Maserati 4200 GT Spyder Handgeschakeld

Maserati introduced its new Spyder and Coupé models to the public in 2001 and 2002 respectively, as the replacement of the previous 3200 GT from 1998. The very attractive exterior was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, creating a sporty looking and timeless car. The interior was fully upholstered with the finest leather available from Poltrona Frau, which showed just how luxurious the Maserati brand within the Ferrari group really was. Whereas the 3200 GT was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.2 litre V8, the Spyder and Coupé models where given a brand new, Ferrari designed and atmospheric 4.2 litre V8. Featuring 390 BHP with 450 Nm’s of torque, the new V8 delivered outstanding performance, just as the figures of a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 285 km/h shows. The new engine had a dry-sump system and with several components made from aluminium, it was even lighter than its predecessor.

For the upcoming 2004 model year, Maserati decided to give the Spyder and Coupé models a small facelift. The grille was slightly larger than before, and the Spyder models where now fitted with a glass rear screen instead of the earlier fitted plastic one. Also, the rear bumper was refreshed and new wheels where added to the option list.

In 2004, the ‘GranSport’ model was introduced. With the GranSport, Maserati wanted to create a more sporty version of both Spyder and Coupé models which was created by a tuned engine, different suspension and gearbox set-up. Both exterior and interior where changed, which made the latter considerably less luxurious. Through several Special Editions, the year 2007 saw the production come to an end. The full range was replaced by the much larger but certainly less attractive GranTurismo and GranCabrio models.

Through our network, we are regularly offered beautiful and very special Maserati’s, and this Spyder, finished in the very attractive ‘Giallo ’definitely meets these criteria.

This is not only because of the colour, but also because of the six-speed manual transmission. With a total of 3,889 Spyders ever produced, 3,134 were sold as ‘Cambiocorsa ’which results in a total of just 574 sold with a manual gearbox. Our Spyder was sold new in Dubai in February 2003 in accordance with the European specifications of that time. In Dubai, the Maserati was long owned by an enthusiast originally from Germany, who parted with it at the beginning of 2020, due to other commitments.

No expenses where spared by the new Dutch owner, who decided to give the Spyder a very thorough overhaul. Not only was the body completely repainted in the original ‘Giallo’ colour, the convertible roof was renewed as well and is now fitted with a glass rear window from the 2004 facelift model. The entire chassis was renewed also. For the latter, springs from ‘Formula Dynamics ’were chosen, which improved the handling significantly. Besides the extensive history, a total overview is available that lists all work carried out and parts replaced.

An important, and in our opinion very successful exterior modification, concerns the fitting of the 3200 GT boomerang tail lights. This sets our Spyder very much apart from other examples and makes the exterior even more attractive. Surely, one of the best things about this Maserati must be the 4.2-litre and Ferrari-derived V8. Its high-revving character, assisted by an insanely beautiful, deep and dark-sounding and typical V8 noise, make for an unforgettable experience.

The difference with driving a Cambiocorsa (automated manual gearbox) model is day and night, as with our Spyder the driver himself is in full control of that fantastic V8, and can enjoy the beautiful power build-up and the wonderful sounds made by the engine and exhaust system over and over again.

Seated in very fine-looking and wonderfully comfortable seats, surrounded by the finest and best quality Poltrona Frau leather, this Spyder shows just how motoring is actually meant to be after all. This Maserati deserves to be owned by a new and equally loving owner, who will take this ‘Bella Macchina ’for glorious trips back to its homeland. There, in sunny Tuscany, is where we think that the owner will love this Maserati for ever…