you can ever drive a well maintained one…you might change your mind. Hope you’re well.
@@Passportbroski not sure if you’re asking me - but the clutch, if done correctly will be the most expensive repair. If you buy all the parts over time, it won’t be that expensive. Next, the Hester core can be pricey, but, if you don’t need the heat, you can disconnect it as well. You will need to replace it or disconnect it as it will drip onto the computer if the car and dry it.
This car is a credit to its former keepers, and also Aldous Voice who has looked after her for the last 4 years. We plan to maintain 'OEM' spec, although many leverage an X or H-pipe to allow the V8 to sing properly. Glad to report that the intermittent door handle issue has fixed itself!
My Gransport had the door handle issue as well and when ignored long enough, also self fixed :)
@@dylansawchuk8045 Maybe will help a Fiat maintenance namely spray WD 40 from all possible directions it make wonders on fiat parts :)
Put an x pipe larini on it.
Had two of these and never had any problems at all!. Fantastic cars as long as you only drive in sport mode. Add a sports exhaust they make a noise to die for!. Only fly in the ointment is clutch replacement and servicing cost but use a specialist like Grimaldi engineering and just enjoy the car as there is nothing that compares for the money.
Had a 4200 Spyder with a manual 'box for a few days, and never had a problem with the handling, even on Australia's very average roads. Brilliant car. Would own a manual version in a heartbeat.
For a few days.
Still longer than I've driven a massa
This car looks and sounds so good, almost everything else can be neglected
I agree. It could have a park bench for seats, a crown of thorns for a steering wheel, and an engine made of glass. None of it would matter for that 5secs of wide open throttle, and being able to look back at it as you walk away knowing it's yours. Beautiful car.
@@superchickenlips1 eh? The sound is no better than any other atmospheric V8 of the era, and the looks are nothing special at all, the droopy nose reminds me of an anteater and the rear is just bland, it's like a cross between a Jag S-type and Rover 75...
@@richardharrold9736 In your opinion. Not in mine.
@@superchickenlips1 the engine sounds about the same as a Jag 4.0/4.2 or a BMW M62. It certainly doesn't have the hard-edged snarl of the S62, nor the thunder of the Mercedes-Benz M156. Most people seem to agree it looks awful, too. Only the most deluded Italiaphiles could ever think it was pretty.
I'm really glad that James has done these substantive reviews of this line of Maseratis, I'm sure they will be the benchmark for people seeking guidance as to whether to buy one.
The problem for Ferrari is that you have to be well over 70 to fully remember Maserati in their pomp in terms of motorsport and desirable road cars, although sadly I'm old enough to remember lusting after them in the 1970s (Khamsin, Merak) when they still had a unique niche, but in reality it's going to be an SUV (Levante) that most people will buy and define the marque.
I own the car with the reg next to yours. I bought it off No 27 four years ago and have improved it a bit. It’s a really lovely car and a great drive.
THIS is the ONLY review I have watched or read about this Car (one of which I have) that mirrors exactly my own experience regarding its drivability and faults. Most of the one's which state that this is the paragon of Drive/Handling etc are total rubbish and seem to have been written by people who have never actually driven this Car, it is simply a very good, well built Sports/GT with beautiful looks and fabulous Engine. The passenger Door issue I haven't had as yet. It REALLY can be used as a daily driver, which I do as much as possible, and NEEDS to be driven. The horror stories about the Cambio Clutch are mostly exaggerated and usually down to user brutality and can/will affect Ferraris exactly the same.
Watch video, head straight to Autotrader/ Pistonheads, apply man maths, compose explanation for the wife
Edit correction incoming...'If you just want to poodle about, any XK8 either X100 or the X150 successor are better choices'. The 4.2 Fer-Maserati V8 is a gem. However not near enough compensation for a litany of faults for a weekend special. Sad to say this, but my $$$ and passion had to disregard it, even the swb open version!
Thanks!!! Yes, if you can try the spyder,👍🏻. Or maybe a Ghibli (II), the last one, the Ghibli GT.
Formula Dynamics in the US makes a chip for the gearbox (which I had installed in my old Gransport) and the car became even better. Totally improved it in both auto and manual mode.
Not sure if they still make them though.
They do, and they run about $1200-1400 for the mod.
They sure do….I have this modification and it’s well worth it.
Lot of these older performance cars are absolutely terrible if you don't activate the sport setting.
I never drive my own without it
Keep on with your great reviews, will await to see the maserat 4200 spyder review by you.
You missed one thing: when braking while downshifiting you get the best out this exhaust note. It's like a dragon breath annoucing your appearance.
Nice review - I had a Spyder.. now thinking of a Grand Sport...
GranSport Spyder 2006 here. The car is AMAZING. Granturismo feels like a boat comparing to GS. Oil change and that's all. She is a keeper for sure.
I fully understand what you mean by not needing the normal mode, although I suspect that may be present for official figures etc. For me, a second mode would be better if it was mapped for a smoother lower power mode for manoeuvring and icy conditions etc.
Great review Jay, I always loved that car and I'm wondering if a Manual conversion is possible like the M3 CSL ?!
It is, same box as the manual, BUT, like the Aston Martin Vanquish manual conversion, you'd have to retrim the interior with the manual car's centre console, and that's where it gets expensive...
I learned something today...I thought the California had a 4.2, double checked and sure enough it’s the 4.3. I have a 4.7 grancabrio. One of the best Maserati’s ever made.
Ferrari California had an F430 engine, hence the identical displacement. The 4.2/4.7 Maseratis and the F430 and even 458 Italia all used the same F136 bottom end.
So, a GT that is only really good when driven hard. In other words, it will always frustrate average owners because it will never driven to its full potential. Ah Maserati, how maddening...
The boss of the designer didnt like those bumerang lights. The designer regrets it. The designer has his own youtube channel.
m.ua-cam.com/channels/0prFtEeFBIRwm57wu2lBpQ.html
Stop hating on one of the most beautiful car of all time. I've owned four of these and I'm here to tell you: your title shows that you have no knowlage on these.
Unsubscribe from this channel, people.
Thanks J, always liked these cars! Enjoyed this video!
Nice review and great haircut 😀
The rotating knobs for climate and ventilation at 4:54 look the same as the ones in my fiat punto
I’ve always wanted one of these. Such a shame about their foibles. I don’t think I’d be brave enough to actually put my money where my heart is!
Seriously thinking about buying one of these in 2022.
im in love with this couple and their garage
Exterior reminds me of the DB9.
Pretty sure the so-called 'normal mode' is a sop to MPG ratings.
I don't agree with no autos good as a manual, I prefer driving on manual in my M140i with the torquey B58 and excellent gearbox
That's not what he said. He said the SMGs are all rubbish in automatic mode.
What year is the 4200? Was it a 1-year? Or are there other years before the Turismo? What about the 2022 SUV/Crossover-Have Maserati pulled their name outta the mud by now? Worth it bs say Audi SUV! I just happened to see the 4.2 on a U.S. telly show and am impressed but he too raised the same as this bloke dies; the £10k trans issues. But still if that’s been tender to; an 80% discount may be worthy the roll if the dice depending on what year it is? I’m guessing 2001-ish based on wing mirrors and some interrupt tips?!🤷♂️ ta.
Boomerang rear lights were ditched for the yanks! I mean really
Maserati are the sort of car that is highly deirable, but they have too many expensive
to repair weakspots that ruin your ownership.
I had a Gransport, and when it was runing as it should i liked it, but my bank balance
said sell it while it's working, so it went!
I had one same couleur....
Great car...
Sounds almost as good as my XKR :P
Italy's MOST frustrating car?... That's a rather contested title.
