Why did YOU buy a Maserati……?
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25 Posts
Very similar motivations here: styling, performance, hand made aspect of it all, the fact that sitting in it already makes me feel like I'm in a special place, before I've even fired up that engine!
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465 Posts
Agreed; the styling is just unique. I love the...as Todd put it...wasp-like waist of the 4200 v. the GS. And the Ferrari powerplant.
But what really pushed me over was that I was specifically looking for a convertible with a manual transmission. No shots at CC cars! I just wanted three pedals, and something a little more unique. The 4200 checked all the boxes...and that's why I now have two.
But what really pushed me over was that I was specifically looking for a convertible with a manual transmission. No shots at CC cars! I just wanted three pedals, and something a little more unique. The 4200 checked all the boxes...and that's why I now have two.
Great question Stephen.
Short answer; all of the above.
Long answer; as we all know, you can't buy a car that looks as good, drives as good, is anywhere near as fast, and has the cashet of Maserati for the price. And the sound is pure auditory porn.
For those who haven't looked at a 4200 carefully, Giugiaro is a magician with style. Many cars have wings on the back whether they need them or not. The wing on a 4200 is there, but is hidden under the rear bumper, pulling the rear down as opposed to pushing. Just one example of how the whole car is so beautifully subtle.
Yes a 4200 has a waist and hips and curves like a beautiful woman, and while they aren't difficult to drive, you must be diligent, and like a beautiful woman if you don't pay attention to her she will get away from you.
Short answer; all of the above.
Long answer; as we all know, you can't buy a car that looks as good, drives as good, is anywhere near as fast, and has the cashet of Maserati for the price. And the sound is pure auditory porn.
For those who haven't looked at a 4200 carefully, Giugiaro is a magician with style. Many cars have wings on the back whether they need them or not. The wing on a 4200 is there, but is hidden under the rear bumper, pulling the rear down as opposed to pushing. Just one example of how the whole car is so beautifully subtle.
Yes a 4200 has a waist and hips and curves like a beautiful woman, and while they aren't difficult to drive, you must be diligent, and like a beautiful woman if you don't pay attention to her she will get away from you.
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58 Posts
My happening upon a 4200 was complete luck, while surfing the local car dealer sites for a suitable "fun car" a few years ago. Only reason I saw a 4200 at all was that it was discounted down into my meager price range, as it had significant mechanical issues. I didn't even know what it was that I was looking at, but my eyes widened and heart raced.
True test of the suitability of your spouse. We were side by side, and she peeked over at what I was looking at and said "You should go test drive it". Code word for, "Pre-approved". She's a keeper.
So yes, the looks were what got me initially, but the clincher was hearing that V8 fire up. As a muscle-car backyard tinkering kid, the rumble of a cross-plane V8 is like no other, and the Maserati sets the bar for a proper, authoritative yet subtle exhaust note.
Performance and handling - I didn't really get a sense of that before buying it, but could sense the potential. And have been duly rewarded for that leap of faith.
So, short story long:
Since getting into it, there's one more sellable aspect, and it's one that got me back into a Maserati this past week, and that's the positive online community. Let's face it, these cars need a little extra TLC, parts can be a pain to source, mechanics with skill and the right tools to treat the car right are few and far between. But having a community like this creates a positive vibe to what otherwise would be a niggling annoyance of little car repairs. Now I'll look forward to firing up the forum here (and at SM for the UK folks, as they often have incredible depth of experience and knowledge), to expand knowledge, and more so, to feel a better connection to the car itself. Makes the driving all that much more enjoyable!
True test of the suitability of your spouse. We were side by side, and she peeked over at what I was looking at and said "You should go test drive it". Code word for, "Pre-approved". She's a keeper.
So yes, the looks were what got me initially, but the clincher was hearing that V8 fire up. As a muscle-car backyard tinkering kid, the rumble of a cross-plane V8 is like no other, and the Maserati sets the bar for a proper, authoritative yet subtle exhaust note.
Performance and handling - I didn't really get a sense of that before buying it, but could sense the potential. And have been duly rewarded for that leap of faith.
So, short story long:
- Gorgeous design
- The power plant
- Uniqueness for sure
- Performance and handling (for a GT car)
Since getting into it, there's one more sellable aspect, and it's one that got me back into a Maserati this past week, and that's the positive online community. Let's face it, these cars need a little extra TLC, parts can be a pain to source, mechanics with skill and the right tools to treat the car right are few and far between. But having a community like this creates a positive vibe to what otherwise would be a niggling annoyance of little car repairs. Now I'll look forward to firing up the forum here (and at SM for the UK folks, as they often have incredible depth of experience and knowledge), to expand knowledge, and more so, to feel a better connection to the car itself. Makes the driving all that much more enjoyable!
Similar thoughts here.
I have always liked the styling of this car since it was announced (in its 3200 incarnation). Was not too fond of the 4200 tail lights style when it came out, but while not as exotic as the original LED, I came to appreciate the imposing look that they provide to the rear end.
With cars today becoming too "angular", I love the sinuous curves of the 3200/4200 body style, and I think Giugiaro beautifully combined the masculinity and femininity design elements while tastefully incorporating some of Maserati traditional design traits.
