Understanding 4200 & looking

Hesk

Junior Member
Messages
30
I'm back on the hunt, this time for a 4200... I'd like a Spyder but perhaps a coupe after I fell in love with my doomed 3200GT shape (green, as in photo).

I read somewhere that the Cambiocorsa gearbox was improved around 2003. Is this true? How do you know if it's an improved car? I have tried searching here, plus finding out what the car's VIN number can tell you, but not got anywhere yet. All pointers gratefully received... and apologies if I missed answers somewhere else!

Many thanks, Hesk
 

safrane

Member
Messages
16,747
Hesk,

If it has a cup holder behind the gear change then it will have the sofast software which is similar to the GS.
 

Delmonte

Member
Messages
878
AFAIK all facelift cars will have the later, faster CC gear change, so you may as well get a facelift. (Deeper grille, if you weren’t aware) They’re also seen as more desirable and higher value, but there’s so many 4200 bargains out there the price difference is becoming minimal
 

TimR

Member
Messages
2,654
AFAIK all facelift cars will have.... (Deeper grille, if you weren’t aware)

Im not sure thats true, is it...?
Dont the Classicos have a deeper grill surround for instance....?
I believe the facelift grill was the move to slatted plastic insert...The surround on my 2006 is minimal....


The cup holder is good giveaway. Few have changed this detail...many swap wheels and grill IME
 

DaveT

Member
Messages
2,830
There was a facelift in 2003 - cup holder as above and removal of antenna from rear near side being the most notable visual changes. Grille unchanged.

The 2004/5 onwards facelift is the bigger grille with either the slats you mention OR mesh grille a la Gransport at the front. I'm sure there are other non visual features but someone will no doubt be along shortly to add those.
 
Last edited:

DaveT

Member
Messages
2,830
6751967520

2003 on left 2004 on right. I've had both 2003 and a 2005 4200 and the latter grille is definitely deeper.
 

Delmonte

Member
Messages
878
Im not sure thats true, is it...?
Dont the Classicos have a deeper grill surround for instance....?
I believe the facelift grill was the move to slatted plastic insert...The surround on my 2006 is minimal....


The cup holder is good giveaway. Few have changed this detail...many swap wheels and grill IME

I might have explained that badly, The facelifts have the Gransport shaped grille. Which top to bottom, is bigger. Mine had the slatted version standard, but I’ve put the GS grille on. You can’t put the GS grilled on a Classico, it’s a different shape
 

lozcb

Member
Messages
12,300
Personally for sheer bruteness , i quite liked the agressiveness of the early gearbox changes , had a 52 plate coupe and for a coupe of years a Gransport aswell at the same time , and driving the two on the same day one after the other they were chalk and cheese, but i found the 4200 great fun , its pitfall was slow moving in traffic hold ups
 

Moz1000

Member
Messages
820
Yes, I had the classico with the original TCU software. Upgraded to the newer software and wished I hadn't. Too slushy and if I recall the engine blips were lost. So I fitted another TCU with the original software again - bliss. However, horses for courses.
Moz
67530
 

TimR

Member
Messages
2,654
Plastic grill = face lift
Metal chromed grill = Clasico and Revised 2004MY
Yeah...I know what you’re saying.
Looking at it in the pic above, ( @ Ace). and it’s clear the facelift moved to a larger grill opening ( regardless of mesh/slats) and the puckered outline.. (Which I personally really like ) Aesthetically, it serves to hide the increased bonnet height ( from the original 3200 )
So much tweaking.. it’s insane ! :yeah:
 
Last edited:

Glaze88

Junior Member
Messages
53
I am on the hunt for a 3200GT or 4200 as well right now and finding it hard to really choose between the 2. IF cars had similar owners and similar mechanical work done, similar KMs and similar price what would the choice be? I am in this exact situation right now.

I will be going to drive and preview both cars in the next few days so I am hoping I will get more clarity then :)

GL with the search @Hesk
 

mjheathcote

Centenary Club
Messages
9,033
I am on the hunt for a 3200GT or 4200 as well right now and finding it hard to really choose between the 2. IF cars had similar owners and similar mechanical work done, similar KMs and similar price what would the choice be? I am in this exact situation right now.

I will be going to drive and preview both cars in the next few days so I am hoping I will get more clarity then :)

GL with the search @Hesk

8 years ago I was in the same situation.
Speaking to independent specialists the answer was the 4200.
Today you only have to research the engine parts availability, or non availability of certain 3200 engine parts that have put cars off the road.