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

 
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From Enrico in the UK

Going under the hammer at Specialist Classic and Sports Car Auctioneers' "Historics at Brooklands" car sale at the Brooklands Museum on the 4th December 2010, is a 1977 Maserati Bora 4.9 Litre belonging to a long-standing Maserati Club member.

Lot 60 - 1977 Maserati Bora 4.9 Litre

Registration: ULO 111R
Chassis Number: AM117/49US/1040
Engine Number: AM117/49US/1040
Odometer reading: 46,987
Estimate: £55,000 – £65,000

The Maserati Bora is a two-seater coupé powered by a 4.7 or 4.9 litre V8 engine mounted amidships. Produced from 1971 to 1978, the iconic Bora has a top speed of 174-177 miles per hour.



 

 


 

 


 

 

Shortly after Citroën took a controlling interest in Maserati in 1968, the concept of a mid-engined two-seat sports car was proposed. Lamborghini and De Tomaso already had the Miura and Mangusta whilst Ferrari were known to be developing their own mid-engined contender. Initially known as Tipo 117, and later the Bora, the Maserati project got underway in October 1968 and a prototype was on the road by the summer of 1969. Shown in its final form at the Geneva Salon in March 1971, and sporting the timeless Giorgetto Giugiaro design, the first customer cars had been delivered before the end of the year.

This Bora, a 1977 model, was an original export to the USA and believed to be one of the last 25 built. The highest car number found in the US was 1046 and this car is 1040. 235 of the 524 cars built were fitted, as this car, with the more desirable 4.9 litre engine. However, it seems that this option was only introduced for the European Bora in late 1976.

The vendor of this Bora is a chartered engineer and the ex-Chairman of the Maserati Club. He has owned Maseratis since 1974, and in addition to the Bora, his dehumidified garages house another three Tridents. ULO 111R has been in his ownership since 1989 when he imported it directly from the USA. At that time, it had a recorded mileage of 17,847, which is almost certainly correct. Since then it has covered a further 29,500 miles giving a total mileage of c 47,000 at the time of sale.

On arrival in the UK, this car was converted back to European specification, with the exception of the silencer location and the rubber bumpers, which were relocated. At this time, new stainless steel manifolds and exhaust were also fitted. These works, and indeed all major servicing work, were undertaken by Bill McGrath Maserati of Kimpton, Hertfordshire. Andy Heywood of Bill McGrath Limited knows this car well, and a full service, fresh MoT test certificate and condition report will be prepared by Andy's team immediately prior to the auction.

In 1995/96 the chassis and body were fully restored in the vendor's workshop. He employed a suitably skilled person to do this work, under his supervision. A photographic record documents this work. Other modifications and improvements carried out included a completely re-designed fuel system to prevent fuel vaporization, which had been a constant if intermittent problem. Hatches were made in the firewall behind the seats to provide access to the front of the engine. The current electric mirrors replaced the particularly ugly originals. The offside mirror has been damaged, but remains fully functional.

This Bora is a well cared for and mechanically accomplished motor car. As she stands, she's no concours winner, but then who wants a concours Maserati when they can have so much more fun actually using one? With the 4.9 litre engine, this car not only represents sound investment potential, but is also exhilarating to use. Don't miss this opportunity to own one of the last 25 Bora's made - after all the vendor has only been persuaded to sell her because it doesn't suit his advancing years!....

Further details at www.historics.co.uk


 
 
 
 
From Enrico in the UK

A very interesting Maserati is coming up for sale at Bonhams' "Important Collectors' Motor Cars, Motorcycles and Automobilia" sale at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands on the 6th December 2010 at 10:00am.

A 1964 Maserati 3500 GTi Coupe, formerly the property of the late Bill McGrath.


Lot No: 507


Formerly the property of the late Bill McGrath
1964 Maserati 3500GTI Coupé


Coachwork by Touring, of Milan
Registration no. CLN 129B
Chassis no. AM101*2850*
Engine no. AM101*2850*

Estimate: £65,000 - 75,000

SOLD FOR GB £78,500



 

 


 

 


 

 

FOOTNOTE:

By the end of the 1950s Maserati was facing a bleak future. Its parent company's financial difficulties forced a withdrawal from racing, and Maserati's survival strategy henceforth centred on establishing the company as a producer of road cars. The Modena marque's new era began in 1957 with the launch of the Touring-bodied 3500GT, its first road car built in significant numbers. A luxury 2+2, the 3500GT drew on Maserati's competition experience, employing a tubular chassis frame and an engine derived from the 350S sportscar unit. Suspension was independent at the front by wishbones and coil springs, while at the back there was a conventional live axle/semi-elliptic arrangement. The twin-overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine developed around 220bhp initially, later examples producing 235bhp on Lucas mechanical fuel injection. Built initially with drum brakes and a four-speed gearbox, the 3500GT was gradually improved, gaining five speeds, front disc brakes and, finally, all-disc braking.

