A Dream Car To Handle

ANDREW PARKES takes one for a test-drive to find the reality behind the wheels of the dream

THE biggest problem you will encounter when test driving a new Maserati is actually getting into the car!

And the reason for this is simple wherever you go the car will be surrounded by admirers who just cant resist taking a long lingering look at one of the most impressive looking cars on the road.

However, after you have fought your way through the crowds and climbed into this incredible feat of engineering, you immediately realise what all the fuss is about.

Yes, the amazingly powerful eight cylinder V8 engine will do 0-60mph in under five seconds.

Yes, the top speed of 174mph is unbelievable.

Yes, it handles like a dream.

But, the Maserati 3200GT is more than all these things much, much more. Without fear of causing disappointment, I think I can safely say that, if you are lucky enough to find yourself behind the wheel of this magnificent beast, you will never drive a better car.

Of course, certain Aston Martin dealers and salesmen of top-of-the-range Mercedes may beg to differ.

But, believe me, they are wrong.

And, as I say, it is not just a macho power thing.

This really is the all-round King of the Road.

It really is difficult to know where to start when describing such a car and which superlatives to use but here goes.

Having been won over by the superb lines of the exterior, you are then plunged into an interior which, at a first glance, appears to be nothing but leather.

Seats, dash, steering wheel, door pockets, sun visors, it is all finished by hand in leather even the roof lining is suede.

Not finding the correct driving position in a seat which adjusts in a dozen different ways would be impossible.

And it is the same for the passenger.

In fact, considering the style and power of this particular car, I was very pleasantly surprised to find the same attention to detail has been shown to passengers travelling in the back.

Yes, when I say it is different, that is what I mean the whole package is special.

A Bentley may be luxurious, a Ferrari may be fast and a Skoda may offer good value but this one has got the lot.

Available as a manual or automatic, the acceleration of the 3200 GT will take your breath away.

Indeed, if you are not used to such speed, particularly in an automatic you need to treat it with a good deal of respect.

A flick of a switch takes you to sport mode and even more pin-you-back-in-your-seat power.

Another switch removes traction control and should only be considered by a driver used to controlling such power. And who wouldnt want want to get used to such control?

FACTFILE

Maserati 3200 GT

PRICE: £60,950 on-the-road.

ENGINE: Eight cylinders in 90 degree V.

SPECIFIC POWER: 116bhp/litre.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: Automatic on combined cycle, 18.1mpg. Manual on combined cycle, 16.6mpg.

TOP SPEED: 174mph (Manual).

ACCELERATION: 0 to 60mph in 4.9 seconds.

Black horse, white horse

Ferraris unmistakable prancing black horse badge and Kents white horse Invicta emblem have come together, with the news the Whitehouse Group is to represent Ferrari and Maserati in the county.

Whitehouse, one of Britains largest privately-owned motor dealership groups, has opened its new car showroom, in Bickley Road, Bromley, as Kents first and only official Ferrari and Maserati dealers.

The fully-fitted dealership, one of the latest additions to Ferraris 300 sales and service points in 39 countries, offers sales, service and parts for both Ferrari and Maserati, plus sales of Ferrari and Maserati used cars.

Whitehouse Group chairman Brian Whitehouse said: We are honoured to continue the impeccable pedigree of the Whitehouse Group by being selected by Maranello Concessionaires to add Ferrari and Maserati to our stable of dealerships.

These are surely the worlds ultimate specialist car brands. Representing them is the pinnacle of recognition in dealership terms.

It seems fitting the unvanquished white horse symbol of Kent should be married with the invincible tradition of Ferraris prancing black horse emblem in what is an extremely significant development for our group.

Lee Fulford, director of Ferrari and Maserati operations for the Whitehouse Group, added: Our groups reputation for professionalism and customer service was instrumental in securing this appointment, allowing Ferrari and Maserati to fill a key opening for both brands.

All the staff at this dealership have been handpicked for their enthusiasm and dedication. Flying the Ferrari and Maserati flags in Kent is more than just a job for us. We have immense pride in our operation and will always accommodate the specific requirements of our customers, whatever those may be.

I look forward to welcoming all fellow Ferrari and Maserati enthusiasts to our new dealership.