2001 Maserati 3200 GT Assetto Corsa Auto

Back in the late 1990s, fresh under Ferrari ownership, the rejuvenated Italian marque, Maserati was ready to take on its rivals. Its latest weapon of choice was the 3200 GT. Designed by Italdesign, the car didn't just make it to Evo Magazine's inaugural cover, it soon found its way to the hearts of many car lovers globally. But for those who wanted their brand-new Maserati to be a bit more special, the 3200 GT was also launched in a special edition called the Assetto Corsa. Its limited production run meant that in the early noughties, you could own a Maserati that was not just more driver-focussed but also rarer —just 75 of these right-hand drive cars were officially imported into the UK. Developed from the 3200 GT Automatica, the special edition was limited to 250 units and was available in three colours (Grigio Touring, Nero Carbonio and Rosso Mondiale).

‘Assetto Corsa' translates to ‘race set-up’ in Italian and it’s in this area that the main changes have been made to this stylish Maserati. The ‘handling package’ included a lowered suspension set-up – some 15mm lower than the standard car with stiffer springs, a larger diameter anti-roll bar and a variable electronic suspension system which allows the driver to adjust to a number of individual settings. The main feature of the Assetto Corsa package was the adoption of an intelligent electronic damping system allowing automatic adjustment of each individual gas strut depending on the level of vertical and lateral acceleration. Using processing data from a set of sensors, the suspension automatically adjusted up to 14 different settings and the traction control could be turned off.

Nothing under the shapely bonnet had changed and the Assetto Corsa continued to utilise the twin-turbocharged version of the 3.2-litre, dual overhead camshaft V8 engine first seen in the Gandini-styled Quattroporte, developing 370bhp at 6,250rpm and mated to a 6-speed gated manual gearbox. 

The Assetto Corsa also adopted a larger front anti-roll bar, stiffer springs, Pirelli P-Zero Corsa soft-compound tyres, Pagid racing brake pads, bespoke ventilation ducts, a new steering servo with faster response, ergonomic sport pedals, perforated Connolly leather interior, 'Titanium-effect' painted 15-spoke, 18" alloy wheels, an ‘Assetto Corsa’ script on the sill kick panels and red brake calipers.

First registered in 2001, this particular Maserati 3200 GT Assetto Corsa, according to the dedicated plaque on the dashboard, is  number 16 of the 75 right-hand cars destined for the UK. Finished in Grigio Touring with a black interior, it’s accompanied by a comprehensive service history and the current MOT is valid until January 2024. It had covered just 47,200 miles at time of viewing, is in very good condition throughout, having been maintained as and when required, but does show some minor wear demonstrating that it has not been wrapped in cotton wool but has been used as intended and is probably all the better for it. Your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged to fully appreciate the potential on offer.

These svelte Italian coupés go particularly well, sound great, seat four in a fabulous interior and are rare, being one of 250 examples worldwide. All the markers for future investment appeal and great fun while you are waiting.

NB; The registration number illustrated in our images does not form part of the sale. Now registered Y554 HNH.