The example offered here represents the pinnacle of the model's development, featuring the five-speed ZF gearbox, disc brakes all round, twin-plug ignition, air conditioning and Lucas mechanical fuel injection, hence the name change to '3500GTI', the first time the now common 'GTI' appellation had ever been used. Chassis number '2850' is one of the last 3500GTIs built and one of only around 100 right-hand drive cars from a total production of a round 2,000. It is of particular significance to UK Maserati enthusiasts, having been owned for the last 37 years by Bill McGrath.

A non-runner when Bill McGrath's wife discovered it in a builder's yard in 1973, '2850' was purchased for £500 and Bill then set about restoring it. During this process he realised that there was very little known about these Maseratis and very few parts available. Having nursed the car back to health, Bill started to gain a reputation within the nascent Maserati Club as someone who could make these cars work properly. In 1977 he gave up his job running an 'everyday' garage and became a full time Maserati specialist.

The 3500GTI was used as daily transport by Bill and his wife - taking the children to school, carrying hay bales for their horses - but as Bill became busier with other Maseratis so his time to look after his own car diminished and in 1986 it was taken off the road. Bill's company grew, restoring many significant Maseratis over the years as well as supporting owners with servicing and parts. Bill promised himself that one day he would restore his own car again but it was only when he finally retired in 2004 that it actually happened. Together with the team that now runs 'Bill McGrath Maserati', Bill restored his car and was able to use it once again, though only some 1,000-or-so miles have been covered since the engine was rebuilt seven years ago. Sadly, Bill McGrath died in December 2009.

Sold here on behalf of his family, this 3500GTI was the first and the last Maserati restored by Bill McGrath, a name that will be forever linked with the great Italian marque. '2850' is offered with MoT to November 2011 and Swansea V5 registration document. Additional dashboard gauges for fuel pressure and vacuum are the only notified deviations from factory specification, while slow synchromesh into 4th gear is understood to be the only fault.


Photo and text courtesy of Bonhams


 
 
 
 
Spotted on eBay.com

1967 4-litre Maserati Mistral


1967 New York Auto Show car



The Maserati stand at the 1967 New York Auto Show

Chassis number: AM109/A1*1216*

Colour: Grigio Aureuil

Interior: Pelle nera ( blkack leather)

* Optional - 4.0-litre engine

* Optional - Air-conditioning

* Optional - Electric Windows

* Optional - 5 Borranis wire wheels

* Specially ordered rear seat cushions (rare)

* Includes original handbooks and tool kit

* Car was personally tested by the legendary Maserati test driver Guerino Bertocchi.

This is a 3 owner unmolested original car with the original Lucas direct fuel Injection still in place.

Extensive records for the last 25 years including a video of the engine rebuild.

The car was used very little in its first 17 years registering only 12,000 miles.

It is a very solid original car with a great patina, not a show car.

It runs, drives great and has been very reliable. Just completed a 500 mile trip.

The car is for someone that appreciates originality, paint still looks good, it does have age scuffs, cracks etc. (i.e PATINA).

This car should continue to be kept mechanically sound, but not cosmetically restored. An unmolested original car like this is a rare find. THEY ARE ONLY ORIGINAL ONCE !

A total of 828 Mistral Coupes were built. Only 298 were equipped with the ultimate and final 4.0 version of Maserati's F1 World Championship winning in-line 6. Few were as fully optioned as this car including the very rare special order rear seat cushions.

The refined and elegant design built in aluminium was carried out by Carrozzeria Frua.

This is a great rally car with all the classic styling of a 60's Italian exotic, comfortable for long drives with lots of luggage space and more than enough power to match its equivalent model Ferrari, Lamborghini or Aston Martin. A fantastic value in comparison.

Lots of spare parts.

Reason for sale - Out of garage space.

The car was featured in the Back Roads section of Autoweek in 2007 at www.autoweek.com.



 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 


 

If you like to know more about this car, check it out at www.ebay.com


 
 
 
 
From Didier in France

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the launch of the Maserati Biturbo



1981-2011: The 30th anniversary of the launch of the Maserati Biturbo

"Hi Enrico,

Hope everything is okay with you.

Just to let you know that we have arrive at a new stage in our project. Today we have officially opened registrations for the event.

Very best regards.

Didier."

