2002 Maserati 4200 Spyder

A relatively early pre-facelift 4200 Spyder, this car benefits from the aforementioned (and highly prized) adaptive damping. This system has the most impact when it’s twinned with the F1-inspired Cambiocorsa (or race change in Italian) semi-manual transmission, which once again this car has fitted. The paddle shift transmission’s rev range is extended in SPORT mode and the shift speed is reduced making for a more engaging driver experience. Owners of non-Skyhook equipped 4200s have complained of a ‘floaty’ ride quality, not so in this case.

Of the car’s five former keepers, the most recent recorded was Historics at Brooklands. This well-known auctioneer is just one of several high-profile ‘names’ in this Maserati’s history file. Other invoices pop up from Giallo, JCT600, Emblem Sportscars and The Supercar Centre. There’s even a confirmation of no outstanding recalls from former Maserati main dealer Dick Lovett. With just over 39k miles under its 18-inch 15-spoke wheels there’s certainly plenty to get the pulse racing with this one.

Gleaming Mediterranean Blue bodywork draws you in immediately and compliments this pretty roadster’s lines perfectly. The contrasting beige leather ups the quality and encourages you to settle in once the top goes down. Incidentally that happens at the push of a button in around 30 seconds. Those attractive multi-spoke alloy wheels appear near blemish free and highly presentable. Shod in 225mm front and 265mm rear Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres, it’s reassuring to note that previous keepers haven’t skimped on the rubber on such a high-performance vehicle (as so many seem to).

The aforementioned hood appears weather-proof but there are a few marks here and there – the worst of which is a six-inch scuff to the nearside rear. The dark blue shade has also become largely lighter blue, due to sun bleaching. The front end has some very light marks from infrequent stone chips and if you’re looking very closely, the underside of the splitter’s leading edge has a few deeper scratches. The very bottom of the driver’s door is showing some corrosion that needs addressing, but overall the exterior makes a very good impression.

As with almost all Ferraris and Maseratis of this era, this 4200 Spyder has suffered from the dreaded sticky plastics affliction. The controls to the centre console, dashboard, headlights, heater and infotainment – well pretty much everywhere in fact – all have that tacky feeling to the touch. They also exhibit the accompanying accelerated wear from scratch marks and would certainly benefit from a refresh. The good news though is that the electrical systems they operate all appear to function as they should.

The leather in this near 20-year-old Maser has survived even better. The seat coverings are free from any scratches or major scuffs, with the only wear limited to the usual outer bolster area of the driver’s seat. The screen on the info centre has a line of dead pixels along its left-hand side but this doesn’t affect its operation. Over mats are present in the footwells and have done their job of protecting the carpets admirably. Door cards appear to be in excellent shape and added comfort on the move is provided by very neatly fitting wind deflector mesh, strung across the rear roll-over hoops.

Most components on this Maserati Spyder that aren’t either covered by plastic or made from aluminium are starting to show signs of surface corrosion. The factory protection appears to have run its course, so we’d top this up to keep the corrosion skin deep. The good news is that there doesn’t appear to be anything more serious to worry about in this department. The heat shield under the boot floor appears to have been damaged at some point as it’s crumpled but is still holding firm and performing its intended task.

Further proof (if any were needed) that the adaptive damping remains fitted is provided by the load sensors still fitted to the toe-adjustable lower wishbones. From our brief test drive, these still seem to be doing their job too, reporting suspension loads to the computer controller, allowing it to individually adjust damping rates 40 times per second. The quad-exit exhaust appears to be made from stainless steel and makes for an exceptional accompaniment to the 32-valve DOHC V8. Speaking of the powerplant, a health check in 2013 revealed an oil leak but having a peek underneath this Maser today, everything seems dry.

As mentioned at the top of this report, there’s an enviable stack of bills in this car’s history from some seriously trusted names in the Italian exotic car scene. For example, there’s an £1110.14 invoice for an air-con system overhaul, including a reconditioned pump and re-gass from the Super Car Centre in July 2014. The hood mechanism was given a similar going-over by Emblem Sportscars the year before, with a bill of £985.21 to prove it. At the same time Emblem was also tasked with repairing the leather to the seat bolsters and armrests at a further cost of £762.

Regular servicing bills can be seen from Giallo and the Super Car Centre throughout with another big bill (£3446.97) from the former in 2012 for clutch and roof ram replacements. A Terra Clean de-carbon process was carried out in November 2016 to ensure the engine still makes peak power and economy. Someone either lost a key or simply wanted a spare as there’s a bill for £120 from JCT600 for coding a new one in 2018.

Driving a properly sorted Maserati is one of the greatest pleasures in motoring. They fizz with an excitement and theatre that’s sadly less and less common among modern GTs and sports cars. This 4200 has that character in abundance. The engine is a magnificent place to start but the looks will turn even the most determined flash-car hater’s head. Though this Maser offers a lot more than kerb appeal with its adaptive damping transforming it into a serious contender on the right road. It’s therefore a lot more than a one-trick pony. There are enough big bills to settle that nagging voice in the back of your head telling you to play it safe and buy a Porsche too, so what are you waiting for?  Our estimate on this car is £18,000 - £26,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the seller in Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.  to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.