*most frustrating but best looking
Makes for a much better sports car than the Granturismo GT-S 4.7 imho. Not as nice to cruise and sit in mind
Always thought this was ugly. Prefer the Granturismo.
A few years ago I looked at moving from my 2001 3200 Asetto Corsa to a Gransport, but to be honest the performance of the Gransport felt rather underwhelming after the 3200, and it lost the gorgeous rear boomerang lights and they looked to have cheapened a number of items across the car, less of a bespoke feel; 3200 was certainly under rated power wise, and the Gransport less so, plus that annoying Cambiocorsa gearbox... 4.7 QP would be preferable for me :)
QP is a boat comparing to GS. 3200 is called a widow maker for a reason.
All Maseratis should be finished in Blu Mediterraneo.
“Congrats to Everyone who is early and found this comment”!
good god that is hideous, sorry 😆
I’ve been in love with these forever and contemplated one before buying a Porsche 996. Just looking into the cost for a new clutch put me off…as I prepare to dive into an engine rebuild on my 911, I’m thinking the clutch wouldn’t have been that bad. C’est la vie.
Another accurate review James. Press ‘Sport’ the day you buy it and never press it again. They’re fantastic cars; I’ve sold about 140 of them and still love them. Buy a good one and they’re epic, and cheap to run.
I've had 2 x 3200s, 3 x 4200s and 1 x GS plus a QP - 'cheap to run' is not a phrase I would use. Servicing isn't too bad it's just the price of some parts that is eye watering even if you do your homework.
Richard, I still have mine and after 10 years ownership and can't see myself ever selling it.
@@georgekara The gear box and looks date it. I'd take a dct e92 or e93 m3 over the gransport. I think Maserati nailed it with the granturismo in terms of looks and stradale was probably the best driving one. The new qp gts/ trofeo with the v8 biturbo is not bad either.
@@whispercars306 each to their own I guess. I'm ok with the way my Gransport looks and the soundtrack is just epic.
@@georgekara The rear end specifically is just very dodge neon.I've got the m3 e93/e92 and qp gts
There's another Maserati from this era you forgot to mention that you haven't tried.
The MC12 :)
Trust me my old ‘04 Punto was Italy’s most frustrating car
👆🏻
MY alfa romeu is a real nightmer.
I test drove the Convertible. It didn’t inspire me to want to buy it. I think the sort of rounded look of the interior dates it. A highly regarded Ferrari / Maserati specialist engineer told me that the 2000-on Maserati’s were the pits to work on, & parts could be hard to obtain. Like the door lock.
I’ve had similar issues on unattainable small parts, with 1970/80’s Ferrari 308GT4’s of which I’ve owned 4. I like driving them but some items are really hard to buy. They made a lot, so second-hand bits can be found in a Worldwide search, but it takes time & lots of cost.
Maserati to many people had a period of great design in the 1960’s to pre-biturbo years. The Company has been in multiple ownerships, and continuity of development got lost along the way. I consider buying a 4200 could be expensive on servicing & risky on depreciation.
The very latest MC20 looks promising fortunately, for the survival of the Brand.
If you arrive somewhere driving one of these everyone will immediately assume you are a gent and have exquisite taste, no matter all its flaws.
Or a mechanic :)
@@andrewf7822 Fair play, Andrew!
@@cufcwchilds1 no, people will wonder why you bought such a bland, unattractive old Italian moneypit.
@@richardharrold9736 beauty in the eye of the beholder Richard. I couldn’t disagree more on that front. Money pit? That I may agree with.
@@richardharrold9736 i get nothing but compliments on mine and it's been cheap to run
I believe Frank Stephenson, who designed the 4200, explained on his channel how the taillight change happened
What's the name of the video?
do you have a link for that?