Dear Maseratisti,

2011 will be the 30th anniversary of the launch of the Maserati Biturbo. Italian CarsClub will celebrate this by organising a great meeting with cars from all eras. The meeting will be held on the 30th April and 1st May 2011, at the Magny-Cours race track facilities (France) during the annual Classic-Days event. Maserati owners from all over Europe will be most welcome to come along and join us !

We would like to share our passion, by meeting lots of Maseratis during this week-end.

This month, we have officially launched registrations.

For further information you may check out our dedicated website at www.italian-cars-club.com.

Why not register now to celebrate this unique event.

We will be happy to meet you at this event.

To contact us:

Email: infos30ans@italian-cars-club.com.
Tel: Didier: +33 627012738
       Barth: +33 648461943


 
 
 
 
From Maserati Corse in Italy

VALLELUNGA 6 HOURS, 20 - 21 NOVEMBER 2010


Two Official Maserati GranTurismo MCs Racing in the Vallelunga 6 Hours

Modena (I), 19 November 2010 – Maserati Corse will enter to the 6 Hours of Vallelunga two Maserati GranTurismo MC in the GT Cup category. The cars have a new configuration, with advanced technical specifications to be used in 2011. In details, both GranTurismo MC will be provided with a pneumatic jack system and a new fuel tank attachment for quicker refills.

One team will be made up of the FIA GT1 reigning champion Andrea Bertolini (currently the top-ranking driver in the 2010 World FIA GT1, which has only two rounds to go) and Alessandro Pier Guidi. This year the latter has earned four victories while driving a Maserati GranTurismo MC: two in the GT4 European Cup at Paul Ricard and another two in the English round at Brands Hatch in the Maserati championship.

This car have been upgrated in terms of engine power, brakes and aerodynamic.

The second car will be driven by Phil Bastiaans, winner of the 2010 GT4 Dutch championship, European ex-Champion of the 2002 Renault Clio Cup as well as Dutch champion of the Alfa 147 GTA Cup in 2004 and on several occasions he has raced in the Spa 24 Hours. He will drive with Lorenzo Casè, who drove the thendebuting Maserati GranTurismo MC GT4 on the Spa racetrack during the GT4 European Cup last year.

In the entry list there is the private Swiss Team with a Maserati GranTurismo MC in the GT4 class. The drivers are Andrea Chiesa and Gabriele Gardel.

Maserati has won the Vallelunga 6 Hours twice with the Racing Box team’s MC12 (in 2005 and in 2006).

A recap of the race (26 minutes) will be broadcast on Thursday 2 December at 8 pm GMT on Sky’s Play TV, channel 869.

The schedule (local time):

Free practices: Saturday 20 November, 9 am-10 am and 11 am-12 noon GMT
Qualifying practices: Saturday 20 November, 2 pm-3 pm GMT
Race: Sunday 21 November, 9:30 am-3:30 pm GMT


Copyright Maserati/Mario Chiarappa

Maserati GranTurismo MC

Photo and text courtesy of Maserati


 
 
 
 
From Roger in the UK

Maserati Club UK produce a stunning award winning display at the Classic Motor Show


"Hi Enrico,

At this year’s Classic Motor Show held at the NEC from 12th to 14th November, the Maserati Club UK put on a most spectacular display, with thousands of classic car enthusiasts admiring a selection of what must be some of the most desirable Maseratis in the world.

On the stand this year, with the theme “Maserati Race Cars” were; a Tipo 4CLT/48 “San Remo”, a Tipo 250F, a Tipo 200S, Tipo 60 "Birdcage", an A6G/54 Zagato Coupe, a Ghibli Open Cup Evoluzione courtesy of Meridien Modena and a GranTurismo MC Trofeo courtesy of Maserati GB. Also on view was the gorgeous OSCA FS 372 of Sir Stirling Moss.

The display was made complete with the latest GranTurismo S MC-Shift, supplied by local Maserati dealer Graypaul of Birmingham.

Maserati GB also arranged for merchandise from Maserati Store UK to be made available on the stand.

To capture the racing spirit, the stand took on the appearance of a starting grid, with the Club members, acting as stewards, dressed as Maserati mechanics.

At the Classic and Sports Car Magazine awards ceremony, the Club’s superb display secured the prestigious “Best Large Club Stand” award.

I greatly enjoyed helping out with the stand setup prior to the show, and acting as a steward for one day. The Maserati Club UK has put in an enormous amount of work throughout the preceding months to bring the display together, and a huge vote of thanks is due to all those involved: the Maserati Club UK, Maserati GB, Graypaul Birmingham, and the owners of the cars on show.

Hope you enjoy the photos.

