Maserati 3200GT Corsa
Few UK examples of this Italian supercar are in such good condition and rare specification – Chris Hope is impressed
Although it’s possible to buy one of these trident-badged coupés for £10k-£15k, all will have at least twice the mileage displayed on this 3200GT’S odometer and are unlikely to be in as excellent condition inside and out. And that’s before taking into account that it’s car 54 of 75 Uk-delivered Assetto Corsas. The finish of the Grigio Touring Metallic Silver paintwork is excellent. The panels are straight and gaps are uniform – it’s all impressively clean and presentable and there is no corrosion to speak of. On very close inspection we found minute stone chips to the grille surround and there’s a small scuff to the offside rear bumper corner. It’s been nicely touched in, though the vendor says it will be repaired professionally prior to sale, regardless. The tyres, a mix of Continentals and Michelins, surround 18-inch Grigio Titanium alloys that are free from blemishes. A quick check underneath shows the full sports exhaust system is in similarly good condition.
With only 26,424 miles recorded the cabin is as you’d hope. The seats in Black Nero Connolly leather with Rosso piping are well sculptured and remain supportive. The driver’s seat bolster shows a small amount of wear, but nothing that requires repair. The rear seats appear unused. The leather dash top is undamaged while the headlining is free from scuffs. There are a number of small bubbles beneath the leather where it’s lifting slightly from the steering wheel and passenger-side A-post, but these are minor. All electrics work as intended.
As modern engine bays go, this one is not only pretty but also happily free from plastic covers. It presents well with its original oil stickers in place. All the fluids appear fresh and are up to the correct levels, with no evidence of any leaks. The rubber hoses haven’t bulged and are free from cracks, while the history shows the cambelt was replaced 2000 miles ago. Before its MOT in March 2020, its previous test was in September 2018. The only other piece of history currently available is an invoice from HR Owen for £1500, dated 2018, which includes work to repair the then non-functioning boomerang rear lights.
In addition to its centrepiece quad-cam V8, which offers scintillating performance, this Maserati features a handling pack comprising lowered suspension, stiffer springs and a larger front roll bar. As you’d expect, the ride is firm but there are no knocks or clonks that would indicate anything amiss. The engine builds revs keenly and pulls strongly with barely any pressure applied to the throttle pedal. Gearchanges are short and sharp. The braking action is strong and steering is feelsome. The only complaint is that one of the rubber seals on the passenger’s side causes wind noise to whistle into the cabin.
It’s a shame the service folder isn’t comprehensive, but the vendor is enquiring with garages that worked on the car previously in an attempt to fill in the gaps. Nonetheless, it still represents a rare opportunity to own a limited edition of this stupendous Italian grand tourer.