@@implectic Here you go ua-cam.com/video/c5NlUWoIdGA/v-deo.html I didn't quite remember correctly - Giugiaro did the 3200 and 4200, but Stephenson was the head of design at Maserati and did the Gran Sport
@@higurro thank you
Here’s the bad. Fuel economy 8 to 16 real world 20 mpg unseen even 56 mph on motorway . Gearbox AMT robotised manual is as slow as they were. Here’s the good. Cabin and just looking at it on your drive. Oh. Just looking at engine. Reliability good. Engine strong as an ox. Gearbox ok. Clutch just keep off it neutral everywhere when stationary. I wouldn’t have another. Had my spider for 5 years. Only 8 years old when bought. It’s jaw droppingly beautiful. To me. Anyway.
i own low mileage gransport for almost 4 years - pretty accurate review, the few things to mention are - you should drive it harder to feel its potential - i really enjoy how aggressive it shifts when gas full up or full brake down, pretty great brakes that always stop the car in any conditions, the only disadvantages is a steering feel that makes the car feel like it always below grip and you will leave the road right away - on the other hand very clear and controlable when you already making a powerslide))) and the sound - its one of the most and perfectly tuned exhaust sounds i ever had - any mods will ruin this perfect balance, and the engine is very strong
Good work James, I must admit I saw a Gran Turismo cruise past me on the motorway last week and I didn’t realise quite how big they are. I do fancy a ‘mazza’
I’ve got a Granturismo, fantastic looks and exhaust note you never get tired of 👍
I'm _really_ not a fan of the single clutch gearboxes, but this car i could happily own for the looks and the sound alone. ..and i agree.. That blue certainly suits it. I love the idea of a couple with a two Maserati garage. Kudos to them. Living the good life, in this area at least.
These cars are so underrated and will be collectable...I've have the gransport 90th anniversary car with some mods done ( drive by wire, FD sport springs and Larini exhaust and decats) and it is incredible...I love it and it's gets more attention on the road than my 599 and FF Ferrari...I highly recommend it
If it gets more attention on the road... Ok you are that kind of human. 🤣
@@lollypop9580 it's an observation...don't be jealous...things will turn around for you...maybe one day you won't have to take the bus to work anymore 🤣
@@lollypop9580 most humans who buy cars like this are, without a doubt, after some level of attenion on the street. Don't play dumb, and anyway - a Gransport literally DEMANDS attention, and with any, i mean ANY kind of exhaust mod, it's impossible to not look/stare at one on the rare occasion that you do see one in the wild.
I couldn’t agree more my friend…I have the GranSport and I’ve done the Formula Dynamics drive by wire, ECU tune, lowering springs, Larini decats, rear Tubi exhaust, carbon seats, door inserts and paddles….for sure your car will be a collector. Wishing you well.
As a labor of love, this car seems an appropriate investment. It will probably frustrate as much as it will thrill but never will owning one be a boring experience.
I don't love how it looks, but sharing a a couple Maseratis with your partner is the way to go for every car enthusiasts. They must be happy people. Lovely sound by the way
They share cars, depending on which one is in the shop. 😀
@@TML34 😂😂😂
I love this car (specifically the whole family, since the 3200GT) much more than most people would deem worthy.
The design is super elegant, but at the same time simple in its core.
I'd love to have a GranSport, but I'd do a manual conversion...and, somehow, if possible, I'd also do a conversion to the 3200GT taillight. I know those lights are hard to find and quite expensive, so if I had to come up with aftermarket solutions, basically creating brand-new lights, I'm fine with that.
I bought mine last summer ‘by accident’. New online car auctions were really messing with me, tempting me and teasing me with regular emails of ‘you must buy this!’ cars. Anyway, one night after a couple of drinks I stumble onto Bonhams and see this lovely car…a Gransport. I had no idea really what it was but 20 years previous I’d drooled over its younger sisters rear boomerang lights, the 3200. It had a few hours left on it…so I started researching. I bid on it, highest bidder… I researched more then went back and upped my bid. I’d never even seen one before it arrive on the back of a truck & I was so very chuffed. Smaller than I thought & sexier in real life… I jumped in & drove it, the more I pressed the accelerator the bigger my grin got…with lots of ‘phoars!’ and hoots, what a sound! And better handling than I expected. I was very happy with my purchase.
