Maserati sold more cars in the UK during the first three months of 2001 than in any other first quarter period in the company's history.

A total of 92 vehicles were registered between January and the end of March, passing the previous best first quarter total set 12 months previously, despite there only being one Maserati available, the 3200 GT Coupe, compared to two in the first part of 2000.

The 3200 GT is now the single best-selling model in the history of Maserati in the UK and a total of 555 have now been registered since its introduction in 1999. Since 1980, total registrations of Maserati vehicles in this country now exceed 1,300.

"The popularity of the re-emerging Maserati brand in this country just grows and grows, and that success is being driven by the magnificent 3200GT Coupe," said Philip Mills, general manager of Maserati UK Limited.

"It is the single best-selling Maserati model ever in the UK and is responsible for over 40 per cent of all Maserati sales ever recorded in this country.

"Demand from our customers for a car, which blends performance, luxury and true exclusivity, is still increasing and we expect this strong sales performance to continue throughout the rest of this year as this famous Italian brand's rebirth continues in the UK," he added. Prices are £60,950 for the manual version and £62,950 for the automatic. A "peace-of-mind" support package for customers includes a three-year/60,000-mile manufacturer's warranty plus fixed priced servicing costs.