3200 v 4200 - the official verdict

Ewan

Ewan

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Last night I had a good leaf through the new official Maserati Centenary book. It's a thing of beauty.

Anyway, I read through the road cars section, which plots through them chronologically (and includes the lesser known variations as well as the "big" sellers). And what comes straight after the 3200GT? The QP V. In effect they miss out the 4200 (apart from a picture of the spyder).

So rather like a few years ago when Maserati would try to sweep the biturbo era under the carpet, they seem now to have chosen the 4200 as the embarrassment to be hidden. (For what it's worth, the book does have a section on the biturbo era.)

Given this official stance, can we please take this as the argument settled. Meaning no one need bother replying to this post...:)
 
Contigo

Contigo

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Might buy it now that there is a decent section on the 3200 :D

Not at all bothered about the exclusion of the 4200 as it really is just a transition phase to the GranSport and then the new gen of cars. 3200 Guaranteed future classic....
 
philw696

philw696

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For me we have already told too many people already how good the 4200 cc is. Glad I've got mine best value for money Super Car I have had the privilege to play with.
 
hodroyd

hodroyd

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Ewan said:
Last night I had a good leaf through the new official Maserati Centenary book. It's a thing of beauty.

Anyway, I read through the road cars section, which plots through them chronologically (and includes the lesser known variations as well as the "big" sellers). And what comes straight after the 3200GT? The QP V. In effect they miss out the 4200 (apart from a picture of the spyder).

So rather like a few years ago when Maserati would try to sweep the biturbo era under the carpet, they seem now to have chosen the 4200 as the embarrassment to be hidden. (For what it's worth, the book does have a section on the biturbo era.)

Given this official stance, can we please take this as the argument settled. Meaning no one need bother replying to this post...:)
Click to expand...

Ewan,
That's going to stir up some passion..!!
To say the 4200 was an embarrasment, is as you know, way beyond the point of no return for some..!! (We all know this is a joke) To exclude the range of cars that changed the outlook of Maserati's future is quite weird and perhaps the cars mentioned are considered as history, as opposed to current exciting models..!!
Cheers
R
 
Phil H

Phil H

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They clearly recognised the need to record the 3200 for posterity, before they all disappear in a cloud of throttle bodies and thrust washers. Whereas it's recognised that the 4200's represent longevity so there's currently no need to accord it preserved status.

It's a bit like history books showing Mammoths and ignoring Elephants.

PH
 
Ewan

Ewan

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Phil - are you saying that the (arguably slightly bulbous) 4200 is the elephant of the marque. Or have I misunderstood?:)
 
C

Chrisbassett

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"The following year, all the new mechanical developments introduced on the roadster (Spyder) were also transferred to the coupé"

so as far as Maserati are concerned, the 3200 and 4200 are the same thing, just made "better".
 
Phil H

Phil H

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Ewan said:
Phil - are you saying that the (arguably slightly bulbous) 4200 is the elephant of the marque. Or have I misunderstood?:)
Click to expand...

Oh perish the thought, Ewan.

The 3200 and 4200 are both giants of the breed, but currently it's the former that is destined for a block of ice. The 4200 with its sinuous curves is so reminiscent of a beautiful lady, but she is less likely to be thumbing a lift than if she were a 3200......

PH
 
Contigo

Contigo

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But isn't that the appeal? Will it go, won't it? Makes you appreciate it all the more when it's running right. NA engines are just dull as you like..... :D
 
hodroyd

hodroyd

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Hahahaha, well here we go, just wait while Benny get's on air..!!
Chris,
Doris looks different somehow..??
Cheers
R
 
Ewan

Ewan

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If you think living with a 3200 is a "will it, won't it" situation, try using a Kyalami, Bora, Merak, Indy, Ghibli, Mexico etc! My Khamsin tried to torch me to death on the A350 a few years ago - something my 3200's never dreamt of doing. Bizarrely but thankfully the fire put itself out just as I managed to pull over and get out.

And I must say I never felt that the engines in my 4200's were dull. I'd actually say the engine is the best bit about the 4200. It was the gearbox and chassis that needed attention. But they fixed it all for the GS, so they got there in the end.
 
rossyl

rossyl

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I'd agree with Chris (Catman) on this.

Maserati aren't Porsche. When Maserati make a new model of car it doesn't just copy the same design because they ran out of 3HB pencils and 130.52gsm paper.

The exterior design of the 3200 is very very similar to a 4200. To the untrained eye they are the same. The boomerangs are the most obvious change.

That said - the same could be argued of the Gransport.
 
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