I would be really interested to hear everybody's thoughts on this one. So I've been looking for a low mileage circa £20k QP for a few weeks now. Seen a couple and I am liking the ZF auto above the DS. That's driving the price up though, but that's OK.
So today I went to see a 2008 QP GT S with ZF gearbox and 44k miles on the clock and advertised at £23.5k. It looks lovely and seemed to drive without any problems (although I'm no mechanic). Probably the straightest car I've seen so far in all honesty, but not seen many. Engine bay all clean and sound – but then I discover it has red cam covers and ask about this. It has the 4.7 engine fitted.
Story seems to be that the car required a replacement engine due to water ingress screwing the hydraulics? The owner was paid out via insurance, but then wanted the extra horsepower so fitted the 4.7 lump (second hand QP engine acquired with 22k on the clock). So the engine only has 34k now which is better than I thought, but no longer standard and matching numbers etc….
Some other inconsistencies found with the service history, and slightly sketchy, but I am convinced that this is just genuine errors and omissions and everything is capable of researching and legitimising with copy records. I have full access to the independent specialist who carried out all of the work and don't doubt that enough evidence can be found to support the story.
By the way they also fitted the gearbox from the new engine – and had Maserati change all their records so the car now recorded as 4.7 engine etc….
So a great looking car; I believe a genuine story – but not straightforward; even lower mileage than expected; and better engine!
Should I buy it? What should I be concerned to validate? What should I pay for it?
Before you answer the last question I have bid £20k!!.
So today I went to see a 2008 QP GT S with ZF gearbox and 44k miles on the clock and advertised at £23.5k. It looks lovely and seemed to drive without any problems (although I'm no mechanic). Probably the straightest car I've seen so far in all honesty, but not seen many. Engine bay all clean and sound – but then I discover it has red cam covers and ask about this. It has the 4.7 engine fitted.
Story seems to be that the car required a replacement engine due to water ingress screwing the hydraulics? The owner was paid out via insurance, but then wanted the extra horsepower so fitted the 4.7 lump (second hand QP engine acquired with 22k on the clock). So the engine only has 34k now which is better than I thought, but no longer standard and matching numbers etc….
Some other inconsistencies found with the service history, and slightly sketchy, but I am convinced that this is just genuine errors and omissions and everything is capable of researching and legitimising with copy records. I have full access to the independent specialist who carried out all of the work and don't doubt that enough evidence can be found to support the story.
By the way they also fitted the gearbox from the new engine – and had Maserati change all their records so the car now recorded as 4.7 engine etc….
So a great looking car; I believe a genuine story – but not straightforward; even lower mileage than expected; and better engine!
Should I buy it? What should I be concerned to validate? What should I pay for it?
Before you answer the last question I have bid £20k!!.