6 months on I oddly love it even more - despite always fixing something…you have to laugh or you’d cry. I think it’s hypnotised me or something. Im sure it’s not as sharp or accomplished as a 911 but not far off. It’s got bags of personality, lots of fun and I’ve not seen another since I bought it. Fantastic.
Oh, after getting to know the Gransport I would not advise buying one blind at an auction…I got lucky but you still need a fat wallet to keep it on the road
Every time I get a car … 3 weeks later you do a video on it , just got a gram sport in black.. the last one was the c4 corvette , and the 550 Ferrari .. how odd
The interior is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The outside looks like an old Honda....
These were so much prettier to me than the later granturismo ... As a true GT-car, it's probably more comparable to the XK-Jag than the Porsche 911, I feel. Great review!
X150 XKR is so much better than this.
As Jags got worse in design and size, so did the Maserati
@@davidstuart4915 Jags stayed the same size and got better in design. XF is still about the same size as the S-type 25 years ago. X250 shares the same platform. X351 is a much better looking car than X350, which is the same size but looks cramped.
Maserati really need to get to grips with the provision of proper spares. Cars are fine, the servicing operation is pretty poor though.
His and hers Maseratis are a new couple goal
I have owned my 2007 GranSport for 4 years and I also love it. They are not perfect, but they have a lot going for them and they can be improved. The gearchange is poor in normal mode because it is slow and slips on upshift and clunky on down shifts. In sport mode the gearchange is much better with quicker shifts and rev matching on downshifts. With the suspension the springs are too soft, and they are under damped in normal mode making the car feel floaty. In sport mode it is over damped with poor compliance. I fitted KW coilovers which make a huge difference, the spring rate matches the damping. They car now feels taut and controlled but handles the bumps so much better. So now I can leave the car in sport mode for the better gearchange and I have a separate switch to open or close the exhaust when I want. As for clutch wear, my GranSport did 60,000 kms on its original clutch.
As some of the others have said, the people who have actually owned one of these cars, they are something special and truly entertaining to drive.
Finally! Thank you for reviewing the Gransport properly! I have the rare spyder. Before I bought it and even now there have not been any satisfactory reviews. Your assessment is spot on with the gearbox and mannerisms of the car. The shorter spyder is great on great roads, terrible on bad roads with scuttle shake. But that open top to the exhaust is amazing. It also looks very well proportioned.
That is The One. See my other comment if you care to...
Have you seen my review? ua-cam.com/video/zBN3dtC0Ujs/v-deo.html
The gear box and looks date it. I'd take a dct e92 or e93 m3 over the gransport. I think Maserati nailed it with the granturismo in terms of looks and stradale was probably the best driving one. The new qp gts/ trofeo with the v8 biturbo is not bad either.
I had a cocaine white Countach framed print on my wall as a kid(still have it) and in 1998 I added a 3200 GT to the wall, to me there's no higher honours... I'd never by one now though haha.
Mu childhood dream of owning a lambo countach shattered like thin glass when i loaned white countach from my friend in spain when i was on vacation....those two weeks while driving that lambo and talking to my friend and seeing the receipts from fixing that car...
Well, i then bought Porsche 911 instead.
One of these later 4200 models were for sale here in Ireland for €90k+, mad. Still, lovely, especially in this colour.
Those 32 boomerang lights though, design gold. A late 42 with 32 boomerangs, in manual, pity.
Just like an Alfa, it's hard to hate a Masser.
EDIT: Is that a carbon wheel?, looks mega
That exterior paint color is absolutely gorgeous
I've never been drawn to them myself.
The back of the 4 series looks like a rover. The back of the 3 series is nice but the front of both the 3 and 4 look to me like the ginger step-child of a Toyota and a Jag.
