Top year 1998: Maserati 3200 GT was one of the most beautiful
Last year we put the spotlight on the most important newcomers of 1982 on these pages. Now we go back to 1998; another year in which a striking number of interesting models came onto the market. Think of the Audi TT, Fiat Multipla, Ford Focus and Smart City Coupé. This time: the Maserati 3200 GT.
What did the start-up process look like?
In good spirits. During the development of the 3200 GT, Maserati was incorporated by Fiat, which then also had a big finger in the pie at Ferrari. The latter company naturally had the necessary experience and knowledge of producing exclusive models with a potent combustion engine. Maserati therefore had to take advantage of that knowledge and the brand could also pull various parts that had already proven themselves off the shelves. Still, it did not want to become a cheap imitation of the former rival. So the 3200 GT did get a V8, but it had little to do with what Ferrari built. So instead of a high-revving, atmospheric block with a flatplane V8, there was a further development of the 3.2-liter V8 with two turbos from the Quattroporte, now good for 370 hp and 491 Nm and therefore quite Ferrari-like performance. But all less hardcore, more focused on daily use. In short, it was a direct rival to the ubiquitous Porsche 911.
How revolutionary was the 3200 GT really?
A little. It was a forerunner in the field of LED lighting, something that is now commonplace. It was also a modern car technologically, but that was more due to Ferrari’s involvement. For example, an electronically controlled accelerator pedal was by no means commonplace, but Maserati could simply get that part from Ferrari’s racks. Fully independent double wishbone suspension all around, ABS and traction control were also nice, but certainly not groundbreaking finds.
How was the reception?
Well, the design with the classic long nose and short butt immediately caught on and the curved LED taillights are still beautiful to see even now. The hallmark of truly timeless design, you might say. It was an instant excitement car, but without the overpowering presence of a Ferrari. Exactly what the car should be. Inside, it was noticeable that the quality impression compared to, for example, the Quattroporte had improved considerably, although the cheap movement inside was a bit out of place. That clock would not soon after get a real chrome edge to boost the quality impression. The fact that it was now about these kinds of details and not about essential quality problems indicated how big the quality leap under Fiat management actually was.
How was the reception with the consumer?
Very good, because demand outstripped production. This was largely done by hand. The combination of eye-catching design and the thrill of the explosive turbo engine made the 3200 GT one of those cars that has a magical appeal. Those who pushed the limits of the coupé really had to know what they were doing, but for those who could master the technique, the Maserati was a rare pleasure.
What were the choices during the market launch?
The color, because in the beginning there was only one version. So you always got the 3.2-liter biturbo V8 from which the car took its name.
Incidentally, the original plan was to call the car Mistral, but it turned out that a certain German concern had rights to that type name, so Maserati decided to name the new coupe after one of its most successful road cars, the 3500 GT from the 1950s.
What were its competitors?
As mentioned, the Porsche 911, but also more exotic coupés such as the Aston Martin DB7 and the Jaguar XKR. Unlike its competitors, the 3200 GT was a lot more practical because you could actually ask an adult to sit in the back without running the risk of them giving you a black eye. Maserati even made a small modification to the shape of the trunk, so that you could transport golf bags in it.
What has been the impact of the Maserati 3200 GT?
Probably that Maserati still exists as a brand. In the period before the 3200 GT, the Maserati brand was considerably eroded by De Tomaso and the quality was sadly bad. Now the 3200 GT is not a Toyota Corolla either, but given the exclusive character that was not to be expected. However, it was again a truly exclusive and desirable sports car, which made a high-quality impression. A model that again lured customers to the showrooms.
Which version appeals the most to the imagination?
The Assetto Corsa is perhaps the most desirable version of the 3200 GT. Nothing changed on the powertrain and you could even get it with the four-speed automatic. The chassis was 1.5 cm lower, the suspension stiffer, the front anti-roll bar thicker and Pirelli developed special tires. That made the 3200 GT an even more serious driving sports car than it already was. The seats were upholstered in black perforated Connolly leather. The fact that only 259 were made will also help with demand for this particular model.
Only available in red, black and grey, the Assetto Corsa is the most desirable 3200 GT.
Any details during his life?
The length of that lifespan is in any case special, because production of the 3200 GT stopped after only four years. Maserati wanted to cross over to the United States and market research showed that those characteristic boomerang taillights would not do well there at all. It had its successor, the rather uninspiringly named ‘Coupé’, so neither did it. Anyway, back to the 3200 GT. There was a GTA shortly after the market launch. That does not stand for a lightweight racing version, but for the automatic. A four-speed copy, so certainly not exotic, but also only 30 kilos heavier than the manual gearbox. In the last year there was also an Assetto Corsa and that is an extra sporty version.
The boomerang taillights gave way to these rather average units.
How many were built and how many are left?
4,795 worldwide and at the moment there are still 165 driving around in the Netherlands.
1999 49
2000 59
2001 51
2002 6
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl