Maserati The car that saved Maserati's bacon is now about half what it cost new. Here's why it's worth a look, along with all you need to know to avoid a duffer

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ery few names in the motor industryareasevocativeas Mased. The rich history helps, of course, but its the fact that so few r people understandMaserati that realty appeals. If you own one you11 know why it's special,why Ferraris look a bit too ctowsus in comparison, why it reeks of old money. Havinga key fob with Maserati emblazoned on it marks you out as one of the cognoscenti. You'll have to look past the decidedly dodgy Biturtx)models of the 'Msto feel totally at ease iwith your purchase - something Maserati has been to do with a dear conscience in recent times but when you've conveniently forgotten the chintzy saloons you'll be able to bask in the reflected glory of the great racing cars of the 1950s and the beautiful coupes of the '60sand 70s. cars like the Bora and Khamsin. You'll gain the respect of those i n the know and slip by the great unwashed unnoticed the bm-btinqV8 awl cultured Giugiaro tines usually register too late and the onlooker is left wondering what's just passed them, with only the signature boomerang tail-lights as a lingering due. Cars don't come much cooler. The 3200GT had to be spot-on to restore Maserati to its former glory. The image had to be right -and Giugiam's Italdesiqn made sure it was -but the real challenge was to make the 3200GT a reliable and useable rival for the likes of the Jaguar XKR and Porsche 911. All the signs were good: by the late-'% things were already looking up for the famous marque. The Ghibli and its Cup

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derivative [forebearsto the 32(X1Gllwere much more convincing than the Dc Tomaso era Biurbos. while the contemporary Quattroporte saloon was another step in the right direction. But these were still esoteric offerings and still a little too boxy, not to mention fraiL Porsche and Jaguar customers were unlikely to take on these rewarding but ultimately flawed Masers in anything other than tiny numbers. To appeal to the owners of more mainstream cars required the 3200GT to move closer to its natural rivals but at the same time retain the traditional Maserati red-blooded character. Its smooth, muscular styling was a huge departure from its angular predecessors, but the fiery twinturbo V8 powerplant ensured that there was a direct link between the two. The price of this unique blend of civility and old-school turbochargedthrills was £60,57 in '99. In 2003 you can halve that figure: £30.00 will buy you a low mileage 3200GT and entry into one of the most exclusive clubs in the world. Tempted?

Evolution The 3200GT was a new beginning for Maserati in every sense. An all-new spaceframe chassis with double-wishbones at each corner, electronicallyadjustable dampers and a switchable traction control system, borrowing heavily from that of the Ferrari 550 Maranetb. were deemed necessary to put the new coupe in with a chance of rattling the establishment. Ferrari werseeing the whole project lit was given stewardship of Maserati by 0

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'It combines sophisticated lines with brutal performance and has so far proved rugged' The main complaint with the manual is that when combined with a very sudden power delivery it can make the 3BMGT tricky to pedal smoothly. The later ECU helps quekl the jerkiness but the auto remains a smoother, if less exciting, driveFrom 2001 there was a limited edition 3200GT called the Asetto Corsa ['Racing Spec']. With

Specification

lower, stiffer suspension. bigger 18in wheels shod with cut-slick-style rubber, an uprated braking system [still by Brembol and faster steering rack, the C o w appears to be the ultimate driver.5 3200GT. In reality the tyres are a little uncompromisingfor road use and don't impart much feel until hot. Having said that. the brake and suspension upgrades were effectii and as a limited edition of only 75 in the UK (on mainland Europe, numbers were iimited solely by demand] the Corsa is a desirabk proposition. Just make sure you get a manual - t k power-sapping auto seems at odds with the Corsa's harder edge. The price of this exclusivity was €67.95 Whether you choose an early 3200GT or a 2002 Assetto Corsa, the Maserati is a great used buy. It combines sophisticated times with brutal performance and it seems you don't have to pay the price with poor reliabilii. The Maser is still no Po&e -you might get a few electrical gremlins and have to put up with a few squeaks - but the 32OOGT has so far p m d a rugged machine. Although initiat depreciation is quite steep [but nothing compared with eartier Maseratis] prices seem to have stabilised, which suggests you won? lose a heap of money as soon as you buy. The XKR or 91lmay *.l1 be the sensible option, but t k Maserati is an exciting and unusual altemat~e.

1 H~ uWhere to ay 3200GT 'l bought one'

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Dmpm priceS. Y O J im b f mpy of Top Msques 'eater prices 9at-I from mdE31.W5while the few h t e sakes are roughly a rand cheaper. ALtematiwty.

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Maserati 3200GT prices

EZ56.W per @/EU9.79 per pair Eb77.bWEb91.7b €359. €12. per pair E39.06

Qb9.10 each Elb61.47