It’s no exaggeration to say that the Maserati 3200GT marks a turning point in the brand’s history. By the late 90’s, Maserati’s illustrious racing history and glamorous GT cars were something of a distant memory. Decades of under investment had left the model line up looking dated and, although not without appeal, they were something of a niche interest.
Maserati’s owner Fiat decided to reinvigorate the ailing brand by placing it under the control of once arch-rival Ferrari, and by ramping up investment. The first all-new model to emerge from this approach was the 3200GT. Designed by Giorgetto Guigaro, the car made its public debut at the Paris motor show in 1998. It was well-received and went on to spearhead the revival of Maserati sales.
With a sumptuous interior designed by Enrico Fumia, whose CV includes the Alfa Romeo 164, GTV and Spider, the attractive 4 seat coupe featured the first LED lights on a production car, arranged in a distinctive boomerang shape at the rear. Although many regarded this as a stand-out design feature, they were sadly short-lived as they did not meet US regulations on night-time visibility and they were replaced with more conventional lights in the 2001 restyle as Maserati re-entered the US market.
Under the bonnet, the bi-turbo V8 was a development of that used in the Shamal and Quattroporte IV and produced 370hp from the 3.2 litre aluminium block. Available as a 6 speed manual or 4 speed Automatic, the manual was the fastest option with a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of over 170mph. Owing to its short production run, they are a rare sight on the roads today but despite the turbocharging, you will hear them coming with a glorious V8 exhaust note.
The current owner acquired the car in April this year as part payment for a business transaction and although he has driven it and found it to be a beautiful example, he never had a serious intention of keeping it. Thus the mileage continues the trend of the last decade, over which this has very much been a high days and holidays car and this has helped to preserve its condition. The elephant in the room here is the rebuild of the engine in 2014 which was for reasons now lost in the mists of time but comes with very comprehensive documentation and the original instrument binnacle which records the mileage of the rebuild as 41,959. With the odometer for the new engine standing at 8,440, this means that it is a low mileage car with a super low mileage engine.
There is a large service history file to accompany the car which is detailed below and a file of contemporary reviews of the car, showing evidence of enthusiast ownership. The lack of documentation around the period prior to the engine rebuild perhaps provides some clues as to why it was necessary and the detailed invoice for the rebuild is from respected marque specialist McGrath Maserati.
Around half of the MOT certificates from the car’s life remain in the file and the latest MOT shows only the consequence of limited use in its advisories, in the form of pitted brake disks.
Service History Details:
Part Maserati service history with invoices and receipts. This includes original vehicle sales invoice with Majestic garage Maserati Dorset.
First service: 16/06/2000 at 6,668 miles
Second Service: 05/09/2001 at 14,419 miles
Third Service: 30/10/2002 at 16,659 miles
Fourth Service: 27/12/2006 at 33,595 miles
Engine rebuilt at 11/11/2014
Fifth Service: 08/12/2014 at 1,568 miles
Sixth Service: 06/12/2016 at 6,310 miles
Seventh service: 04/12/2017 at 7,920 miles
Documents present
2000
04/02/2000 - Meridien Ferrari & Maserati Lyndhurst, carry out 1000 mile service, warranty work done was handbrake level replacement, electric seat module replacement.
20/06/2000 - Meridien Ferrari & Maserati Lyndhurst, carry out 6000 mile service, warranty work done was replacement of clutch master cylinder, ABS unit, power steering cover and oil cooler pipe.
05/09/2001 - Meridien Ferrari & Maserati Lyndhurst, carry out 18,750 mile service, warranty work carried out was dents to doors and campaign adjustments.
2002
30/09/2002 - Meridien Ferrari & Maserati Lyndhurst, supply and fir new BBS alloy wheels.
2011
01/12/2011 – Abbataz Motors Leicester, replacement of hand brake shoes, clutch and release bearing.
2013
05/07/2013 – Grey Paul Maserati Nottingham, replacement of speedo unit and brake fluid warning light.
07/12/2013 - Grey Paul Maserati Nottingham, throttle body unit replacement.
07/12/2013 - Grey Paul Maserati Nottingham, parts order of left and right hand emblems.
2014
02/07/2014 – G&D Auto Services, Welwyn Garden City, re-gas of air conditioning system.
07/07/2014 – G&D Auto Services, Welwyn Garden City, full geometry check.
11/08/2014 – G&D Auto Services, Welwyn Garden City, service inspection and replacement of rubber buttons on remote key.
11/11/2014 TO 08/12/2014– McGrath Maserati, Hertfordshire, ENGINE REBUILT. Total spend £11,929.50. (Fully itemised). Speedo was reset to 0.
2015
06/03/2015 – McGrath Maserati, Hertfordshire, investigate blown fuse for windows, handbrake adjustment, wheel rebalance to all 4 wheels, engine levels top up.
Finished in soft ‘Bordeaux Red’ burgundy leather, the interior has no rips or scuffs on the seats and presents in fine condition with a characteristic leather aroma. The rear seats do not show signs of use at all, and are very usable for adults.
Contrary to the anecdotal reputation of Italian cars, the 3200GT has proved in general to be reliable when it comes to electronics and so it proves here: all of the switches and buttons do as they are asked, including the stereo and the remote fuel cap opener (which, incidentally and unusually resides in the glovebox, along with the remote boot release!) The quality of the carpets would be a significant upgrade on most living rooms and the overall feel is one of stylish luxury.
In fairness, there are a few items which would benefit from attention from a fastidious new owner: the chrome around the air vents is flaking (a common problem), the dial for the air flow direction is missing, there is some wear to the trim around the base of the gear lever and the leather cover for the brake light is not quite in place. While there is some shrinkage to the leather on the dashboard, it does not detract from the overall ambience.
The bodywork is finished in Grigio Touring light grey and is straight with no signs of accident damage. The paintwork is completely unrestored which is to say generally very good but with there are a few blemishes which are to be expected on a car of this age. Both doors bear minor car park dings and there is a small patch of corrosion under the nearside rear light. The rear lights themselves are full functional. All of the glass appears to be as it was when it left the factory as the windscreen bears the VIN and all are marked with the Maserati badge. Overall it is in very original condition.
The alloys are unmarked and presumed to have had a complete refurbishment in the recent past. Always a sign of a caring owner, the tyres are all Pirellis and have plenty of tread remaining.
The car drives perfectly with no rattles or clonks. Cold and hot starts are both on the button and it idles very evenly, with no warning lights on the dashboard. It benefits from warming through before driving off as it can smell as if it is running a bit rich when it is cold, though the vendor’s mechanic has advised that it’s nothing to worry about. Performance is strong and it still pulls hard when the turbos kick in.
The cam-belt has not been replaced since the engine rebuild but this will be completed prior to the completion of the sale, as will a re-gassing of the air conditioning.
True Italian luxury doesn’t come much more affordable than this. While it is unlikely to be the first choice for a daily driver, as a second or higher order car, it’s a surprisingly practical choice with 4 seats and a spacious boot. A great colour combination, very desirable badge and a great sounding and powerful V8 make it a very tempting proposition.
Modern classics from this era are maintaining and growing their value and so it’s the running costs that will determine the long-term cost of ownership of this car. With a fully rebuilt engine and a recent history which has kept pace with the limited mileage, it should look after a future careful owner. So picture yourself cocooned in soft burgundy leather, burbling down your favourite road, place a bid and grab yourself some attainable glamour.
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing.
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1999 Maserati 3200GT
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