Italian cars aren't the most reliable vehicles on the block. In recent years they have improved, but there's always the shadow of doubt that something could go wrong that would put a damper on your day. The Maserati Biturbo, however, is the kind of car that could put a damper on your entire life. Designed to help Maserati compete in a lower priced segment, de Tomaso, the cash strapped owners of the marque, designed the car on a shoestring budget. Mechanical maladies were many, which made for many frustrated owners and a slew of Biturbos with low mileage because people just gave up on the cars. You can buy a Biturbo for pennies on the dollar these days, but does it make it a smart buy? This Biturbo for sale in Illinois looks fairly innocent, but trouble could lurk underneath.
1984 Maserati Biturbo
This is my 1984 Maserati Biturbo. This Biturbo has 16k original miles! It has a beautiful interior and exterior, and you can tell it was properly stored. It is rust-free, and it is in near mint condition. This truly is the nicest Biturbo I have ever seen. You would be hard-pressed to find one in this condition. You really must see this car to appreciate it! I drove this Biturbo around my neighborhood twice, but the carburetor is currently off the car. This car is almost entirely original, including the Michelin tires! I am reluctantly selling my Maserati, because I have bought another car and I do not have room for both. I can refer any potential buyer to an excellent shipping company, should the need arise. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me.
I'm not sure if I would be bragging about the car having original tires. After almost 30 years, I would say it would be about time to get some more pliable (and safer) rubber. I would also want to know why the carburetor has been taken off. It seems there might be some issue the owner doesn't want to address right up front. The best Biturbo out there may bring $6,000 to $7,000 in the current market. If you could snag this car for around $4,000 or a little under, you might have a good buy. Just be prepared to put your local mechanic's kid through college if you pull the trigger.
-Paul
I know it’s weird, but I love these cars. I got my first taste when a local one drove onto the Seattle ferry when I was young, something like straight pipes making sounds from heaven and hell. It’s a sweet, red, lowered example, but it’s been parked on the side of a local mechanic’s for at least 5 years. I’ve always wanted to take it off his hands and do some kind of epic swap with it. Not sure what the engine would be, but it would have to have two turbos, no doubt about that. Maybe Supra? Diesel? The dreams continue.
I don’t know why I like boxy weird 80s cars. But I do. And this is one of my oddball favorites.
The seller updated their ad for the reason the carb was off and does mention that it will need servicing, new tires, etc (and had the belts recently replaced). The seals on the turbos are most certainly beyond dried out and will need to be replaced (as would the brake lines, fluid, etc.) The car looks to be in very good condition. However, assuming that everything on the car works and it just need servicing, you could still be spending a couple of thousand dollars just to get it road worthy again.
Personally, I like the look of the 425/430 better than the Biturbo.
these cars are horrible nightmares.