1984 Maserati BiTurbo

Description

• One previous owner
• Original Italian home market car, now residing in France
• Registered with the French National Classic Car Federation
• Heritage Certificate
• Correspondence on file from Maserati
• Overhauled in 2018

Maserati has produced incredible cars over the years. The Maserati BiTurbo is glamourous, comfortable and with serious performance, it makes a wonderful Grand Tourer.

The BiTurbo was a turning point for Maserati production history. The BiTurbo’s debut was in 1982. It became Maserati’s mainstream model throughout the 1980s. It was the first production road car to employ a twin turbo-charged engine. The classic Maserati BiTurbo had conventional front engine/rear drive layout, featuring all-independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and a sumptuous interior.

The steel unitary chassis/body was styled in-house and built by Innocenti. The ZF five-speed manual and three-speed automatic were the two transmission options initially available while a limited-slip differential came as standard. Produced initially with a 2.0-litre, to avoid punitive Italian taxes for cars over 2.0-litre, it had three-valves-per-cylinder V6 that produced a stonking 180bhp.

History

Our vendor has wanted one of these for a long time. His search ended in a specialist classic and sports car dealer in Perugia, Italy. They acquired this Maserati from the one and only previous original owner. The original paperwork confirms the colour as Grigio Azzurro, with Beige velour interior and it was delivered to its first owner on 21^st May 1984.

Engine & Transmission

The twin turbos on the classic Maserati are situated in a so-called parallel configuration. This set-up suits the 90-degree V6 perfectly as each turbocharger can be assigned to one cylinder bank, reducing space and plumbing. The main benefit of a twin turbo though, is the distinct lack of turbo lag.

The Maserati V6 is a very robust engine, having an uncommon 90° angle between the cylinder banks and it stands out  for its performance. To ensure that wonderful engine lasts over time, it does require a little bit of non-technical tlc. Make sure the oil is changed regularly and gently warm the engine up before going full blast.

Our vendor has had this classic Maserati for five years and describes it as an “absolute joy”. Invoices on file include servicing, new water pump and other bits and bobs.

The engine is joined to a ZF five speed ‘dogleg’ style gearbox.

Outside

Having spent all its life in the dry climate of Italy and the last five with our vendor in France, this Maserati BiTurbo looks splendid. The Grigio Azzurro paint looks very good. The shut lines are clean and consistent. The usual hot spots for corrosion, such as screen pillars, the bottom the doors and front and rear valance are all in good, corrosion-free condition. Our vendor has taken time and trouble to show that all these areas, even the bonnet locking panel, a notorious area, is clear. Our vendor describes a small area on the front nearside corner of the bonnet as having “pitting, but barely noticeable”. We couldn’t see it!

The front and rear bumpers are in good condition, which is remarkable considering the way our European cousins ‘touch-park’.

Inside

It is pure ‘80s.

The beige velour seats have worn their years amazingly. It has had new carpets throughout. Original features abound; the steering wheel with its unmistakable Maserati Trident; the wooden gear knob & leather gaiter, leather arm rest and incredibly, the original Maserati radio. Details like this demonstrate how good the Maserati is. Open the boot and you’ll find the original tool kit too. Try and find one of those.

Other info

The original owner clearly took time and trouble to look after and preserve this classic. Our vendor, the second owner, has picked up where the previous one left off.

It is always garaged. The car resides in France currently and is on a full French Vehicle D’Collection Registration. The main use of the Maserati is to attend local car events in France, where it always draws an admiring crowd.

It has had the two front tyres replaced. All the electrical system works as it should, including instruments and switches. This Maserati is fitted with air-con, our vendor advises, “It could do with re-gassing”. New brake pads were fitted. It is registered with the French National Classic Car Federation, the paperwork is with the car. It had the carburettor replaced. An alarm and battery isolator as an anti-theft device has been installed.

Our view

Try and find a Maserati BiTurbo. Then have another go and find one like this. Good luck! Our vendor searched for some time.

The carb equipped cars sound superb and go like thunder. Because of the condition of this Maserati, it would suit someone new to the marque who has always wondered what it’d be like to own one. We fully expect it to be snapped up quickly by a Maserati enthusiast or investor.

As we always say; the market ultimately decides what the price is of a classic. Rare classics like these Maseratis that come to the market infrequently are always difficult to gauge. If anyone would like to chat and get a general ‘steer’ on where our vendor’s price bracket is, please do not hesitate to let us know. It’s what we are here for.

Vehicle Location:

The car is located in Jarnac, 16200, France, approx 100 Kms north of Bordeaux – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor

Have a question about this vehicle? Please contact the Evoke team at auction@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

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