Best regards,

Roger."



The stand starts to take shape

Club members lend a helping hand


Preparing the informative display panels

 


The guest entertainment area

Ready to receive the cars


The cars take their places

The Ghili Open Cup completes the line-up


Everything's in place ...

... just waiting for the OSCA !


The Maserati GranTurismo S MC-Shift arrives

On display in the guest entertainment area


With all the cars in place ...

... there's just the protective cover to remove ...


... and the stand is ready ...

... to accept visitors.


Descriptive text for Ghibli Open Cup Evoluzione

Descriptive text for Tipo 250F


Descriptive text for Tipo 60 "Birdcage"

Descriptive text for GranTurismo MC Trofeo


Descriptive text for Tipo A6G/54 Zagato Coupe

Descriptive text for Tipo 4CLT/48 "San Remo"


Descriptive text for Tipo 200 S

Descriptive text for OSCA FS372


Maserati Tipo 4CLT/48 "San Remo"

 


Maserati Tipo 200S

 


Maserati Tipo 250F

 


Maserati Tipo 60 "Birdcage"

 


Maserati Tipo A6G/54 Zagato Coupe

 


OSCA FS372

 


Maserati Ghibli Open Cup Evoluzione

 


Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo

 


The spectacular stand of the Maserati Club UK

Designed and erected by Event Exhibition and Design Limited


Stand set up as a starting grid

Video screens to entertain visitors


Club members dressed as Maserati mechanics

With the hard work done, ready to receive visitors !

All photos courtesy of Roger Harrison



 

ABOUT THE CLUB

The Maserati Club was formed in 1972. It is devoted not only to owners of Maseratis but also to enthusiasts of the marque.

Our interest covers the historic racing cars, the classic sports cars, through the 'De Tomaso' generation of Biturbo models, the brief but successful 3200 GT years, to the 4200 Coupe and Spyder, the highly acclaimed Quattroporte, the fabulous GranTurismo, and the latest GranCabrio.



 

Owners of OSCA cars, which were built by the Maserati brothers after severing their relationship with the Maserati company in 1947, and Maserati Motorcycles are also welcome.

The aims of the club are to provide information, assistance with ownership and a programme of events, in the United Kingdom and abroad, where members can meet to enjoy our mutual addiction.

The club produces two A4 publications, a bi-monthly "Newsletter" and a thrice yearly "Trident" which contains details of forthcoming events, news items and an items for sale section. Whilst the Trident includes, amongst other things, coverage of Maserati Club events, events of interest to Maserati enthusiasts & articles on specific models.



 

Members also have exclusive access to the club's 'Regalia Shop' where they may purchase from a large variety of Maserati literature, including copies of parts manuals and driver's handbooks, books and other Maserati literature at very competitive prices.


 
 
 
 
From Martin in Germany
 
Ghibli Open Cup Evoluzione
 

"Hi Enrico,

I hope your doing fine. Over the last period of about a year I tried some further modifications to get the car improved concerning trackworthiness and power stability. I attached some pictures.



Martin's Ghibli Open Cup engine


Extra large intercoolers

Rear diffusor adapted from the Mini Challenge car

Now I have some questions.

Do you have some information about the timing and the lift of the camshafts or the valve-sizes of the 2-litre Cup and the 2.8-litre engine? The reason why I ask is because I came into possession of a 2.8-litre engine. The plan is to rework the cylinder heads, mount H-shaft rods, bigger turbochargers and a new ECU. The goal is to get some 450 to 500 horses (depending on heat issues, boost pressure, turbo lag and power curve). It will probably be a learning process.

The original engine will stay untouched to get the engines quickly exchanged.

I also attached some photos of a new shifting system.



Martin's new shifting system

 

The chassis number is 361234, the car is except for slick tyres almost ready for the track. But as you surely know you always find something to improve. I am more on the engineering side than on the driver´s, just wanting to see and feel the effect of a modification (perhaps a little childish).

I do have a lot of contacts to motorsport companies, like the engine will be prepared by some former BMW F1 technicians who are also freaky about anything special. (If you have a closer look to the diffusor you can see that it is adapted from the Mini Challenge car.

Suspension is also really a problem because it is good for extremely flat circuits, but not suitable for circuits such as the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. I tried a lot with that issue and it has improved, but is far from perfect (compared to a new car).

You ask if I mind if You npublish my photos ? Posting the photos of my Ghibli Open Cup on your website would make me very proud. Meanwhile there are quite a few pictures. Do you have some special interests?

