I actually got to drive a 430 Scuderia (!!!) a few months back, and while I found the paddle shifters more fun than I thought they would be, I didn't like the clutch actuation from a stop, and if you didn't operate the throttle perfectly the shifts were very harsh. I dunno, maybe it's just because I've always driven a manual and I'm used to it, but I'd rather have something with three pedals that's marginally slower than a paddle-shifted unit that is rough unless driven perfectly and has more that can go wrong with it. A 550 would probably be my choice Italian grand tourer, but those are getting crazy expensive.

I have a strong preference for gt's with manual transmissions, but in all honesty, the manual gearbox on those Maseratis was a really bad unit. The F430 F1 in the gransport is really fun. If I wanted a 'cheap' manual, I'd buy a 456 vs. the Maserati

I feel like non-four door Maseratis are under rated in general. I've always thought these were neat, but I'd want it with the actual three-pedal manual, which was never offered in the GranSport (but was available in the 4200).

These cars are really under-rated. The original cars, especially the 3200 really sully the reputation (plus styling isn't the best), but the GranSport is a great car. The engine in the original coupe/spyder served as a basis for the F430's engine (gave them additional development time for switching to chain motor).

So with essentially a detuned F430 motor and the F430's transmission, the Gransports were/are way more reliable. Not to mention if you get an LE, you get the same seats that are in an Enzo. Not bad if you want a lower-cost toy :)

Oh, and the sound with the top down is top 10 of the last 20 years.