Joining the Italian fun from the German side

[AndyW]

Hi all,

Just agreed a deal on a new 2014 MC Stradale. Its a stock car so should have it in a week or so! I'm coming from a R8 GT after a long spell of other mainly german cars, other R8s, 911's, M6 and a Jag XKR in the mix as well.

As much as I love the R8 GT I just wanted something a bit bigger and more useable for weekends away etc as it ends up not getting used. After considering a SLS and Aston DBS I settled on some form of GT or GC as my next car. I drove a GT sport MC are really liked it but managed to get a really good deal on the Stradale which also seemed the more logical move from the R8 GT.

I know its probably not going to be quite as "solid" as the German cars but I have had a fair number of issues with some of those so they aren't as bullit proof as people make out.
Can't wait to pick it up. Its white with carbon exterior pack plus comfort seats, bose and carbon steering wheel.

Cheers
Andy

 

[nfm]

Welcome Andy, sounds fantastic. Do post some pictures in due course. A bit quiet here at the moment as many regulars in Italy for the centenary.

Ownership experience highly recommended.

 

[Andyk]

A big warm welcome Andy....Very jealous...What a car you have just bought.....and you certainly have had some stunning cars there.....Look forward to seeing some pictures of your Maserati when you get chance.

 

[AndyW]

Will get some photos up as soon as I have it I have kept a photo collection of all the cars I've had from a 2.8 special Capri onwards! Used to have them all on the wall in my study until it got a bit much - and the mrs put her foot down!

Can't wait yo pick it up. I will miss the R8 GT but not been this excited about a new car for a long time..

 

[highlander]

welcome andy. sounds like the combo I would love to own so just a tad jealous. as others have said, look forward to some pics. you will miss the excitement of the R8 but the "event" of being in a maser imo supersedes any of the german cars.

 

[Mr.Cambio]

Willkomen Andy. Not a single car can reach the exclusivity and "willing-to-be-inside" of an italian.

 

[Parptoot]

Welcome along Andy, great choice.
I too came from a world of German cars and this was a nerve wracking change for me but it's been the best decision I ever made. Admittedly, I'm not in the same range as you but I'm sure you'll be grinning like a fool on a daily basis.

It really is a totally different driving environment that may take some getting used to but I can't see me going back from here.

 

[dem maser]

Will get some photos up as soon as I have it I have kept a photo collection of all the cars I've had from a 2.8 special Capri onwards! Used to have them all on the wall in my study until it got a bit much - and the mrs put her foot down!

Can't wait yo pick it up. I will miss the R8 GT but not been this excited about a new car for a long time..

This is the best forum in the world, loads of fun and technical advice also.....hope you enjoy your stay

Can you post some pics of your previous cars?

 

[CliveP1]

welcome Andy sounds like a great car you have got there, as they all say just turn the key, sit back and listen to the sound and enjoy the drive.

 

[Andyk]

Will get some photos up as soon as I have it I have kept a photo collection of all the cars I've had from a 2.8 special Capri onwards! Used to have them all on the wall in my study until it got a bit much - and the mrs put her foot down!

Can't wait yo pick it up. I will miss the R8 GT but not been this excited about a new car for a long time..

2.8 Special Capri...I sooo tearned for one of those in my younger days...Had to make do with a 2 litre Ghia Capri instead..

 

[AndyW]

Thanks guys can't wait to get it. Looks like Friday should be the day.

I will put some photos up of previous cars when I'm on the main computer. There are quite a few!

 

[2b1ask1]

Hi Andy and welcome to the Forum - After a week of nothing but Maserati 24/7 (with the exception of the Enzo museum); you have made a great choice and I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised by how solid and reliable they are, mine is 11 years old just did 3,070 miles in a week with an average speed of 72 mph!!! never missed a beat, nothing dropped off and it took in the Stelvio and other passes multiple times and a track event on the raggety edge!

Enjoy the grin and the irresistible urge to just stare at it hrom the window longing for an excuse to drive it somewhere, just because the engine is almost cold!

 

[dem maser]

we have regular meets so feel free to come along an join us nutters.........

 

[StuartW]

Welcome along you lucky man, your new car sounds a delight

 

[AndyW]

Just had Friday confirmed as collection day!

Certainly be up for coming to some meet ups / events. I am based near Newbury Berkshire but also often down in the new forest way. Anyone from around these parts on here?

Already planning a trip for Saturday! Presumably the run in period is the usual 1000 miles or so?

 

[safrane]

There are a few of us meeting near Bristol airport this weekend and the following one in Queens Sqaure. We also have a meet coming up at the Haynes museum.

 

[2b1ask1]

El Capitano is south coast based... (Conaero that is)

 

[AndyW]

Thanks for mentioning the meet ups this weekend - I have got stuff one but will keep an eye out for others!

I was lucky enough to go along to a Maserati driving session at Foxhill and drove the GC MC and others in the range. Really enjoyed it and was very impressed with all the range and now really can't wait until Friday!! The Ghibli S was a surprise - really went well and actually drove better than my old F10 M5 in many respects which was a surprise. The also had the diesel which was nice for a diesel and the Quattroporte GTS which was also fun to drive for its size. Loved the GC MC though and they let us give them the beans which was nice to get a proper unrestricted test drive!

 

[AndyW]

Well picked up the Stradale this afternoon and loved the drive home! Quite a pack of instruction books to get through which will hopfully shed some light on the Nav system!
Great service from HR Owen as well. Looking forward to a nice drive tomorrow and will get some pictures up..

 

[Tilum]

Congrats Andy. Glad you enjoyed the drive home. It's always nice to drive a new toy home, but especially when the new toy is a Maser.
Looking forward to seeing pics

T