My 3200 affair… one month on

[greeny12]

Well, it's been a month since she entered my life. Just a month. And already things are unlikely to ever return to the way they were before.

While seeking automotive stimulation I my life I rather feel I've hurtled straight from a bit of furtive fumbling behind the bike sheds into a full-blown affair with a beautiful, utterly crazy and extremely high maintenance Italian femme fatale. I have little doubt, though, that on this occasion it is my wallet, rather than my heart, that is set to be broken.

30 days of intimacy has uncovered a whole host of little (and not-so-little) flaws that were obscured by a grey Scottish sky, a rather… how shall I say… enthusiastic sales pitch and my own love-struck initial glances. I'm already well acquainted with the splendid – and very patient – folk at Emblem, who will be steadily ticking off a list of jobs ranging from the trivial to the eye-watering over the coming 12 months.

There's also the small matter of some not-spotted panel rust – tiny though it is – to deal with once somebody can work out precisely what colour she was bare-metal-resprayed to a few years ago. This came supposedly from the Porsche colour palette, but there are no known records and it has stumped even a Porsche specialist bodyshop!

Oh, and I have a shiny new Trident to replace the corroded one that currently occupies the front grille, the order for which has served to open what I can only imagine will be an oft-used account with Eurospares…

But if I want to forget all that I simply have to open the garage door, slip into the driver's seat, turn the key and wait for that glorious moment when the engine fires. It will never fail to put a smile on my face and I'd challenge anyone who purports to be a car buff not to be thrilled by it.

She's bloody quick too, especially once Myles at Emblem had reattached the turbo air intake which had decided to come loose entirely of its own volition!

She is also – without doubt – what I call an ‘event' car, wherein every drive is an event to cherish regardless of where you are going. I haven't owned one of those since I sold my old 911 SC some 15 years ago. That was a flippin' money pit as well, but I still have its picture on my desk…

So, roll on the next month of our madcap affair. And the next. And the one after that.

 

[allandwf]

Haha! Hooked They are addictive aren't they.

 

[NickP]

Worth looking to see if any of the jobs on your list can be done by yourself, check the technical fixes and alternative parts sections for a wealth of hints and tips. Any decent paint factor should be able to take a reading from your car and create a colour match using a spectrophotometer. Candy/flake etc make this more difficult but you may find they match it with a factory Porsche code.

 

[zagatoes30]

Welcome to the world of Maserati ownership.

The good news is a trip to Emblem is always a balanced experience, great customer service, expert advice, lovely cars to mull over and decent coffee on one side and the bill on the other. The icing on the cake is the car is always better on the way back than it was on the way there.

 

[Contigo]

Emblem will sort you out, top guys and Myles knows his stuff on these 3200's. They do a good check inspection which they did on mine and it is nice to know what needs doing and tick them off one at a time.

Are you coming to a meet soon? Once you hear my exhaust you will want one too

 

[greeny12]

Emblem will sort you out, top guys and Myles knows his stuff on these 3200's. They do a good check inspection which they did on mine and it is nice to know what needs doing and tick them off one at a time.

Are you coming to a meet soon? Once you hear my exhaust you will want one too

Already had that inspection - hence the list of jobs!

I'm coming to AutoItalia at Brooklands, so assuming I get there in time to hit the Maserati parking I hope I'll see a few forum cars and forumites on the day!

 

[highlander]

As Allan said, addictive or what!
Yes, she will rip shreds in your wallet sometimes, and yes, she will check you are paying her enough attention by throwing a CEL now and again but like you the grin every time I get in mines is....well, addictive!
Enjoy, hope you find the colour match, she is a gorgeous colour in the flesh,I seen her last August I think down at PK.

 

[EVOeng]

If you're down south my buddy's bodyshop will match the paint up for you. To me it looks like it's Arena Red.

 

[whereskeith]

How quickly has that month passed ? Glad your loving the car.
I have had my GS for about a month now so am in the same situation as you, small jobs to do on the car and loving ownership.
My 12 year old son had a growing up tearful moment last Friday , to cheer him up I offered a blast out in the car. He is in love with car and 20 mins later with the windows down we hit the local campo roads.
One hour later all is passed and one happy son (and grinning dad) get back home.
Absolute magic....worth all that petrol !