Just as the DB7 did for Aston Martin, at a stroke the elegantly-styled 3200 GT rejuvenated the Maserati marque when it was introduced as the flagship grand tourer in 1998, with a 3.2-litre V8 and comfortable seating for four.

Its successor, the 177mph 4200 GT, was unveiled in Spyder form at the 2001 Frankfurt Auto Show with the Coupe version following at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show.

Both exhibiting subtly updated styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign.

A direct evolution of the 3200 GT, they boasted a new 4,244cc, naturally-aspirated Ferrari-Maserati V8.

Developing 385bhp and 332lb ft of torque, the engine was allied with a six-speed transmission that could be had in conventional manual or Cambiocorsa guises (the latter incorporating electrohydraulic assistance and F1-style steering wheel paddles).

Finished in a very attractive shade of blue over a tan leather interior this 4200 Spyder has covered just c.41,000 miles from new.

With Cambiocorsa paddle shift transmission allied...