1997 Maserati Ghibli GT review from UK and Ireland

Window winder mechanism failed (stuck down).

Fabulous torque with superb handling.

Cabin exemplifies real Italian exotica.

Purposeful powerful stance, a real head turner without being over the top.

I have had many performance cars including a mighty Skyline GTR and the Ghibli is in a different class altogether. It combines class, passion and soul like no other car I have driven. Although not as powerful as the Skyline, it has more torque which makes it equally as fast yet more pleasurable in town. When looking for some serious fun head for a country road but be warned it can be a little bit of a handful in the wet - even in a straight line! But this can only be expected from a front engined rear drive GT with nearly 300hp and no traction control. As for reliability, I had one incident where the window got stuck down, annoying but not really a massive problem. I had a new mechanism (very reasonably priced) sent from Italy and had it changed out with little drama. I think a lot of comments about Maseratis being unreliable are based around these niggly problems. The main parts such as engines etc are wonderful and extremely reliable. This car manages to stir emotions which have no right existing between man and machine. But I can finally see why motoring journalists always affiliate sultry Italian temptress references with the brand Maserati.