2005 MASERATI GRANSPORT

This Maserati GranSport is an alluring and highly capable Italian GT, presented in a vibrant factory colour and with an extensive service history. Under the bonnet is the Ferrari-built F136 RB 4.2-litre V8, producing 395bhp, driving the rear wheels via a six-speed Cambiocorsa automated manual transmission with paddle shifters. The odometer displays 68,075 miles from new, though its condition belies the mileage.

An original right-hand drive UK car, this GranSport was first registered on 27 September 2005, conveniently bringing it into the UK’s Band K tax category, providing an annual discount of more than 40% compared to later models. There are five previous registered keepers on the log book, and the seller has owned the car for nearly eight years.

The bodywork of this Maserati is in very good order, with uniform factory shut lines and no signs of rust anywhere. Its rare Giallo Granturismo paintwork is bright and smooth across the entire body with only a few imperfections, including some minor stone chips to the nose and two small chips to the paintwork on the offside door mirror cover. The car has been professionally detailed and the paintwork ceramic coated prior to being offered for sale.

Its badging, trim and rubber seals are all in great shape, and this example is fitted with the optional xenon headlights, which retain a bright, clear appearance with no signs of hazing or cracks to their lenses. The car rides on a set of 19-inch ‘Trofeo’ alloy wheels, which have recently been given a full professional refurbishment in the correct Grigio Mercury colour and present superbly. Yellow painted brake calipers continue the vibrant colour specification.

Inside, supple black leather with yellow piping features throughout, covering the heated seats, door cards and dashboard. The upholstery remains in excellent condition, with only minimal wear showing on the driver’s seat bolsters. This car was also specified with the ribbed leather headlining, cruise control, and rare factory fire extinguisher.

Carbon-fibre trim is inlaid into the upper door cards, centre console, transmission tunnel and the flattened top of the steering wheel – and all of the trim has a high gloss and no damage. An aluminium passenger footrest is also fitted, giving the cabin a racier look and feel. Factory-fitted equipment includes heated front seats with driver memory settings, rear parking sensors and an electrochromic rear-view mirror.

The car’s stereo system has also been significantly upgraded with a Kenwood Bluetooth DAB head unit, Focal component door speakers, a Focal subwoofer housed in a custom-made enclosure in the spare wheel well and a Genesis Profile Four amplifier. All of the cabin’s buttons, switches and other electrical items work without fault, and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

The car will be serviced and inspected by a Maserati specialist before it is handed over to the next owner. The car’s previous scheduled maintenance was carried out on 28 May 2018 at 65,547 miles, with specialist AV Engineering performing a full annual service and inspection, changing all of the car’s fluids and replacing a faulty airbag switch. Prior to this, it was also serviced in February 2017, when the pedal potentiometer was replaced, along with the engine timing cover gasket, knock sensors and the oil pipe from the accumulator.

During the seller’s ownership the clutch has also been replaced – with the most recent reading showing it is less than 10% worn – as have the lambda sensors, power steering radiator, main oil pipe, battery and air-conditioning compressor, with the brake discs and pads being changed as and when required. In summary, almost all of the common weak points of the GranSport have been addressed through preventative maintenance.

A number of upgrades have also been carried out, enhancing this GranSport’s performance and already sonorous exhaust note. These include the fitment of European-specification exhaust manifolds, plus an H-pipe, and 200-cell sports catalytic converters from Larini, at considerable expense.

The ECU has also been remapped and the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale gearbox software has been installed to deliver faster shifts, while the wheels are fitted with Hill Engineering 15mm hub-centric aluminium wheel spacers with extended stainless-steel bolts.

The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 24 May 2019 at 67,582 miles, where it secured a first-time pass without a single advisory. Due to the six-month extension, it is not due for another test until 23 November 2020. Its wheels are shod with matching Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tyres, which are in very good condition and have plenty of tread remaining.

Included in the sale are the car’s original document wallet and books, a file containing numerous invoices, and its two keys.

This Maserati GranSport is a thrilling Italian sports GT, presented in very smart cosmetic condition and with a comprehensive maintenance history. Making it a treat for both the eyes and ears, its rare Giallo Granturismo paintwork and enhanced exhaust system will ensure it attracts excited glances wherever it goes. This particular car stands apart from many less well cared-for examples, thanks to significant investment by the seller.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.