There is something about lowering the top on an Italian grand tourer that simply cannot be replicated by any other brand. A Maserati convertible blends open air freedom with the kind of engine note and design pedigree that turns heads at every stoplight.
If you are researching a Maserati convertible right now, you are probably trying to answer a few practical questions. Which models are actually available. What they cost. Whether they hold up as daily drivers. And what to watch for if you are shopping used rather than new.
This guide walks through all of that in plain language, without the marketing fluff. We will cover the current lineup, pricing expectations, a look back at the models that built the brand’s convertible reputation, and the real world buying advice that most articles skip entirely.
What Is a Maserati Convertible
A convertible, sometimes called a spyder or cabriolet, is a car with a roof that folds away or retracts, letting you drive with the top down. Maserati has built convertibles in one form or another since the late 1950s.
What sets a Maserati convertible apart from a mass market roadster is the combination of grand touring comfort, Italian design language, and a driving character that leans more toward refined power than raw aggression. It is a car meant to be enjoyed on a long coastal drive just as much as a quick blast through the mountains.
Today, Maserati’s convertible identity centers on two very different cars, which we will break down next.
Current Maserati Convertible Models
Maserati currently builds two distinct convertibles, and they serve two very different types of buyers.
Maserati GranCabrio
The GranCabrio is Maserati’s four seat luxury convertible. It shares its underpinnings with the GranTurismo coupe but was engineered from the start to be a proper open top grand tourer rather than a chopped roof afterthought.
It comes in a few flavors:
- GranCabrio Modena, the balanced, comfort focused entry point
- GranCabrio Trofeo, which adds more power and a sharper throttle response
- GranCabrio Folgore, the fully electric version with instant torque and near silent acceleration
The GranCabrio is the car to consider if you want to bring passengers along, use it regularly, and still enjoy a genuinely fast car when the mood strikes.
Maserati MC20 Cielo
The MC20 Cielo takes a completely different approach. It is a two seat, mid engine supercar with a retractable glass roof that can shift from clear to opaque at the touch of a button.
Where the GranCabrio prioritizes comfort and usability, the Cielo is built around precision handling and outright performance. It shares its twin turbo V6 with the closed roof MC20, so you are not sacrificing much by choosing the open top version.
If your priority is a track capable machine that also happens to let the sky in, the Cielo is the clear choice.
How Much Does a Maserati Convertible Cost
Pricing varies significantly depending on the model and trim, so it helps to have real numbers in front of you before you start shopping.
- GranCabrio Modena typically starts around one hundred seventy thousand dollars
- GranCabrio Trofeo and Folgore trims generally start around two hundred thousand dollars
- MC20 Cielo starts around two hundred seventy thousand dollars, with well equipped builds exceeding three hundred thousand
Used pricing tells a different story. Older GranTurismo Convertible models from the 2010s can often be found well under one hundred thousand dollars, sometimes considerably less depending on mileage and condition. That price gap is exactly why the used market makes up such a large portion of the search results for this keyword.
Beyond the sticker price, it is worth budgeting for insurance, tires, and service costs that run higher than a typical luxury sedan. We will get into specifics further down.
Maserati Convertible vs Coupe
A common question buyers ask is whether the convertible version gives up anything meaningful compared to its coupe sibling.
| Feature | Convertible | Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | Retractable, canvas or glass depending on model | Fixed |
| Driving feel | Open air, more sensory | Enclosed, more insulated |
| Weight | Slightly heavier due to structural reinforcement | Lighter |
| Cabin noise | More wind and road noise at speed | Quieter cabin |
| Everyday comfort | Excellent for cruising with the top down | Better for high speed refinement |
In practice, the weight and rigidity differences are small enough that most drivers will not notice them outside of a track setting. The bigger factor is simply lifestyle. If you live somewhere with good weather most of the year, the convertible earns its keep.
A Look Back: Maserati’s Convertible History
Understanding where today’s models came from helps explain why Maserati convertibles carry so much prestige.
The Classic Era, 1950s to 1970s
Maserati’s first true production convertible was the 3500 GT Spyder, launched in 1959 with styling by Giovanni Michelotti. It set the template for what would follow: elegant proportions, a folding fabric roof, and genuine grand touring performance.
The Mistral Spyder followed in 1964, refining that formula further. Then came the Ghibli Spyder in 1969, a car so respected that its high performance SS variant remains one of the most sought after classic Maseratis among collectors today.
