Maserati Spyder Cambiocorsa 4.2 V8

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

“Naturally it sounds magnificent and exactly like a tautly-strung, high-revving Italian V8 with a right-angled crankshaft should – an angry howl with a mellifluous edge. But what really takes me aback is the shove. The instant throttle response is part of it, but bury the pedal and the acceleration is simply brutal” – David Vivian, Evo magazine.

When Ferrari took over Maserati in 1999, the first new model to emerge was the 4200GT of 2001, a gorgeous Coupe that was based on the outgoing 3200GT while an even sexier open-top Spyder version was to follow a year later. Although it looked similar to its predecessor, the 4200 was radically different underneath, the most obvious change being the abandonment of the ‘all or nothing’ twin-turbo V8 of the earlier model in favour of a far more sophisticated and tractable naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8.

As you would expect from Ferrari, the new engine borrowed heavily from modern race car technology, making extensive use of exotic lightweight materials, dry sump lubrication, variable inlet timing, and a 32-valve DOHC top end for lightning fast responses. Although a six-speed manual version was offered, most buyers went for the F1-derived Cambiocorsa electrohydraulic paddle-shift ‘box with four modes (Manual, Automatic, Sport and Snow) which altered various characteristics (throttle response, traction control, suspension stiffness etc) in order to give the optimum performance for the chosen mode, blipping deliciously on down-changes to fool bystanders that a heel-and-toeing race driver was at the helm.

Mated to the ‘Skyhook’ telemetry system which allowed each damper to react in milliseconds to the forces acting upon it to maximise performance and ride comfort at all speeds and on all surfaces, it added up to a devastatingly rapid cross-country tool which felt even faster than the bald figures suggested: 390bhp and 332lb/ft; 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds; 178mph top speed. Naturally all this technology came at a price and the top spec Cambiocorsa model cost a whisker under £70,000 limiting ownership to a privileged few.

Supplied by Maranello of Egham in March 2004, this particular Spyder Cambiocorsa looks stunning in Grigio Alfieri with a Bordeaux leather interior and a matching electric soft top with the glass rear window that replaced the plastic one in the 2003 facelift. It has covered only 42,300 miles with an excellent service history comprising 8 stamps to date, all by main agents or specialists, and was last serviced only 2,200 miles ago. A new clutch was also fitted less than 2,500 miles ago. Features include cruise control, built-in sat nav, telephone, CD player with iPod connection and a wind deflector. 

The vendor (who is only the third owner) bought the car in 2007 following a detailed RAC inspection which gave it a clean bill of health and has thoroughly enjoyed his 8 years ownership, keeping it garaged and using it on high days and holidays only. He states that it drives beautifully with an MOT until May 2016 with no advisories recorded.

Supplied with all its original handbooks in the original Maserati wallet, it also has many old MOTs and service invoices to warrant the mileage. For peace of mind a Tracker anti-theft system has also been fitted although the new owner may have to renew the subscription to activate this.

As exclusive as any Ferrari and far less ostentatious to boot, this magnificently rapid and sonorous sportscar will really come into its own in the coming summer months and is guaranteed to turn heads and raise smiles wherever it goes.

Catalogue Amendment: 370 BHP, not 390 as quoted.