E
Elliott
Published on March 4, 2026
★
★
★
★
★
I've owned this 2003 Maserati Coupé GT for several years now. It’s clearly not the most rational choice in the automotive world, but that’s exactly what makes it so endearing. Plus, this particular car has a unique history, since it appeared on the show *Car Trek 2* before I got my hands on it.
When I bought it, it was in pretty terrible shape: the interior was incomplete, it needed a lot of repairs, and it had several problems that had built up over the years. But I paid only 4,500 $ for it, which was an incredible deal for a Maserati equipped with a Ferrari V8 and a true manual transmission.
That's exactly what makes this version so special. Most 4200 Coupes were equipped with the Cambiocorsa automated manual transmission. Mine is a rare GT with a true 6-speed manual transmission and a clutch pedal. It’s even the last Maserati to have been offered with a manual transmission.
The absolute highlight of this car is still its engine. The original Ferrari naturally aspirated V8 is a marvel. Every time you start it up is a pleasure, and as soon as the tachometer needle nears 8,000 rpm, the sound becomes simply addictive. Honestly, a lot of minor flaws disappear the moment you hear this engine sing.
Contrary to its reputation, the car has proven to be quite reliable mechanically. I use it regularly for car meets, drives, and even a few track days. The only real notable incident was a broken gearshift linkage during a track day. Other than that, I’ve mostly dealt with minor electronic issues and repairs to parts damaged by previous owners.
However, there’s one thing to keep in mind: maintenance costs are still those of a Ferrari. A clutch can easily cost several thousand euros, and even the smallest repair comes at a high price. The problem is that, unlike a Ferrari, the resale value doesn’t necessarily keep up. You’re paying Ferrari-level bills for a car that’s still worth between $15,000 and $20,000 on the market.
I also really like the interior. It has that typical early-2000s Italian vibe, with leather everywhere: the dashboard, door panels, headliner, and center console. Even though some parts have shown their age, the atmosphere is still very special.
All in all, this Maserati isn't perfect. It requires attention, patience, and a maintenance budget befitting its pedigree. But for the price of a recent city car, it offers a naturally aspirated Ferrari V8, a manual transmission, a unique design, and a driving experience that’s become almost impossible to find these days. Just for the sound of the engine alone, I have absolutely no regrets about my purchase.
When I bought it, it was in pretty terrible shape: the interior was incomplete, it needed a lot of repairs, and it had several problems that had built up over the years. But I paid only 4,500 $ for it, which was an incredible deal for a Maserati equipped with a Ferrari V8 and a true manual transmission.
That's exactly what makes this version so special. Most 4200 Coupes were equipped with the Cambiocorsa automated manual transmission. Mine is a rare GT with a true 6-speed manual transmission and a clutch pedal. It’s even the last Maserati to have been offered with a manual transmission.
The absolute highlight of this car is still its engine. The original Ferrari naturally aspirated V8 is a marvel. Every time you start it up is a pleasure, and as soon as the tachometer needle nears 8,000 rpm, the sound becomes simply addictive. Honestly, a lot of minor flaws disappear the moment you hear this engine sing.
Contrary to its reputation, the car has proven to be quite reliable mechanically. I use it regularly for car meets, drives, and even a few track days. The only real notable incident was a broken gearshift linkage during a track day. Other than that, I’ve mostly dealt with minor electronic issues and repairs to parts damaged by previous owners.
However, there’s one thing to keep in mind: maintenance costs are still those of a Ferrari. A clutch can easily cost several thousand euros, and even the smallest repair comes at a high price. The problem is that, unlike a Ferrari, the resale value doesn’t necessarily keep up. You’re paying Ferrari-level bills for a car that’s still worth between $15,000 and $20,000 on the market.
I also really like the interior. It has that typical early-2000s Italian vibe, with leather everywhere: the dashboard, door panels, headliner, and center console. Even though some parts have shown their age, the atmosphere is still very special.
All in all, this Maserati isn't perfect. It requires attention, patience, and a maintenance budget befitting its pedigree. But for the price of a recent city car, it offers a naturally aspirated Ferrari V8, a manual transmission, a unique design, and a driving experience that’s become almost impossible to find these days. Just for the sound of the engine alone, I have absolutely no regrets about my purchase.
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