2008 | Maserati Gran Turismo

Who doesn't love the early 2000's Maserati Quattroporte and the Gran Turismo coupe version of the QP - the team at the Trident HQ employed the legendary Pininfarina for the shape of their new Coupe. Good choice !

With the introduction of the Gran Turismo, launched at the Geneva Motor Show in Spring 2007 with production starting later that same year

One the major updates for the Coupe was launched with a 6 speed ZF gearbox - so much smoother and faster than the previous paddle shift manual gearbox, as used in the QP, which was slow, noisy & also unreliable

Thank goodness they had the sense the change to this wonderful ZF unit instead - changes the drive phenomenally - with normal shift on the console or paddle controls on the steering column

It's like chalk and cheese

Anyhow one of the prettiest shapes on the road in 2008, and indeed still is today, for there aren't many modern cars with such outstanding beauty that passers by stop in their tracks, just to watch it drive past

And they have to be quick for this motor is fasssst - with the 4.2 litre quad cam, 32 valve, V8 giving 399 bhp designed by both Maserati and Ferrari engineers

The 0 - 60mph sprint rocketing past in only 5.0 seconds and if you want to test the top speed you'll have to get past 180mph (just under 300kph)

Our example here is finished in the most elegant Argenta Luna (very light blue metallic to you and me) which was a Special Order colour from the Maserati colour chart, with contrasting cream interior with darl blue fascia top roll & steering wheel with crema centre console, beige carpets and, oh the most amazing veneers to the fascia & door cards too

Seating for 4 with ample room in the back, everything works as it should, even the Sat Nav with ice cold A/C

Of course and as you would have expected, a full book pack, two keys and a complete full service history come with her

As it was described in period, the Gran Turismo blends tradition with modern muscle and i can't say any better than that - a real cracker jack !!