The Modern Transition, 1980s to 2000s
The Biturbo Spyder, produced through the mid 1980s and into the 1990s, brought a more compact twin turbo convertible to the lineup. It was followed in the early 2000s by the Spyder and GranSport Spyder, which introduced a new 4.2 liter V8 and marked the beginning of Maserati’s technical partnership with Ferrari.
The GranCabrio Era, 2010 to Present
The first generation GranCabrio launched in 2010 as Maserati’s first ever four seat convertible. It proved popular enough that Maserati has continued refining the formula ever since, leading directly to today’s GranCabrio and its electric Folgore variant.
Reliability and Ownership Considerations
This is where a lot of Maserati convertible content falls short, so let’s be direct about it.
Convertibles introduce more complexity than a fixed roof car. The folding mechanism itself, whether canvas or glass, relies on hydraulic pumps, motors, and sensors that add another system that can eventually need attention.
Common areas to keep an eye on with older Maserati convertibles include:
- Roof motor and hydraulic pump wear, particularly on cars approaching or exceeding ten years old
- Convertible top seals, which can dry out and cause wind noise or minor leaks if not maintained
- Electrical gremlins related to the roof control module, more common on higher mileage examples
None of this means a Maserati convertible is unreliable. It means maintenance history matters enormously. A well documented car serviced by a Maserati specialist will almost always outperform a neglected one, regardless of mileage.
Regular use of the roof mechanism actually helps keep seals and hydraulics in good working order. Cars that sit unused for long stretches tend to develop more roof related issues than cars driven and used consistently.
Buying New vs Buying Used
New Maserati convertibles come with the obvious benefits of warranty coverage, the latest technology, and zero prior wear. If budget allows, this is the lower risk path, especially for the MC20 Cielo where the engineering is still relatively new to the market.
Buying used opens the door to significant savings, particularly with older GranTurismo Convertible models. Here is what to prioritize if you go this route:
- Full service history, ideally from an authorized Maserati dealer or trusted independent specialist
- A pre purchase inspection that specifically tests the roof cycle multiple times
- Verification that any recalls have been addressed
- A look at tire and brake wear, since these cars are often driven hard by previous owners
- Confirmation that the convertible top has been used regularly, not left closed for years at a time
A car that checks all five of these boxes is far more likely to be a rewarding purchase than one chosen on styling and price alone.
Tips Before You Buy a Maserati Convertible
A few practical points worth considering before you sign anything:
- Insurance costs for Maserati convertibles run noticeably higher than mainstream luxury brands, so get a quote before you fall in love with a specific car
- Parts and specialized service are less widely available than for German luxury brands, so locate a qualified Maserati technician in your area early in the process
- If you live in a colder climate, think about how often you would realistically use a convertible top and whether a GranTurismo coupe might serve you better most of the year
- Test drive with the top both up and down, since cabin insulation and road noise can differ more than expected between the two states
Conclusion
A Maserati convertible offers a rare combination of Italian design heritage, genuine performance, and the simple joy of open air driving. Whether you are drawn to the comfortable, four seat GranCabrio or the razor focused MC20 Cielo, both cars represent distinct interpretations of what a luxury convertible can be.
If you are buying used, prioritize service history and a thorough roof inspection over mileage alone. If you are buying new, budget realistically for insurance and ongoing maintenance beyond the purchase price.
Used well and maintained properly, a Maserati convertible is not just a car. It is an experience that rewards owners who understand what they are getting into and take care of it accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Maserati convertible models are currently available?
Maserati currently sells two convertibles, the four seat GranCabrio and the two seat, mid engine MC20 Cielo. Each targets a different type of buyer, from grand touring comfort to focused performance.
How much does a Maserati convertible cost?
New GranCabrio pricing generally starts around one hundred seventy thousand dollars, while the MC20 Cielo starts around two hundred seventy thousand. Used GranTurismo Convertible models from the 2010s can often be found for well under one hundred thousand dollars.
Are Maserati convertibles reliable?
Reliability largely depends on maintenance history. The roof mechanism is the most common source of issues on older cars, but a well maintained example with a documented service history typically holds up well.
Is the Maserati GranCabrio good for daily driving?
Yes. The GranCabrio was designed as a practical four seat grand tourer, making it more suitable for regular use than most high performance convertibles, including Maserati’s own MC20 Cielo.
Should I buy a new or used Maserati convertible?
New models offer warranty protection and the latest technology, which lowers overall risk. Used models offer substantial savings but require careful inspection of the roof mechanism and full service records before purchase.
