We recently posted a manual Gallardo Spyder and concluded that for drop-top driving, we'd either pony up for a Murciélago Roadster or look for something like a GranCabrio (GranTurismo Convertible in the US). At the half the price of a Gallardo, the GranTurismo certainly offers more than half of the ownership experience. Yet somehow, we don't imagine that the two are cross-shopped often. Understandable.

Maserati followed up the Tipo M138 Spyder with GranTurismo Convertible in 2007, moving from a Giugaro design to a Pininfarina body under the leadership of Jason Castriota. Maserati also saw fit to add a 4.7L V8 to the lineup, improving on the 385hp 4.2L in the Spyder with a stout 444hp in this example. Gone was the dry sump lubrication of the Spyder's V8 and the Cambiocorsa automated manual gearbox from the Spyder.

Year: 2015
Model: Maserati GranTurismo Convertible
Engine: 4.7L V8
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Mileage: 21,659 mi
Price: $65,000
Location: Pompano Beach, FL

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2015 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible

2015 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible
Blu Sofisticato Metallic over Bianco Pregiato Poltrona Frau Leather w/ Nero Top
*One Owner - Clean Carfax Report*

Factory Options:
20-Inch Trident Wheels in Grigio Mercury (Originally $825)
-Red Painted Brake Calipers

Trident Logo Stitched in Headrest (Originally 650)

Factory Windscreen

Vehicle Highlights:
4.7 Liter V8 Engine rated at 444 Horsepower
6-Speed Automatic Transmission
Rear Wheel Drive
Limited Slip Differential
Power Convertible Top
High Intensity Discharge Bi-Xenon Headlights
LED Running Lights
Navigation System
Bose Premium Sound System
CD Player
Bluetooth
Satellite Radio
Front & Rear Parking Sensors
Dual 10-Way Powered & Heated Front Seats
Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control
TirePressure Monitoring System
Maserati Stability Program (MSP)
Homelink
Fog Lights

We like how this car is optioned, especially the nautical color combination. With the light seats, there is at least some hope of leaving the top down while the car is parked in public and returning to a seat of a reasonable temperature. As for the Blu Sofisticato exterior color, it's not one that we see often, and it plays well with the dark blue leather dash and interior accents. The 20" wheels have a subtle trident pattern, but are subdued enough for a car that will, in all likelihood, never make it onto a racetrack.

The F136 V8 is known to be relatively stout, and there seem to be many vocal advocates of the engine on various internet forums. And, we are thankful that Maserati continued with a cloth top instead of moving to a more complicated folding hardtop roof. Yes, they can wear out, but the mechanisms seem to last longer and they don't intrude so much on trunk space. This is certainly a car of occasion, and for those who don't prioritize handling over all else should be plenty happy with the driving dynamics. Now, somebody please liberate it from Florida and take it to some real driving roads.

-Graham