Maserati 4200GT Cambiocorsa

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“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 4200 Spyder of 2001, followed by the gorgeous 4200GT Coupe a couple of months later, which was visibly based on the outgoing 3200GT. Although it looked similar to its predecessor, the 4200 was radically different underneath, the most obvious change being the move away from Maserati’s historical approach of forced induction with the twin-turbo V8 of the earlier model in favour of a far more sophisticated and tractable naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 from the Ferrari/Maserati F136 engine series.

As you would expect from Ferrari, the new engine borrowed heavily from modern race car technology, making extensive use of exotic lightweight materials (aluminium and silicone alloy for the heads and crankcase), dry sump lubrication, variable inlet timing, and a 32-valve DOHC top end and electronic throttle for lightning fast responses.

A six-speed manual version was offered, however most buyers went for the six-speed F1 Cambiocorsa electrohydraulic paddle-shift transmission 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 the throttle gloriously on down-changes to fool bystanders that a heel-and-toeing race driver was at the helm!

Mated to Maserati’s ‘Skyhook’ suspension 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 figures suggested: 385bhp 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 new in March 2003 by Evans Halshaw Birmingham, this 4200GT has a bespoke specification including radiant Giallo Fly yellow paint with contrasting black leather and the expensive option of hand-finished yellow stitching on all surfaces, including door cards, seats and seat pockets, not to mention the extended colour coded leather centre console and dash top.

The specification also included built-in sat nav (updated software/CD in 2007), Skyhook suspension, F1 transmission, suede headlining and premium sound system. The interior ambience is excellent, with heated electric memory sports seats, automatic climate control system, electric windows and mirrors and the option of fully automatic transmission (as well as paddle-operated) offering two very different driving styles.

Expenditure within the past 12 months includes new brake discs and pads all round (£1,200); two new rear Skyhook shock absorbers (£1,600); four new tyres and full wheel alignment; a new battery; lube service and an MOT valid until September 2016. Other significant works include an all-important F1 transmission bleed by Dick Lovett Maserati in 2015; wheel speed sensor; airbag switch and a new rear wheel bearing. The Cambiocorsa hydraulic pump was also replaced in 2009.

Although this 4200GT has covered some 130,000 miles, it has clearly been a pampered machine as the maintenance history demonstrates, and the overall condition is exemplary. The car performed superbly on test with no knocks or rattles and sounded magnificent, turning heads wherever it went.

Complete with all service and owners books in the Maserati wallet, and incorporating the all-important red key cards and stacks of invoices, the car is as complete as one could hope.

For such a compact sportscar the rear seats are very useable and can accommodate two adults comfortably. Add in the spacious boot and this pretty GT really does start to make serious sense. With a fantastic turn of speed and that intoxicating exhaust note, it’s hard to find a reason not to buy it!