You know how you sometimes just look at a car a think "Ewww"? That's these.
Yep. Rather have the Jag.
This is a totally amazing car. There’s absolutely nothing out there you can buy as exhilarating and with such luxurious trim at this price range. This is as close you will get to owning a Ferrari at less than half the cost and provides comfortable seating for 4 adults. Of course there’s driver understanding and engagement needed to fully enjoy and discover what this car can do, but the rewards are well worth the effort. They are a well kept secret but I have a feeling that won’t be for very long. Wishing I had kept my own a bit longer 😞
I’ve put 12k fun miles on my 2004 Coupe. After taking care of some deferred maintenance, it’s been pretty reliable and no one will ever believe you when you tell them how cheap they are. I’ve got the FD drive by wire and ECM mode + exhaust mods.
Foot down, 6000+ rpm’s and the shifts are quite aggressive. It takes a bit to learn how to drive it with the F1 trans but once you get the hang of it it’s actually pretty awesome. All this and I got almost 25 mpg on a long 75 mph highway trip last year!
Love it!
Great review! I adored the engine on mine, but found that it didn't really work as intended. Too sharp to be a proper GT, ride too stiff. Those roads are ideal for this car.. take it elsewhere or do long distance and the ride for me really started to grate. It looks great and the interior is pretty.. but it's quite badly made and bits do tend to fall off. A missed opportunity for me but what an incredible engine!!
An Italian Mustang and I think it looks incredible and agree, those "boomerang" tailights from the previous gen are MUCH, MUCH better👍👍
Another fantastic video. So informative, you really have a masterful talent for describing the driving experience in all the many vehicles you review.
I love these things
Awesome looking car. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
This car is one of the most stunning cars I've ever driven, it has a lot of character of its own it's a gentleman car with a cross cranckshaft engine but the same engine block as the Ferrari 458. I have both. Wonderful cars.
Always liked the GranSport ever since I read the review on TopGear magazine in early 2005, as well as seeing Richard Hammond being thrashed by Gabriele "OH! OH! IT'S TARQUINI" in Italy. Awful gearbox at low speed? Back then I don't understand but I know Michael Schumacher got paddleshift on his F1 car just like the GranSport so it's cool as hell.
Ha!
I literally heard Murray walkers voice reading that 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Bought one new in 2007. same colour, dark gray metallic wheels (forget the Italian name) black grill. Would never sell it, 6,300 miles to date as of 2022, its a special occasion every time I drive it. Sport mode from day one, that noise is intoxicating. Sold a 2 year old 911 C4S in PX and never regretted it for a second. The Porsche got spit on by people, never heard a bad word from anyone in the Gransport. Thanks for the video !
@JayEmm on Cars, the boomerang lights went because of a display of power game. Frank Stephenson had just been hired by Ferrari and his boss told him to go tell Giugiaro he didn't like the boomerang tail lamps and they had to go. It was his first assignment. He told his boss that he loved them. His boss just said, "No you don't, and you have to tell him that you don't like it, and tell him to change it. You have to show him who's boss around here." So, off he went. ua-cam.com/video/c5NlUWoIdGA/v-deo.html
Thank you for the tip and link to a fascinating story. I always thought it was the US market issue. But it doesn't bother me because I'm 'lucky' enough to own a 3200GT and the rear angle with the lights still takes my breath away every time I pull the cover off. ;-)
By removing the "boomerang" looking tail lights, and replacing them with ordinary looking things, they ruined the looks of an otherwise beautiful car. Damn fustrating.
Need more static walkround footage to take in those curves please
Always loved these. I giggled when I recognized the seat heating button is the same as in the Lancia k (and who knows what other Fiat group cars of the period).
