Maserati 3200 GT

The 3200 GT is the first Maserati of a new era, one which will restore the cars of the Trident to their rightful place. Following the arrival of Alejandro De Tomaso, the Modena-based company went through something of a troubled period. With the rationalisation which followed the Fiat takeover and the subsequent transfer of the company to Ferrari, it was necessary to cut out the frills and return to the old Maserati spirit in an uncompromising rappel a l'ordre. But what is the true Maserati spirit? It is to be found, not only in the competition cars, but also in its Italian-style GTs; first and foremost, the splendid 3500 GT designed by Giulio Alfieri and built by Touring at the end of the fifties. That model, which was followed by a number of variations on the theme, including efforts by Bertone and Frua, must be regarded as the highroad to a return to success for Maserati. The Fiat Group was right to hand the brief for the new 3200 GT to Giorgetto Giugiaro. In the new car, Giugiaro has concentrated his vast experience of the theme to full effect (let's not forget that it was he who designed the first fantastic Ghibli), using all his masterful skill to develop the mix of sober elegance and great sportiness, without over the top aggressiveness, which makes a thoroughbred Maserati the true alternative to the technologically more advanced, but also more expensive latest-generation Ferrari berlinettas. This book describes the genesis of the project, presents the car in full detail, along with illustrations of factory assembly, and offers an account of a comprehensive road test.