This Maserati, with its Ferrari-derived 4.2-litre V8 and gorgeous styling, is truly an iron fist in a velvet glove
It's also one of the few six-speed manual versions ever delivered to Australia.
Maserati went through its purple patch from the mid-2000s and into 2010.
It was making achingly beautiful cars—styled by the likes of Giorgetto Giugiaro and others—and then filling the shells with the innards of a Ferrari.
The ‘Tipo F136’ 4.2-litre V8 in this Maserati Coupe is a weapons-grade powertrain. Its potency is obvious as it shouts into life and hums on a cold start, almost like it’s ready to go in an instant.
Its well-balanced and lightweight rotating mass means it revs rapidly and feels sprightly under throttle inputs. It feels exotic, and when combined with the rare option of a six-speed manual, even sweeter.
The main problem with an old Maserati is that it always centres around a crappy semi-automatic transmission with hydraulic pressure issues. The manual version alleviates those woes while being far more satisfying to enjoy.
Then there’s the styling, which in this case is merely beautiful. Giugiaro’s fastback silhouette is combined with subtle detailing in the C-pillar and chrome work that adds a touch of sophistication.
This example’s Grigio Alloy paintwork perfectly complements it.
The car pictured – 2002 Maserati Coupe V8 (Australian delivered)
Since its delivery to Australia in November 2002, this Maserati Coupe V8 has had three owners. It is supported by a detailed and full service history from marque specialists.
Powering the Coupe GT is a Ferrari-Maserati 4.2-litre ‘Tipo F136’ V8 with 287 kW / 451 Nm that enables a 0-100 km/h dash of just 4.9 seconds. Configured in Grigio Alloy with a matching navy blue interior, this example has been stored inside its whole life.
Recently, its dashboard and related rubberised switchgear have all been recoated by a leading Ferrari-Maserati interior restorer. The resulting work creates a factory-fresh appearance on the inside.
The car has also received recent servicing. Its exterior presents remarkably well, with its original paint intact and there being no signs of repair or repainting. The alloy wheels on the passenger side have minor marks from parking.
It’s said that less than 20 six-speed manual V8 Coupes were ever delivered to Australia, making this low-mileage and above-average example sought after.
Quick facts
- 2002 Maserati Coupe GT
- 66,457km
- Australian delivered
- Three-owners from new
- Six-speed manual
- Believed to be one-of-20 delivered new to Australia
- Full service history
- Ferrari ‘Tipo F136’ 4.2-litre V8 engine
- 287 kW / 451 Nm
- 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds
- Configured in Grigio alloy with a navy blue leather interior
- Factory equipment: climate control, premium sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, power steering, traction control
- Wholly original with no repairs or repaints
- Vehicle comes with NSW registration
Here we have a car that makes that choice between Porsche and Maserati that little bit more blurry.Top Gear UK, Tom Ford, 2004
