By DALE JEWETT



Need a reason to think spring? Try this: Deliveries of the four-seat Maserati GranTurismo convertible begin this spring and the car carries a base sticker price of $139,700.



The figure includes the base price of the car, $135,800; dealer prep, $300; shipping charges, $1,500, and gas-guzzler tax, $2,100.



Power comes from a 4.7-liter V8 rated at 433 hp, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.



As is standard for a luxury car, the options list is long. It includes a choice of 14 exterior colors, 10 shades of leather for the interior, six colors for the convertible top, three wood-trim options and six color choices for the brake calipers. Standard equipment includes 20-inch wheels, an active suspension and a Bose audio system.



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