The Enthusiasts' Page

All things 'Maserati'. News of forthcoming models, owner's cars, tips, 'Marque' reunions and the odd touch of humour! In fact anything of interest to the 'Maseratista'.

So if you have any news about Maseratis or have anything owners and enthusiasts should know, send details to enricomaserati@btinternet.com


The Trident mosaic that greets
visitors to the Panini Museum
 
You can click on some pictures for a better view!!

QUICK BROWSE - YOU ARE NOW ON PAGE 153
 
 
 
 
From Newspress in the UK
 

MASERATI AT GOODWOOD REVIVAL 2008

Maserati GB were once again present at the tenth anniversary running of the Goodwood Revival meeting, this year celebrating 60 years of the Goodwood Motor Circuit in front of a record-breaking crowd of 124,000 spectators over the course of the weekend.

Eye-catching examples of the Trident Marque were out in force throughout the weekend with a total of 13 classic Maseratis thundering around the circuit. Some of the very rarest Maseratis were involved in the wheel-to-wheel on-track action including two Maserati 4CMs and two iconic Tipo 61 Birdcages to name but a few.

Away from the thrilling on-track action, Maserati exhibited in the Earls Court Motorshow, recreating the glamour of an authentic 1960s show. A stunning Maserati Mistral, on loan from celebrity chef and Maserati aficionado James Martin, alongside a Quattroporte (Mk I) wowed the spectators, whilst they were offered a tantalising glimpse of Maserati’s “cars of the future” in the form of the GranTurismo S and Quattroporte S that flanked their 1960s counterparts.

During the course of the Goodwood Revival weekend, Maserati GB hosted a series of exclusive events for its clients: on Friday a cocktail party at Goodwood House for all the drivers and their guests, followed by a private dinner, and on Sunday 140 guests were treated to sumptuous hospitality and could admire a selection of both modern and classic Maseratis. The spectacular display on the lawn in front of Goodwood House offered guests the opportunity to see the Quattroporte’s evolution in the flesh, with every model in the history of the Trident Marque on display. The Quattroporte I of the 1960s, the exceptionally rare Quattroporte II of the 1970s, of which only 12 were ever produced, the more modern Quattroporte III and IV were accompanied by the Quattroporte V and Maserati’s very latest Quattroporte S. The stunning GranTurismo S in pearlescent Bianco Fuji completed the Maserati line-up.

 

The Maserati GranTurismo S outside Goodwood House

Maseratis at Goodwood House
 

Maserati Quattroporte models (Mk I to VI)
outside Goodwood House

Maserati models, clad in vintage Mariella Burani dresses,
pose on the Maserati stand
 

Maserati “cars of the future”, the GranTurismo S and Quattroporte S

Maserati Sebring - The Earl’s Court Motorshow at Goodwood
 

Celebrity Chef James Martin's beautiful Maserati Mistral

Gentleman James Martin in 1950's style attire!
 

Text and photos courtesy of Maserati GB

 
 
 
 
 
From Jonny in The Netherlands
 

"Hi there Enrico

Stumbled across this when I was parking the car the other day in Den Haag... I think it's a 3500 GTI Sebring 1a serie? Anyway, thought you might like to see it?

Cheers... Jonny."

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
From Stefano in Italy
 

"Ciao Enrico,

Thought your Maserati enthusiasts would like to see this boxed collection of 30 trading cards, produced by Maserati in a limited edition of only 300, celebrating the granturismos of its history.

Saluti,

Stefano."

