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: 370bhp 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.

Originally supplied by HR Owen of London in August 2002, this Cambiocorsa has had just three owners from new, the vendor acquiring it in 2007 from Meridian Modena of Lymington with just 9,000 miles on the clock, thus fulfilling a long-held ambition. During his eight-year ownership the car has only racked up another 27,000 miles, the clock now showing just over 35,900 miles, and has been cared for devotedly with no expense spared.

Always kept garaged and used in fine weather only, it comes with an excellent service history in its original leather-bound wallet comprising seven stamps to date. It has just been serviced and MOTd by Graypaul of Solihull in June this year at 35,900 miles when a new clutch was fitted along with a new actuator at a cost of some £7,000.

In virtually unmarked condition throughout and said to drive beautifully, it is MOTd until June 2016 with no advisories recorded, comes with both keys and also a fully paid up Lifetime Tracker anti-theft system. Only very reluctantly being sold to fund a house extension, the icing on the cake is the appropriate MA51 FUN number plate.

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.