A CLASSY sports car with a 176mph top speed is up for sale at a lower price than the UK’s cheapest new motor.
The stylish soft-top is a rare collectable classic, with fewer than 300 estimated to remain in the UK.
5
5
Maserati is probably best known today for producing sharp-edge supercars to rival those of Ferrari and Lamborghini.
But the firm’s back catalogue is littered with far subtler and softer sportsters with its famous Italian flair.
A real sleep hit of this range is the Spyder, a convertible model released in parallel with the Maserati Coupe.
Making its debut in 2002, it enjoyed a limited run of five years before being replaced by the GranTurismo, which is still produced to this day.
The design was based on the legendary Maserati GT after it was given facelift in 1999.
Under the bonnet, the Spyder boasted a 4.2-litre V8 that was co-developed with Ferrari.
These days, it is surprisingly rare with only 255 left on UK roads, according to HowRareIsMyCar.
Which makes it even more special that one of the earliest models has gone up for sale at a bargain price.
A listing on AutoTrader offers a 2003 Spyder with 74,150 miles on the clock.
Despite the relatively high mileage, it looks to be closed to factory-fresh condition.
The gleaming silver bodywork doesn’t appear to have a scratch or scuff on it, while the black leather-trimmed interior is absolutely spotless.
The ad states: “Despite its thrilling performance, the car remains comfortable to drive at low speeds, allowing the delightful sound of the V8 to be heard.
“Inside, the Spyder impresses with its luxurious black leather seats that extend to the dashboard and doors.
“Generally the car now wants for nothing and drives superbly.”
The owner added that the only thing that doesn’t work is the radio, which they haven’t fixed as they use their phone as a sat nav and radio instead.
The classic convertible is on offer for just £9,250.
That’s more than £4,000 cheaper than the £13,795 Dacia Sandero – the cheapest new car on the market in the UK.
But with a 176mph red line, the Spyder can handily outstrip the 113mph Sandero in spit of its advanced age.
It comes after a major UK car brand became the first ever to release an EV priced identically to the equivalent petrol model.
5
5