This button is almost impossible to reach, and when seat heating is on it locks out seat adjustments lol…
@@dylansawchuk8045 Well in the k Coupe the placement of the button is handy, but that fact is somewhat offset by the fact that the actual seat heating doesn't work on the driver's side : ) Also, the Coupe's came with electric adjustment seats as standard ....but no memory function. So every time we switch drivers we have to wait 10 seconds of the very slow seat moving from all the way back to all the way forward. Gotta love these cars, otherwise they'll drive you mad. I haven't seen a Gransport in the flash in some years now. So glad to see people still taking care and using them.
@@dylansawchuk8045 - Maserati just can’t seem to do seat controls properly. On the Granturismo, the heating controls are forever getting bashed and come loose. And the adjuster unit catches when you get in and out and you end up losing the buttons. Infuriating. But then there are compensations…
The Spyder is the prettier one. It just looks so much better with the shorter wheel base. I owned one with a Tubi, always in Sport. Min is actually without the SkyHook, which basically makes it perfct.
There's a serious and crazy discrepancy between the value of RHD UK cars and LHD European Maserati 3200/4200 I am very worried that all of our fleet will end up as donor cars for spares on the continent!
Pretty balanced review of what i think is the best value exotic you can buy. To complete your 3200/4200/GS journey you really need to try a Gransport MC Victory James? The ultimate in this line of cars.
but they do sound sweet
If your thinking of purchasing a 4200 , always look for a 2004 onwards, this is when the cars were improved to the level of the gran sport. Fantastic cars that take time to get used to.
Similar improvements sans body? ive been looking at a few coupe Gt manuals and found a 1 or 2 2004 coupe gt's, they look exactly the same as the 2002. What else changed? Thanks for your time
@@implectic forget about the manual. The single clutch F1 from 2004 in sports mode is the way to go. The chassis is also more firmly developed. My brother had the 2002 and he what a difference when he drove the later model, it's night and day and a bit of a secret.
@@marcodalli5045 I don't mind changing out suspension bits or sway bars for the formula dynamic setup. As far as I've researched I don't think I've seen they've actually changed anything with the chassis of the car. Any other details you know?
5 years ago (in 2016) I took a chance on buying a 2006 GranSport with 60,000 miles for $30,000. The Maserati Tech who conducted the PrePurchase Inspection expressed his option that a well maintained car with “high” mileage is probably more reliable than a low mileage car that is not driven regularly. 5 years and 44,000 miles later the car has been remarkably reliable. Currently she has 104,000 miles and still is a blast to drive. Yes, there are occasional repairs but if you are handy working on cars, you CAN fix and maintain many simple items. Obviously many items such as a $6,000 clutch replacement are unpleasant but that is part of process.
@@implectic I suggest you focus on the Formula Dynamics Drive By Wire Enhancement Module (DBWEM) and the F1 Enhancement Module before suspension upgrades. Although those enhancements are expensive, it is worth it and helps extend clutch life.
This gearbox on normal mode sounds very similar in nature to another Italian I have had the pleasure of driving quite alot recently namely brand new Fiat 500 which comes a really comically bad auto.If you keep yr foot in it snaps yr neck back..this from a litre makes it very funny.
BOOMERANG LIGHTS actual reason for the change.
Montezemelo had the lights changed for one reason only and it had nothing to do with not liking them. He just hired Frank Stephenson so told Frank to go over to Maserati and tell them to change the lights so they respect him and know who the boss is. This is no rumour but from the horses mouth.
Should have changed the revolting front end instead.
Stunning colour
I really appreciate this long, detailed deep dive on maserati's and the different models, history, engines and driving, so immersive and engaging! Love it, keep it coming Jay!
When you drive the spider do drive the Gransport version of it as that is the ultimate Maserati of that period.
Mine is a silver with black interior. Simply love it!
I have the blue one, but with the tan interior. I've had it for 18 months and put 6,000 miles on it. It gives me more pleasure than anything I have ever owned (and that includes 2 x 911's)!
Such a great looking car that is so poorly engineered and built.
Imagine this one with a gearbox swap from the 4200.