As you can see from the pictures there are fitted purpose configurated 3-piece wheels made by Cargraphic and adapted by SAT Autosport. The wheel sizes are 8,5x18 and 10,5x18 with 225/40 R18 and 285/30 R18 tyres, which is close to the geometrical limits of the wheel housing.

The underbody was modified to strengthen it and to have a better possibility to take the car on a lift. By the way some wounds from ancient fights were healed.



Momo leather bound steering wheel

Martin's Ghibli Open Cup


3-piece wheels by Cargraphic

Undertray modified for increased strength

On one picture you can see the monster asleep in the laboratory, and on others the condition it was in when it all started.



The monster asleep in the laboratory

Where it all started !!


The Ghibli Open Cup in the showroom

Ready for its new home

This one is for the enthusiast who like to see the biggest step of Maserati concerning the suspension and the brakes.



Brembo 4-pot calipers

Drilled and vented discs

Please see that agressive look. Some bi-halogen ellipsoid headlights are added with a diameter of 90mm. The idea was to get cooler air to the inlet of the air-filter boxes just behind the headlights. The conversion is finalised but I have not taken pictures yet.



Martin's bi-halogen ellipsoidal headlights


Martin's Ghibli Open Cup 'Evoluzione' ...

... in its new livery!


 

 


 

 


 

 

I don´t know, but perhaps you´re also interested in things like that. Like every former race cars my car took away some scars during its active time. Fortunately I had the look to find somebody to solve the problem concerning the body. He did it exactly the way I had in my mind and I was so happy about the result. It gives me no pleasure just to have it in the original condition because I always need to improve things.



 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Have a great time.

Regards,

Martin."


 
 
 
 
From Newspress in the UK

MASERATI AND PACO RABANNE EXHIBITION


when luxury runs the race…

Paris, 19th of November 2010 - Yesterday the Motor Village in Paris, the Fiat Group brand point on the Champs Elysees, hosted an exceptional VIP evening to showcase an exhibition from Maserati and Paco Rabanne, two brands which signed the haute-couture history in their respective fields.

The links between Paco Rabanne and the automotive world are very strong: he designed in the '60s a limited ready-to-wear collection named “rob’auto”, especially developed as a driving apparel line. His clothing, as well as Maserati cars, are purely emotional pieces and come from a fusion of design, art and passion which is absolutely inimitable. Moreover, the first female perfume created by Paco Rabanne was called Calandre (1969), and the front grille, calandre in French, is undoubtedly the most iconic part of a Maserati.

Many socialites and media personalities attended the event, among those the Italian actress and ‘Casino Royale’ Bond Girl Caterina Murino with her partner, French rugby player, Pierre Rabadan, Hollywood Star Tara Reid, French actresses Julie Judd and Pom Klementieff, designer Chantal Thomass and TV personalities Alexandra Golovanoff, Anne Denis, Victor Robert, Xavier Desmoulins and Valery Zeitoun.

All guests enjoyed the Maison Prunier Caviar and vodka Wiborova Exquisite, while dancing on the 60’s vibe played by DJ Cedric Couvezand.

The brand new Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale and a Maserati Trofeo Race Car, displayed at the entrance, ‘welcomed’ guests upon arrival. Indoors beautiful models dressed in iconic Paco Rabanne dresses, including the one made with aluminium discs worn by Audrey Hepburn in Two for the Road (1967) posed alongside the Maserati range, which included the stunning GranCabrio, the Quattroporte Sport GTS Awards Edition, the GranTurismo S MC Sport Line and a 300 S (1955), one of Maserati’s most iconic race cars.



Maserati 300S and Audrey Hepburn dress

Maserati 300S

Photos and text courtesy of Maserati


 
 
 
 
From SRO Media Office in the UK

FIA GT1 World Championship 2010


"Ciao Maseratisti,

With the penultimate race in the series coming up at Interlagos in Brazil on the 26/27/28 November, followers of the exploits of the Maserati MC12s raced by the Vitaphone Racing Team and Triple H Team Hegersport in this year's FIA GT1 World Championship might like to know how well they are faring.

As you can see from the tables below, Maserati are leading the Manufacturers' Championship and Vitaphone Racing Team are leading the Team Championship.

You might also be interested to know the weight penalties their cars have been carrying during the season so far.

Enrico."



 


 


 

Tables courtesy of SRO Media Office


 
 
 
 
From Arjan in The Netherlands

"Dear Enrico,

My 2.24v. is sold and I have immediatley purchased a Quattroporte IV in pristine condition.

You can make room on te advert page by removing my 2.24v. ad…

Thanks and keep up the good work!

Regards,

Arjan."



Arjan's pristine Quattroporte IV

 


 

 


 

 
 
 

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