Maserati 3500 G.T.I.

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30259, 11 October 1963, Page 13

Maserati 3500 G.T.I.

have come a A long way towards the ultimate in acceleration, roadholding, comfort, ease of control and inherent safety with the Maserati 3500 GTI, tested in Wellington recently.

As the GTI signifies, this Maserati is a close-coupled two-pl us-4 wo grand tourer; the “I” in the designation stands for fuel injection. The beautifully proportioned body is by Touring of Milan. The rigidity engendered by the light framework of elliptical aluminium tubing is proved by a “oneness” of movement of the car felt while travelling. There is no suspicion of body-flex, even over bad bumps, and there is no harsh ride to go with it. Even on fast, bumpy bends the ride remains perfectly flat and comfortable. There is no hint of looseness in the suspension and when the rear of the car is induced to break away by over-zealous use of the throttle, the car comes back into line immediately the excess power is removed.

The pedals are large and placed close together for quick application. The clutch has rather a long travel and firm pressure is needed on the brakes. When applied, however, the four Girling discs drag the speed down relentlessly. One of the most notable features of the car is the steering and tracking. The steering is feather light and positive, and, combined with the neutral basic handling characteristics, enables the car to be driven at speed over the most tortuous roads with confidence. Over some winding mountain roads near Wellington, where it would have been positively dangerous to drive a conventional family saloon at the legal limit, the Maserati bounded along with absolute sureness in the region of 55 m.p.h., obviously capable of even higher speeds with safety. The acceleration is electrifying, 30 m.p.h. coming up in 3.8 sec in first gear without wheelspin. A speed of 50 m.p.h. is reached in second gear in just six seconds. The gearbox was brand new and when freed up a little these figures could doubtless be lowered further. The interior contributes much to the feeling of comfort. The upholstery is in two shades of tan leather, with two bucket seats for driver and passenger and two occasional seats in the rear. The gear-shift is placed on the central tunnel within easy

reach and is held in the plane of third and fourth gears, first and second, on one side, and fifth on the other, requiring pressure against a springloaded gate. Behind the alloy-spoked steering wheel there are a large tachometer and speedometer, with fuel, oil pressure and temperature gauges and an ammeter, in a row above them. The oil pressure gauge hints at the power under the bonnet registering a steady 1401 b pressure. The side windows are electrically operated by buttons with a master control for the passenger’s window on the driver’s door. Visibility is excellent and the “knifeedge” styling of the front wings makes placement of the car in relation to the edge of the road and other traffic easy.

Even at high speed there is little or no road noise, although there is a certain amount of resonance with both windows open at certain positions. The Pirelli tyres are almost silent, even when cornering and braking. The engine noise is reduced to a minimum and the exhaust is unobstrusive except when revving really hard in the gears. A conversation can be carried on at more than 100 m.p.h. with little or no difficulty, provided one window is closed. Although it is such an eminently desirable car, there are certain factors that have to be taken into account. The cost is beyond the average man and servicing is expensive and slower than with a volume production car. For £BOOO (New Zealand price) the purchaser gets a lot of motorcar in the Maserati; but its potential, even for the enthusiast, wiU remain largely untapped.

SPECIFICATION! Maserati 3500GT1: Engine, 6 cyl.. 3465.29 c.c. bore 26mm x stroke 100 mm. Lucas fuel Injection. seven bearing crankshaft, 235 bh.p. at 3800 r.p.m. Transmission: Five forward speeds, all synchronised and reverse; hydraulically operated clutch. Suspension: By double wishbones and coil springs, rigid hypoid bevel rear axle on cantilever semi-elUp:lcs, telescopic shock absorbers all round. Brakes: Girling discs all round, 12in diameter front, 11 Is in discs rear, all servo-assisted with mechanical handbrake on rear wheels. Dimensions: Height, 4ft 3'jin; length. 14ft Sin; width. sft Sin; weight, 2750ib; wheelbase, 90.4 in. NEW FORD Ford have announced a new li-litre model, the Corsair, which replaces the Consul Classic, known here as the 315. A blend of Falcon and Cortina styling, it will be available in three models, the standard, de luxe, and the G.T, The four-speed gear-box is all-synchromesh and an automatic transmission will be available. The suspension is the same as other Fords, but disc brakes are fitted to the front wheels. The G.T. version produces 78 b.h.p. as against 60 b.h.p. from the standard model, and has a Weber carburettor. The brakes are servo-assisted on all models. The dashboard wiring is on a printed circuit to eliminate the usual tangle of wiring. INTERSECTIONS Summing up the results of the recent intersections campaign the New Zealand Road Safety Council says it seems many road users are becoming lax about observing stop and give-way signs. Christchurch motorists are reported to be good at observing these signs, the main faults being