Other than that, I find the package very compelling. While one can argue that it is not a true GT, neither a sport car, this perceived lack of personality actually hits a sweat spot for me. You can fit four adults relatively comfortably, have enough trunk for a casual trip to the mall/grocery store (hardware store trips are my favorites!), or a gateway with your spouse but still have a very sporty ride. Handling is not super refined and that is part of the charm. I love the skyhook on the highway (floaty and relatively comfy) but if you disable the stability control you need to start paying a lot of attention to your right foot.
Goes without saying that the naturally aspirated V8 is a gem both in terms of performance and sound and personally I like the CambioCorsa because it provides a racing/sporty feel with a raw driving experience similar to a manual. I grew up driving manual transmission cars and playing video games with paddle shifters, so I don't have a "stick shift complex"... Don't get me wrong, I would still love a Ferrari V12 gated manual, but I think that on this platform the CambioCorsa provides an element of sophistication that enhances the ownership experience.
Finally, the interiors are beautifully appointed, and while I whished there was less faux leather, I always feel very welcomed when I enter my car and gives me the sense of a special place.
I have always liked the styling of this car since it was announced (in its 3200 incarnation). Was not too fond of the 4200 tail lights style when it came out, but while not as exotic as the original LED, I came to appreciate the imposing look that they provide to the rear end.
With cars today becoming too "angular", I love the sinuous curves of the 3200/4200 body style, and I think Giugiaro beautifully combined the masculinity and femininity design elements while tastefully incorporating some of Maserati traditional design traits.
Other than that, I find the package very compelling. While one can argue that it is not a true GT, neither a sport car, this perceived lack of personality actually hits a sweat spot for me. You can fit four adults relatively comfortably, have enough trunk for a casual trip to the mall/grocery store (hardware store trips are my favorites!), or a gateway with your spouse but still have a very sporty ride. Handling is not super refined and that is part of the charm. I love the skyhook on the highway (floaty and relatively comfy) but if you disable the stability control you need to start paying a lot of attention to your right foot.
Goes without saying that the naturally aspirated V8 is a gem both in terms of performance and sound and personally I like the CambioCorsa because it provides a racing/sporty feel with a raw driving experience similar to a manual. I grew up driving manual transmission cars and playing video games with paddle shifters, so I don't have a "stick shift complex"... Don't get me wrong, I would still love a Ferrari V12 gated manual, but I think that on this platform the CambioCorsa provides an element of sophistication that enhances the ownership experience.
Finally, the interiors are beautifully appointed, and while I whished there was less faux leather, I always feel very welcomed when I enter my car and gives me the sense of a special place.
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58 Posts
Speaking of Alfa Romeo - I completely forgot about the 8C, now that is a gorgeous car….didn’t handle to well, but, the body and Maserati engine..:.great combination.
Kindly,
Stephen
"Stole" my Anniversary Spyder off Ebay during the Depression in 2008. Dealer asked what I planned to do with it and I told him "drive the wheels off of it". At 90k miles, I figure I'm almost half-way there and rarely a day passes when I don't get a thumbs up from other drivers. The classic styling turns heads in any crowd and I've never even seen another one like it on the streets of Southern Cal. (Love it even more once I trashed the tech cloth for leather.)
I was looking for something that was:
I wasn't aware of this generation of Maserati Coupe at the time, but someone there enlightened me.
Checks all the boxes, and I love the sound! This may be controversial but I wasn't a huge fan of the exterior styling, though it is growing on me and makes me smile now every time I see it.
Grateful to have found this community too, and your support through my mechanical endeavours!
- V8
- Manual
- Unique
I wasn't aware of this generation of Maserati Coupe at the time, but someone there enlightened me.
Checks all the boxes, and I love the sound! This may be controversial but I wasn't a huge fan of the exterior styling, though it is growing on me and makes me smile now every time I see it.
Grateful to have found this community too, and your support through my mechanical endeavours!
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86 Posts
I remember seeing this Maserati 3200 or 4200 pull up in the petrol station in Barton Mills, England, it looked classy and rare and never imagined I would be able to own one. Tbh if I didn't look in the classifieds I'd still think there was only a handful in the country as I still don't see that many.
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635 Posts
For me, it all started when I bought my first car at 16. A 1984 Biturbo! The affair started then. I just wanted to be different, everyone in school had Benzes, BMWs, Mustangs, I had an Italian Exotic Sports Car! Enjoyed it so much (the history, the mystic, the...) that I said to myself, one day I will buy a newer one! Of course when the 4200's came out here, I couldn't afford it, so I restored my Biturbo, waited, searched, and finally found what I was looking for. Sold the Biturbo after 26 years of ownership, got my 3 pedal Coupe and continue to brag that I own an Italian Exotic Sports Car!
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465 Posts
Best to not be a "former" 4200 owner...
I didn't buy mine, it was a gift from my dad (it was his car).
Back before then, I was considering buying one. I wanted a manual at the time, but after test driving 2 of them I realized my feet were too big. So I gave up on the Maser and ended up buying a C5 Z06.
Back before then, I was considering buying one. I wanted a manual at the time, but after test driving 2 of them I realized my feet were too big. So I gave up on the Maser and ended up buying a C5 Z06.
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5,702 Posts
TBH not unless I was in a position to have cars sitting around until I felt like driving them. Loved my 4200. Loved my GT more, if that makes sense.
C
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12 Posts
I am on my second. I have a convertible GS that I love. It's unique (nobody has them), they're a blast to drive, and they're comfortable given the quality of handling. The last of the "Ferrari Era" Maserati's so they're not common and I suspect will eventually appreciate in value, although I really don't care as I truly love the car.
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