 

Maserati GranTurismo S
 

Maserati GranTurismo S at Modena

Maserati GranTurismo S at Cremona
 

Maserati GranTurismo S at Castell'Arquato

Maserati GranTurismo S at Park Avenue
 

Maserati GranTurismo on the Dolomites

Maserati GranTurismo at Catinaccio
 

Maserati GranTurismo on the WEeat Side NY

Maserati GranTurismo at Geneva 2007
 

Maserati GranSport Contemporary Classic

Maserati GranSport MC Victory
 

Maserati GranSport

Maserati Coupe Restyling
 

Maserati Coupé

Maserati 3200 GT Assetto Corsa
 

Maserati 3200 GT

Maserati Shamal
 

Maserati Kyalami

Maserati Khamsin
 

Maserati Merak 3000

Maserati Indy
 

Maserati Ghibli

Maserati Mexico
 

Maserati Mistral

Maserati Sebring 3700 GTI 2a serie
 

Maserati 5000GT Allemano

Maserati 3500GT Touring
 

Maserati A6G/54 2000 by Zagato

Maserati A6 1500
 

Maserati A6 1500 prototype by Pinin Farina

Ugo Tognazzi with the Maserati Mexico
 
 
 
 
 
From Newspress in the UK
 

MASERATI GB PROUDLY SUPPORTS WOMAC
AT LONDON FASHION WEEK SPRING/SUMMER 09

 

Supermodel and Vice-Chairman of the British Fashion Council Erin O'Connor wears
the Maserati Calandra t-shirt in support of WOMAC (Women On The Move Against Cancer).
 

As the ultra-glamorous catwalk shows of London Fashion Week showcase the Spring/Summer ’09 collections of the world’s most famous designers, Maserati GB and London’s leading model agency Independent have reinforced their partnership and are proud to offer their support to WOMAC (Women On the Move Against Cancer) by donating the proceeds from the sales of the Maserati Calandra t-shirts to this charity.

Clad in white Maserati Calandra t-shirts (this season’s colour), top models from Independent Model Agency will be chauffeured in Maserati GranTurismos throughout London Fashion Week. The Maserati GranTurismo is perfectly at home cruising around town and offers a stylish and refined retreat from the feverish catwalk action.

 

Independent Models Samira, Mirka and Amanda Lopes (left to right) pose in their
Maserati Calandra t-shirts with a Maserati GranTurismo during London fashion Week SS09
 

Inspired by Maserati’s iconic grille, the Calandra t-shirts (available in this season’s colour White, and in Navy Blue at £27 plus postage) can be ordered, in women’s and men’s sizes, by telephoning Maserati GB direct on +44 (0)1753 878 753 or by emailing marketing@maserati.co.uk.

The Calandra t-shirts and other items from the Maserati collection are also available from the Maserati on-line store www.maseraticollection.com.

 

Independent Models Samira and Mirka pose in their Maserati Calandra t-shirts
 

Text and photos courtesy of Maserati GB

 
 
 
 
 
For the Maserati Model Collectors
 

New from ABC s.n.c. di Brianza Andrea & Brianza Laura come three 1:43 scale models of the Maserati 5000GT.

 

1962 Maserati 5000GT 'Aga Khan' with Coachwork by Frua
1:43 scale KIT OR READY BUILT (ABC227/BRK43.227)
 

1958 Maserati 5000GT with Coachwork by Pinin Farina #AM103*008*
1:43 scale KIT OR READY BUILT (ABC220/BRK43.220)
 

1961 Maserati 5000GT with Coachwork by Michelotti #AM103*016*
1:43 scale KIT OR READY BUILT (ABC239/BRK43.239)
 

You may obtain further information on these Maserati models by email at abc@abcbrianza.com.

 
 
 
 
 
From Philip in Spain
 

"Hi Enrico,

This may be an old well debated subject but I had this problem twice.

On both ocasions, it was a faulty non-return valve feeding the vacuum to the servo.

The air into the servo piston cylinder is filtered by one of the engine intake filters. Because of the faulty non-return valve air was being driven into the servo during periods of high inlet-manifold pressure whilst accelerating.

Braking was not effected as the valve is a three way unit and still worked under the inlet vacuum on lift-off.

If I remember correctly, the valve was about €40 and easy to replace. See attached:

 

The location of the faulty non-return valve!
 

I have a Granturismo S now - touch-wood - no whistles as yet.

Keep up the evangelical work!

Philip."

 
 
 
 
 
From Risto in Finland
 

"Hi Enrico,

Here are some pictures of my Maserati Sebring 2a serie with coachwork by Vignale.

All the best,

Risto."

