Maserati Spyder

23 August 2010

The original replacement for the Maserati 3200GT was the 4200GT, however, Maserati launched the Spyder first, so the earliest versions actually were in production whilst the 3200GT was still available.

Being the first Spyder since the Maserati 222, in the 1980's, this new convertible showwed that you could produce a fast, sexy convertible, that was useable everyday. Sporting the magnificent 4.2 Litre V8, that was in the coupe range, and using either the manual or Cambio Corsa. Originally having an electric hood with a plastic rear screen and being replaced with a glass rear window that still had electric operation, this convertible looked sexy with the hood either up or down. By a press of a switch the fabric hood retracted into a well that was covered by a solid colur coded panel, revealing the two colour coded roll over bars, that just complimented the whole design.

Interior was very similar to the coupe, except the hood cover took place of the rear two seat, this car was still as excillerating to drive and enjoy, with the added advantage of wind in the hair experience and also listening to the roar sound of the engine. There was a small downside to all this enjoyment and that was scuttle shake, earlier versions suffered badly, but as the model progressed through the years,  the body structure became stronger and less shake was evident.

There were two special editions worth noting, both extremely desirable and only available in the later production years. These were 90th Anniversary edition and the Gransport Spyder. Both different to each other and the "normal" version. Both had Gransport style wheels and interiros but the anniversary had a unique colour, carbon fibre rear tonneau cover and unique colour headlamps, whilst the gransport looked like a Gran Sport, so had the skirts wheels, interior and the handling pack.