By the late 1980s, Maserati was winding down operations in the US market. The Biturbo had done its damage to the reputation of the company and Maserati left the US market entirely in 1991. Before they left, however, they gave us this, the Spyder, which was the first Maserati in thirty years designed by Zagato. With a shortened wheelbase, this open roofed car was strictly a two seater. Like Biturbos, there are a decent amount of worn out Spyders hanging around on the used market, so finding a good one takes some perseverance. This automatic version in California is cosmetically sound, but could mechanical issues lurk underneath?
1989 Maserati Spyder
Up for bid is a 1989 Maserati Spyder convertible. Everything in this car is factory and original. I am selling this on behalf of the original owner, a lady in her late 70s who bought it brand-new for over $100,000 in 1989 and now does not have the ability to handle this car. Based on the service record book, the majority of miles were put on the vehicle during the first few years of ownership. The last fifteen years haven't had a lot of miles put on it. The factory service record book, factory service manual, and leather/suede factory owner's manual are included.
This car is in extremely good condition. This car has always been in the garage. The paint and interior are all original! The paint is still that bright factory Maserati red. The interior is mostly a grainy, creamy leather, with side panels in a creamy grey suede; the dash is in a light blue suede (very striking and unusual - typical Italian style!).
I have been driving the vehicle for the last few weeks to prepare it for selling as it has been garaged for a long time without being driven. I just had brand-new tires installed (including the spare). From driving the vehicle, here is what I have noticed: It's a little cold-blooded when starting it up in the morning, but the starting has been getting better and better the more the car is driven. It may need further tune-up work. The heating and a/c work, but the blower motor is going out. The speedometer sticks occasionally, but the sticking has decreased in frequency the more the car has been driven. The odomter and tripometer are working fine. All of the windows are working fine; all of the gauges seem to be working fine. The electric trunk release button and fuel door release button seem to be working fine. The car handles great and drives nice.
All in all, this car is in great shape, especially considering the year. It is a very clean, well-maintained car. With a little TLC, you will have an exceptional car. You'll be hard-pressed to find one as clean as this.
The one thing that alarms me about this car is that it sat for quite some time without being driven. Cars like these need to stretch their legs and be given an Italian tune up, from time to time. With that said, the seller has made an effort to be as honest as possible. The most you may see one of these later model Spyders go for would be around $15,000. With a no reserve auction, we'll probably see a car like this crest just a bit over $10,000, as I suspect the automatic transmission may hold it back a bit.
-Paul