 

Risto with his Maserati Sebring

Maserati Sebring #AM101/10*361*
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Risto with his Maserati Sebring

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
From Roger in the UK
 

"Hi Enrico,

After getting to grips with my Quattroporte V8 Evoluzione, I have a question and maybe I am going to answer my own question!

We all know it gets a bit warm under the bonnet of a V8 Quattroporte IV, and I wonder if this has been explored already.

A race team director friend of mine had a look under the bonnet and immediately suggested the same insulating exhaust wrap they use on their race cars. It all seemed far too simple....

I am looking for thoughts please from all who have tried or have an opinion before I become a guinea pig for the solution.

Thanks,

Roger."

 
 
 
 
 
From Matthias in Germany
 

"Dear Enrico,

it took a little longer than expected, but at last my trusted 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback shares its garage space with a Maserati Indy, AM 116/47*998*. It might be offending to most enthusiasts, but I can't help comparing those cars, which are actually not that different in their overall concept. Interestingly, it is the Mustang that that turns peoples heads a lot more often, maybe because it is so easily recognizable.

While the Mustang is much quicker off the line, it is of course the Indy that impresses as soon as you'll hit the motorway. Even more impressive is the stability at higher speeds and the compliance of its suspension, which beats some modern GTs hands down. The most noticable difference, however, is the smoothness of the Maserati engine!

AM 116/47*998* has survived its 37 year long life surprisingly well. As an unrestored car with just one older respray (and no bondo), it carries its patina with pride. Particularly inviting is the original black interior, where only some subtle creases in the drivers seat give its true age away. Doors, bonnet and tailgate open and close with almost no effort, and the car is completely avoid of rattles and squeaks.

Although I did a lot of research, I haven't yet seen another Indy matching the specifications of 998: all documents prove that it is definetely a 4,7l, yet it is fitted with the early dashboard. Tail lights are neither Alfa Giulia nor Berlina 2000, but Alfa Berlina 1750.

An engine rebuild was carried out recently, using higher compression Mahle pistons and different camshafts. Compared to a 4,9l Indy that I drove, the modified engine seems to have a lot more torque low down.

Needless to say your exciting website offered dozens of hours of entertainment while I tried to find the right car - thank you for your involvement! Just one question remains unanswered: what's the exterior colour called?

Best regards,

Matthias."

 

American V8 power - the iconic Ford Mustang Fastback

The Indy welcomes the owner for its maiden voyage.
 

"Come on Matthias, put that camera away and let's go!"

Maserati territory! Cruising on the motorway at only 135 KM/h!
 

"Hi Matthias,

Your colour is EUROLAK RAME 106 R 49 V 109 from GLIDDEN SALCHE SPA MILANO.

Regards,

Enrico."

 
 
 
 
 
From Carlos in Brazil
 

"Dear Enrico,

Here are some photos of our MASERATI TROFEO.

I have another Maserati in my team, MASERATI LIGHT GT3, and you in BRAZIL for endurance.

Carlos - Scuderia 111."

 
 

The MASERATI TROFEO of Scuderia 111

the MASERATI LIGHT GT3 of Scuderia 111
 
 
 
 
 
From Enrico in the UK
 

"Ciao Maseratisti,

Just bought the very reasonably priced radio controlled 1:24 scale model of the Maserati GranTurismo by Mondo Motors from Pianetta Modellismo.

Great Christmas present for the grandchild, even is he is only one year old! Don't worry, I'll be there to help him control it!!

Enrico."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From Bonhams in the UK
 

Bonhams will be hosting a sale of "Sports, Competition and Collectors’ Motor Cars, F1 Memorabilia, Automobilia and Models" on the 19th September 2008 at the Goodwood Revival Meeting, Goodwood Circuit, Chichester, Sussex. A sale that includes a 1931-Type Maserati Tipo 8C-2800, two highly desirable classic Maseratis, and some very interesting articles of Maserati memorabilia.

