1988 Maserati Biturbo

Lot details
Registration No: E611JSR
Chassis No: ZAM331B2SHB180031
Mot Expiry: Aug 2007

"Twin turbos or not, there was lag; everything is relatively placid until the tach needle approaches 4000rpm, and then -- blast off! The sudden burst of power can be dicey at the proverbial 10/10ths, as the somewhat tail-happy Biturbo wants to switch ends. The car's powerful brakes are a bit rear-lock sensitive too. And the engine, despite its willingness to rev, occasionally hiccups on acceleration. But then, that's entertainment!" (Road & Track, August 1990)
Introduced in December 1981, the Biturbo was Maserati's first 'mass production' design. Instigated by the marque's then owner, Alejandro De Tomaso, it utilized a monocoque chassis equipped with McPherson-strut front and trailing-arm rear suspension, power-assisted rack and pinion steering, a limited slip differential and disc brakes. Powered by a reworked version of the Italian market Merak 2.0 SOHC V6 engine featuring three-valves per cylinder (two inlet, one exhaust) and twin turbochargers (one per bank), the initial launch model was capable of an impressive 135mph. However, as the range grew to encompass four-door and spyder variants so the installation of larger 2.5litre and 2.8litre powerplants brought even greater performance.
Finished in red with tan and beige leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its 2491cc engine, five-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis and wheels / tyres. Though, he notes the bootlid paintwork has faded and that there are some chips to the windscreen as well as a little rust on the bonnet / bumper. Believed but not warranted to have covered just 64,422 miles from new, 'E611 JSR' is said to have had some £9,000 spent on it with Bill McGrath during the 1990s and to have been featured in the January 1995 issue of Performance Car magazine. Apparently treated to a stainless steel exhaust, CD player, recharged air-conditioning system, new turbos and timing belt by its previous keeper, the Biturbo has been in the current ownership since December 2002. Riding on Karif alloy wheels, this elegantly understated Maserati is offered for sale with history file (including "most MOTs"), current MOT certificate valid until August 12th 2007 and road tax until October 31st 2006.