Owning a Maserati Ghibli II]

John Bennett, Berwick-upon-tweed John Bennett is the Maserati Owners’ Club chairman and has owned his Ghibli Cup since 2014, ‘I had a Sebring that broke down and the then-chairman transported my wife and I to lunch in his Ghibli. I was struck by how usable the car was and eventually I bought that very car.

‘I don’t do a lot of miles each year – maybe 1500 – but I enjoy every one. I took my Ghibli to Biarritz and it was perfect; it’s great for long-distance drives because there’s so much performance, the boot is big and you can fit four inside, although it’s a squeeze if they’re all adults. The driving position is a little awkward but you adapt to it.

‘The Ghibli is a perfect B-road car. In third gear it goes like a rocket and the handling is incredible. The adjustable suspension is best left in Road mode, but if you’re on track the Sport setting really stiffens things up.

‘I expect to spend about £1000 per year on maintenance, most of which is routine but there are often little jobs to do. The split-rim wheels are hard to refurbish; and it’s the only thing I’ve had done, other than servicing.’ Douglas Lowndes, Warwickshire Douglas Lowndes owns the Ghibli in the pictures, having bought it in 2011. Says Douglas, ‘I bought a new Granturismo in 2008 and I started looking at the classics. I talked to owners and soon realised the Ghibli offers phenomenal performance and excellent roadholding, even by modern standards. You have to be careful with the power in the wet; it’s easy to spin the wheels when pulling away, even in the dry.

‘My car has more than 80,000 miles but the engine is very strong. The car has only needed routine maintenance so far. The key is to invest some money when you buy one; when I bought mine I got Mcgrath Maserati to go through and sort it while the parts were available. I’m glad I did because parts availability has become a real issue. I budget about £1000 each year on maintenance.

‘The Ghibli is usable in that it’s got a big boot, space for four or five and it’s not a thirsty car – I can easily get 28mpg on a run. The Maserati features the typical Italian short legs/long arms driving position, but it’s possible to extend the steering column if this is a problem.

‘I’ve adapted to the car but unfortunately its high value means it’s too precious to do many miles in nowadays, which is rather a shame.’ John Connor, Harrogate, Yorks John Connor bought his first Ghibli Cup in 2001 then another in 2007 to keep the miles off the first one. Says John, ‘They’re very usable because I can carry my four children at the same time and swallow huge distances with ease. I do about 3500 miles each year in one and 6500 in the other.

‘I feel totally connected because there’s no electronic gadgetry. The engine is tractable, the power goes to the rear wheels and I’m doing the driving, not the car.

‘These cars aren’t cheap to run but averaged out over the years it’s pretty palatable – besides, the increase in values means it’s cheap motoring. My Maseratis have been completely reliable and it’s down to the maintenance. A professional inspection before buying is essential and once bought, be prepared to put money into it regularly. Skimp and it’ll come back to bite you.’