 

 
Lot No 3:

Three Maserati reference books
- Estimate GB £380 - 450

A lot comprising Joel E Finn: Maserati Birdcage; Joel E Finn: Maserati The Postwar Sportsracing Cars; and Severo Boschi: Maserati storia di una grande casa (Italian text); together with a limited edition number 1167 Maserati desk diary for 1988 with compliments slip and original box.
 

 
 
SOLD FOR GB £437
 

 
Lot No 15:

A sales brochure for the Maserati Ghibli Spyder
- Estimate GB £100 - 150

A white card 3-page fold-out format, with full-colour photographic illustrations and with specifications, dealer's stamp to cover, Italian, English, French and German text, large 4to.
 

 
 
SOLD FOR GB £115
 

 
Lot No 55:

A large cold-cast aluminium composite Maserati display spark plug
- Estimate GB £150 - 200

Modern, 100cm high.
 
SOLD FOR GB £219
 

 
Lot No 61:

A Maserati Birdcage and 250F water temperature gauge
- Estimate GB £60 - 100

Reproduction, white dial with black lettering, with pipe and temperature bulb, 6cm diameter.
 

 
 
SOLD FOR GB £115
 

 
Lot No 66:

A Birdcage and 250F Maserati rev-counter
- Estimate GB £250 - 350

By Jaeger, white dial, with black needle and Arabic numerals, tell-tale needle in red, reading 0 to 10,000, aluminium case, crack to glass, 8cm diameter.
 

 
 
SOLD FOR GB £506
 

 
Lot No 70:

A Birdcage and 250F Maserati rev-counter
- Estimate GB £150 - 250

Including a Birdcage Maserati chassis plate stamped Tipo 61 2454, in aluminium, two reproduction Maserati chassis plates, a Maserati bonnet badge and another. (5)
 

 
 
SOLD FOR GB £345
 

 
Lot No 308:

Ex-A.J. Lees 1931-Type Maserati Tipo 8C-2800 Two-Seat Sports/Formula Competition Car
- Estimate GB £250,000 - 280,000

Here we are delighted to offer this glorious-looking, exceptionally well-crafted Maserati based upon the legendary Bologna-based family company’s original 8C-2800 model raced so widely in Europe and beyond during the early 1930s. USA based restorer Chuck Sim’s brief from the current vendor was to complete the car to “as original a specification as possible,” and this objective was pursued with admirable zeal and attention to detail.

 

 
 
SOLD FOR GB £243,500
 
 

The car has been assembled and completed from an original restoration project ‘kit of parts’ which had been accumulated over many years during creation of the well-known A J Lees Collection here in the UK, which was created over a lengthy period, largely spanning the 1970s to the 1990s. This ‘kit of parts’ included many both original and re-sourced components that are effectively impossible to find today without the additional investment demands of re-drawing and fabricating from square one.

What came together in the Lees Collection proved to be a quite remarkable assembly of mixed original, re-sourced Maserati 8C components which included chassis frame, major engine castings and internal components, major transmission castings and internal components, axles, brake drums, back-plates and internals, steering, radiator, radiator cowl, bodywork assemblies, instruments, electrics, even many minor fixtures and fittings – the majority in fact of the kind of detail components which can make or mar any such restoration project, and whose absence can often prove so disproportionately costly to correct that they break the heart of a well-meaning enthusiast, and the total project remains uncompleted.

An approximate cross-section of the parts offered in the Lees Collection Maserati 8C ‘kit’ included the following:

Front axle, crankshafts, cylinder block, crank-case, cylinder head, sump, front timing case, cam boxes, inlet manifolds, eight unused pistons by Cosworth, gearbox, axle tube, torque tube, propeller shaft, clutch components, suspension leaf springs, shock absorbers, front hubs, rear hubs, Steering box, stub axles, brake drums, boxed brake shoes, back plates, exhaust system, diff casing, handbrake cable, fuel tank straps, HT leads, half shaft, blower manifold, fuel filler assembly (flip top), starter handle, foot pedal, Kygas, radiator cap, supercharger…plus many, many more.

The missing components were then located by the present vendor and his capable restorer, and the many unmachined castings and other unfinished components included in the overall ‘kit’ were then perfected and assembled. It was decided to complete the engine in as-original 2800cc nominal configuration although a 3000 crankshaft was available within the array of parts.

