The Maserati GranTurismo S MC Shift is one of those cars that is almost impossible to replace. A genuine four seat grand tourer, designed by Pininfarina, powered by a naturally aspirated 4.7 litre V8 and fitted with a mechanical transaxle transmission that gives it a character modern performance cars increasingly lack. It is elegant, usable and beautifully finished, yet capable of producing one of the most outrageous soundtracks ever heard from a road car.
This particular GranTurismo S was delivered new in Japan and whoever ordered it had seriously good taste. Grigio Granito Metallic over Cuoio leather, combined with Pearl Beige Alcantara seat centres and headlining, Beige carpeting, Grigio seat belts, Bianco contrasting stitching and factory AluTex trim. It is a proper gentleman’s specification: understated from a distance, exceptionally rich in detail up close and perfectly suited to the flowing Pininfarina bodywork. The original factory order sheet confirms the complete specification, showing that this was not a car assembled by simply ticking random boxes. Every colour and material works together. And then you start the engine. The naturally aspirated 4.7 litre V8 is quite honestly one of the finest sounding engines ever fitted to a road car. Press the Sport button, the exhaust valves open and the entire personality of the car changes. Tunnels become compulsory and downshifts become addictive.
This is also the correct version for the full experience. Not the standard 4.2 litre GranTurismo and not the more comfort oriented GranTurismo S Automatic. This is the original S with the six speed MC Shift transmission, positioned together with the differential at the rear axle. That transaxle layout gives the car a rear biased 47:53 weight distribution and makes a major difference from behind the wheel.
The front feels lighter than expected, the car turns in beautifully and the rear finds impressive traction when accelerating out of a corner. The gearbox is mechanical, deliberate and full of character. It does not try to disguise every gear change or isolate the driver from what is happening. It makes each shift part of the experience.
That is what makes this Maserati so difficult to compare with anything else. It has four proper seats, so the children can genuinely come along, and it remains comfortable enough for long distance travel. Yet beneath the elegant exterior is a car that feels dramatic, involving and properly alive. Few cars combine family usability, Italian style and this level of mechanical theatre.
With 73,357 kilometres, this example also presents as an exceptionally cared for car. The interior remains beautifully preserved, the specification still looks superb and the extensive Japanese history file supports a clear and logical mileage progression. The original Maserati books, code card, factory order sheet, inspection documents, maintenance records and workshop invoices are all present.
This is not simply a GranTurismo in a good colour. It is the right version, in a fantastic specification, with strong documentation and the kind of condition that immediately gives confidence. It looks elegant enough for dinner in Monaco, has room for the children in the back and sounds as though an Italian racing engine has somehow escaped into a luxury coupé. A very cool car indeed.
