Back to the roadster theme from the beginning of the week - look what we've found! This Maserati Spyder is a rare GT model, meaning that it has a traditional 6-speed manual. We'll gladly assert that this is the best of the quick Italian roadsters for under $100k. So, that doesn't include the Alfas and Fiats, but for top-down driving, and lots of it, we're in the Maserati Spyder GT camp.

Only 574 of the Spyder GT model left the Maserati plant in Modena. The Tipo M138 Maseratis were engineered and produced in Modena, rather than the Maserati founding place of Bologna, due to Ferrari's control of its former rival. This resulted in the development of the powerful F 136 R variant of the engine later found in the Ferrari F430. The Maserati variant was designed with much different breathing paths to encourage low-end torque and driveability throughout the rev range, and came up short to the Ferrari variant by almost 100hp.

Year: 2002
Model: Maserati Spyder GT
Engine: 4.2L V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 21,659 mi
Price: $24,985
Location: Fairview, PA

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2002 Maserati Spyder GT

The Ferrari engines are fantastic. In summary, if you're looking for a Maserati Spyder, THIS IS THE ONE! Don't let this car slip away! We are negotiable on the price, and are very fair to deal with.

The F 136 engine, especially in the Maseratis, is known for relatively painless ownership. Fluids should be changed often for the sake of preservation, but aside from the expense of fluid changes, these engines do not have any serious problem areas. The suspension components will likely be tired at this age, and do often require the replacement of entire suspension linkages as opposed to individual bushings. And, the heater core must be addressed, as most tend to fail due to age (and an improperly designed coolant bypass loop resulting in high pressure through the heater core during warmup).

The Spyder doesn't review particularly well, but we suspect that the writers of the auto magazines don't frequent websites dedicated to the sale of Italian cars. For those who can enjoy a Ferrari-derived and Ferrari-built V8 engine, a Graziano Trasmissioni 6-speed manual, and a simple Giugiaro body, the Spyder GT is more than sufficient.

-Graham