We understand that the cylinder head and cams are probably original period components, together with the engine gear case, some of the intake manifold assembly and some chassis parts such as the semi-elliptic leaf springs etc. While many of the components purchased originally from the Lees Collection were unfinished or fresh from the foundry, inspection revealed that they were all “of fair quality and quite useable.” Painstaking machining and hand-finishing transformed such parts into high quality components which may be characterised as being absolutely useable.

Since the supercharged straight-8 cylinder twin-cam engine delivers considerable power and torque the decision was made during the Lees Collection period to include a later-model 8CM-style hydraulic drum brake system with the kit rather than rely on the inferior original-style cable brake arrangement. When the slipper-bodied centerline single-seat Maserati 8CM emerged in Europe for the 1933 Grand Prix season it became the first such car to feature hydraulic brakes since the French Grand Prix-winning 3-liter straight-8 Duesenberg in 1921.

As a useable Vintage-style racer/road car this Maserati promises all the sensation, sights, sounds and feel of a multi-million dollar original but available here and now at a realistic level. The craftsmen responsible for finalising the car had to complete the interior and source gauges, fine-finish the various fuel and oil tanks which had come from the Lees Collection with the kit, and also complete the radiator system. No original-style magneto could be found for the engine’s ignition system, so a similar-period Vertex has been used with a custom cradle to adapt it to this application. At the time when a change of circumstances decided the vendor to offer this car for sale, the engine had been run successfully, and the car has been “taken round the block several times, accelerating up through the gearbox and braking back down again – and it all works, without any adverse issues so far.”

From 1930-32 the Maserati brothers’ Bologna factory built some 14 Maserati 26M and 26M Sport competition cars with 2495cc 185bhp straight-8 engines, and the sports version established complete superiority through the 1930 racing season. Their brief reign was then overturned by the new Alfa Romeo 8C-2300 Monza and Bugatti Type 51 twin-cam cams for 1931. It was in response to this reversal in fortune that Alfieri Maserati then responded by increasing the cylinder bore of his 26M engine from 65mm to 69mm – the maximum possible permitted by his ‘2500’ block casting – which with the 69mm stroke length produced a displacement of 2811cc. Power output was claimed to be 205bhp at 5,500rpm. Bologna-based carburetor manufacturer Edoardo Weber collaborated with Maserati in perfecting the new engine’s induction system, and it was with this 8C-2800 model that the marques of Maserati and Weber grew together.

This new engine was installed in the proven 26M design chassis frame but the bodywork was refined and improved, adopting a lower profile for greater aerodynamic efficiency and better penetration.

The Maserati 8C-2800 made its debut in the 1931 French Grand Prix at Montlhery, just south of Paris, where the rugged Luigi Fagioli broke the lap record. A second car was available in time for Rene Dreyfus to drive it in the Monza Grand Prix that September, where Fagioli won in spectacular style.

Against this background we now offer this superb, part original supercharged Maserati 8C-2800 that could undoubtedly reward an enthusiastic new owner with some tremendous truly vintage-style motoring and motor sport. It is a car that has to be viewed in person to appreciate it fully. It is, above all, a magnificent tribute not only to the original Maserati family company’s contemporary competition car design, but also to their modern-era counterparts who have produced such a mouth-watering machine. In period such a car fought pitched battles on track with the Alfa Romeo Monza, and the Bugatti Type 51. In context, this Maserati will surely offer its new owner tremendous value. We have been advised that HTP – Historic Technical Passport – papers should be issued upon inspection. This is due to take place prior to sale and interested parties are advised to check with the Bonhams office. The car will be subject to 5% import duty if remaining in the EU.

