Some Gransport questions

irrational

New Member
Messages
15
Hi.
I am in the process of acquiring a Gransport. I joined the US forum for information, but I think even after all the useful comments, the UK situation is more relevant to me as they are much more common and cheaper in the USA.
I am coming from trying to buy a Ferrari (Having been in several due to friends) because I wanted an Italian V12 and realising that they are very overpriced for what they are (at the bottom end anyway) and not realistically attainable to me at the moment.
Then I got to drive in an MC Victory and it absolutely felt right from the get-go.

So I decided to look for a gransport.
Unfortunately they are very rare here. Here being South Africa. Only about 30 of which 2 are MC Victory, 2 are Spyders and 1 90th anniversary spyder.
Currently the only one available is a Spyder with 30k km.

I am trying to find advice about the worthiness of a Spyder as opposed to a normal Gransport. I actually wanted a GT car (previously considered an E39 BMW M5, which is not inspiring enough to me), but the rarity of the spyder has me intrigued and I do not need 4 seats. I also do not flip cars and am slowly building a collection. So I was wondering if the rarity of the Spyder makes it worth looking at rather than a coupe in the long term and if it will be as enjoyable.
Price-wise there is always a premium here. This car is roughly 36k pounds, where coupes are about 32-34k pounds it seems. So I think about 10% more dear than in the UK?

Then also I am curious about the handling characteristics of the Spyder as opposed to the coupe, having a shorter wheelbase and no roof. Other quirks like noise because of the soft top and so on.
So basically I would be very happy if someone who has driven both versions of the Gransport can provide some insight and a thought on weather buying the Spyder over a Coupe is worth pursuing.

Also considering that this Spyder has technocloth, but the dealer replaced the seat inserts with alcantara due to the cloth being bad. This points to the likelyhood of having to replace all the technocloth at some point as I had read that you can't get it and it deteriorates badly in any case.

Dirk
 

safrane

Member
Messages
16,748
GS spyders ar a rare car and command a c £10k premium here in the UK.

The 90 is worth similar money and is 99% the same as the GS.

Handling in a standards GS is firm the soft top a little softer and of course you will hear the engine and exhaust better.

Boot space almost the same (small) and yes Tech Cloth is unobtainable via Maserati but you may find an alternative source if you take some time to search the iInternet
 

irrational

New Member
Messages
15
Thank you!
That covers a few things in a nutshell.
Luckily my MC Victory owning friend seems to be in the same city when I am going to have a look, so that I will have an experienced opinion.

Dirk
 
Messages
1,117
I am surprised if the boot space in a GS is about the same in a Spyder. I thought the Spyder would be smaller as it has to hold the roof when its down. Or perhaps its the same but the capacity is small when the roof is down?
 

MaserCoupe

Member
Messages
564
I am surprised if the boot space in a GS is about the same in a Spyder. I thought the Spyder would be smaller as it has to hold the roof when its down. Or perhaps its the same but the capacity is small when the roof is down?
Well you lose the rear seats in the convertible, so the roof uses most of that, in turn the boot is only very slightly smaller and only slightly altered in shape
 

MrPea

Member
Messages
3,012
Actually, the boot space is larger in the spyder! There's the bit under the tonneau cover that's deeper than a coupé because the seat backs aren't there.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Actually, the boot space is larger in the spyder! There's the bit under the tonneau cover that's deeper than a coupé because the seat backs aren't there.

Yep, used to carry by golf bats around under there...just dont forget and try and put the roof down, doh!
 

Danny

Member
Messages
442
Make sure you drive a Spyder prior to purchasing one. The coupe is really the tighter and more-driver focussed car. The Spyder is really good but not free from scuttle shake.
 

irrational

New Member
Messages
15
I went to drive the spyder today and it is a wonderful car.
It just feels and looks right. Steering is a bit too light for my liking but so precise. Throttle is light too, but I can get used to both.
There is very little flexing and not really noticable unless on a rough surface.The MCV owner agreed that the car was surprisingly good.
Very comfortable and easy to drive. He spoke like someone who can see a case for owning both.
Condition is just ok interior wise I think. The techno cloth is not in the best condition, but the exterior and engine is super clean.
It only has 32 000km after all, so I decided to go ahead with the purchase.
The process will take a few weeks because of some checks and things I requested, but I should soon be the owner of half of all gransport spyders here!

dirk
 

irrational

New Member
Messages
15
I will definitely post some, including a group photo (1955 British, 1980 German and 2006 Italian sports cars)
Just for information that others also seem to want.
I mailed Maserati regarding production numbers for Gransport Spyder production and received this reply, indicating just how exclusive a right hand drive is.
They are really pretty close to the Ferrari 550 Barchetta in numbers and only a little behind in the usual performance measurements.

"
With reference to your request, we have contacted the relevant department, in order to obtain the information you requested.
We herewith inform you that on a total of 472 Maserati Gransport Spyder produced, 46 were right handed.
We remain at your complete disposal for any further information or assistance you may need.
Kind regards,
Silvia Di Bari
"
dirk
 

irrational

New Member
Messages
15
There is something I picked up on that is curious to me.

Does anyone know if the grille badge should have red horizontals?
Photos seem to show some with and some without, but I can't see an intermediate showing that the paint comes off.
So are these just some with and some without the red?

dirk
 

Zep

Moderator
Messages
9,110
The I believe the red bars were for the Gransport and the Coupe had the straight silver ones.
 

Ewan

Member
Messages
6,757
Correct. The red bars were traditionally reserved for the most sporty cars within the range.
 

safrane

Member
Messages
16,748
The red bars are just a plastic in-lay on the front grill and a jet wash will lift them off.
 

Jnismith

Member
Messages
284
Count me in.... don't get to play much these days. Two golf weekends a year is it.

I’d be up for a game. The clubs fit ok in the boot, just need to put the trolley in the car. If anyone wants to come over to Harpenden, we could have a game.