 

 
Lot No 350:

1965 Maserati Mistral Coupé
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Frua
Chassis no. AM109*516"
- Estimate GB £30,000 - 35,000

Maserati’s survival strategy for the 1960s centred on establishing the company - which hitherto had mainly concentrated on its Grand Prix and sports car racing activities - as a producer of road cars. The Modena marque’s new era began in 1957 with the launch at the Geneva Salon of the Touring-bodied 3500GT. A luxury ‘2+2’, the 3500GT drew on Maserati’s competition experience, employing a tubular chassis frame and an engine derived from the 350S sports car unit of 1956. Suspension was independent at the front by wishbones and coil springs, while at the back there was a conventional live axle/semi-elliptic arrangement. Power output of the gorgeous twin-cam six was around 220bhp initially; later examples producing 235bhp on fuel injection.

The next development of the theme arrived in 1962. Built on the short-wheelbase chassis of the Vignale-bodied 3500GT spyder, the Sebring coupé featured a five-speed gearbox, disc brakes and fuel injection as standard equipment, with automatic transmission, air conditioning and a limited-slip differential available as options.

Last of the classic six-cylinder Maseratis, the Pietro Frua-styled Mistral commenced production in 1963. The 3.7-litre version of the famous long-stroke engine was fitted to most cars, other options being the 3.5-litre or, from 1966, the 4.0-litre unit, all of which came with Lucas fuel injection. A handsome two-seater on a shortened, square-tube chassis, the Mistral was built in coupé and spyder versions, the former’s opening rear window hatch making it unusually practical for a sports car. A five-speed gearbox, disc brakes and fuel injection were standard equipment; automatic transmission, air conditioning and a limited-slip differential the options. Production ceased in 1970, by which time a total of 827 coupés and 123 spyders had been built.

This Mistral comes with a quantity of invoices for servicing work undertaken between 1998 and 2001 while it was in the USA, together with an appraisal by K&K Vintage Motorcars, of Houston, Texas. Dated 3rd May 2001, the latter document notes that the car had ‘new paint and new leather upholstery’ as well as Borrani wire wheels. Its condition at that time was rated as either ‘outstanding’ or ‘excellent’ in every respect. In addition to the aforementioned documentation, the car comes with Maserati ‘technical tips’ and spare parts manuals.

 
NOT SOLD
 

 
 

 
Lot No 372:

1965 Maserati Mistral Coupé
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Ghia
Chassis no. AM115*1858"
- Estimate GB £28,000 - 34,000

A strong contender for the ‘most handsome car of the 1960s’ title, Maserati’s Ghibli debuted in coupé form at the Turin Motor Show in November 1966. Styled at Carrozzeria Ghia by Giorgetto Giugiaro and named after a Sahara Desert wind, the Ghibli rivalled the Ferrari Daytona for straight-line performance - its top speed was close to 170mph (275km/h) - while beating it for price and, arguably, looks. More than 4.5m long and 1.8m wide, the Ghibli occupied an inordinate amount of space for a mere two-seater, but perhaps the most startling aspect of its appearance was the height, or rather the lack of it. Dry-sump lubrication enabled the engine to be mounted deep in the chassis, permitting a low bonnet line, while limited suspension travel ensured that the tyres did not foul the wheelarches. The roofline fell away from the top of the steeply raked windscreen to the chopped-off tail, Giugario thus achieving a cabin lower than that of almost all the Ghibli’s contemporaries, albeit one with restricted headroom for rear passengers.

Like the contemporary Mexico 2+2, the Ghibli used a shortened version of the Quattroporte saloon’s tubular steel chassis in its live rear axle form. Perhaps surprisingly, the Ghibli set-up used leaf springs and a single locating arm in preference to the more complex suspension arrangements favoured by its rivals. The power unit was Maserati’s venerable, four-cam, 90-degree V8, an engine derived from that of the 450S sports racer and first seen in road-going guise in the 5000GT. This was used in 4.7-litre form up to 1970 when it was superseded by the 4.9-litre ‘SS’ version in order to meet ever more stringent emission laws. The gain in horsepower was minimal, but in either case performance was stunning, with 100mph (160km/h) attainable in under 16 seconds. Even more sensational was the handsome Ghibli Spyder, launched in 1969 and the direct rival of Ferrari’s Daytona Spyder. Ghibli production ceased in 1973 after approximately 1,149 coupé and 125 spyder models had been built.

A left-hand drive model fitted with the desirable ZF five-speed manual gearbox, this Ghibli Coupé was imported into the UK from Italy in the late 1980s (a copy of the Italian registration documents on file shows that the car was from Genoa). Since importation, the car has had two owners prior to the vendor, the first being solicitor Jonathan Kellet who owned it from 1989 until 1997 when it was purchased by Mr George Campbell. Expired MoTs on file show that the car only travelled 6,000-or-so kilometres in that period, during which time it was restored, benefiting from a bare metal re-spray in red, interior re-trim in magnolia leather and re-plated brightwork. One of the best of its kind currently available, ‘HGC 391J’ has seen relatively little use of late and is presented in good condition throughout. The car is offered with sundry restoration invoices, current MoT and Swansea V5 document

 

 
 
SOLD FOR GB £33,925
 
All text and photos copyright of Bonhams
 
 
 
 
 
From Toby in Australia
 

"Dear Enrico,

I agree with Oliver from Hong Kong ( Page 152 ) that the Quattroporte IV V8 definitely engine brakes when you move down through the box. I also note that Simon (who had the original auto query) has an English manual - I'm wondering if there's some way of getting that online, eMailed, pdf'ed or otherwise as a service to Maseratisti of the world? I've got a printed Italian copy but it's not quite the same... I confess I owned my Quattroporte IV V8 for a week before I discovered what the "S" for Sports button did...

Also agree with Simon that the brake squeal is a huge irritation - have just had new disks all round and to no avail - if anything it got worse. Any suggestions gratefully accepted.

Some photos attached - the first two are as purchased after I had painfully hand polished the tail pipes and rear mufflers(!). The second two photos ("Update" with the MA****** plates) are after a lot of work was done including new shocks, lowered front 10mm and rear 30mm, brakes, seals, horn, new Maserati clock which still doesn't work etc.

We've just started rebuilding the exhaust and found some horrible work, including an engine pipe that was nudging the steering rack and had been compressed to half its volume. Now breathing much better and the exhaust note is improving... Now what to do about those wheels! They've got to go!

Keep up the great work and great stories.

Toby - Sydney."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From Yannick in France
 

"Enrico,

Congratulation for your article on the 222 SR. Indeed I was also wondering what was the definition of SR.

But it's also true that the story of the 222 was very confused (222, 222 SE, 222 SR, 18V or 24V, 2l or 2.8l) but do you know the meaning of SE?

Maybe Splendido Enrico?

Regards,

Yannick."

"Hi Yannick,

Yesterday, I spoke with Sig Cozza at Maserati, and asked him about the "S" and "ES".

He told me that the sportier versions of the Biturbo were named Biturbo S, and according to Maserati's sports racing tradition, the "S" stands for Sport; e.g. 150S, 200S, 250S, 300S, 350S and 450S.

The "E" in Biturbo E and Biturbo ES, is simply E for Esportazione (Export), and was given to the larger 2.5-litre and 2.8-litre engined export models.

In the UK and USA, for example, the term "SE" was given to for certain models that were fitted with a "Special Equipment" kit; added to stimulate sales.

Regards,

Enrico."

 

In my reply to Yannick, I thought I had covered everything until I came across this advert in a Spanish magazine for yet another model, the Biturbo ST.

My first thought was that maybe the "ST" stood for the Sensitork differential. But I think it stood for "Silent Travel", a new German sound-proofing system installed in the later Maseratis. Maybe our Spanish friends can correct me if I'm wrong on this one!

 
 
 

Back to the 222 SR. Since I published that the "SR" stood for "Sospensione Regolabile", I have received emails from three owners who state that their 222 SRs DO NOT HAVE THE ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION!

I've just taken a look at a brochure for the 222 SR and 222 4v., and on the technical specifications page it states that the Sospensione Regolabile (electronic suspension) was fitted as standard on the 222 4v., but was available as an option on the 222 SR.

 
 
 
 
 
From Oliver in Hong Kong
 

"Hi Enrico,

I have some photos here, I hope you enjoy them!

All the best,

Oliver."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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