Category Archives: Maserati

2015 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible

February 9, 2019 Graham

We recently posted a manual Gallardo Spyder and concluded that for drop-top driving, we'd either pony up for a Murciélago Roadster or look for something like a GranCabrio (GranTurismo Convertible in the US). At the half the price of a Gallardo, the GranTurismo certainly offers more than half of the ownership experience. Yet somehow, we don't imagine that the two are cross-shopped often. Understandable.

Maserati followed up the Tipo M138 Spyder with GranTurismo Convertible in 2007, moving from a Giugaro design to a Pininfarina body under the leadership of Jason Castriota. Maserati also saw fit to add a 4.7L V8 to the lineup, improving on the 385hp 4.2L in the Spyder with a stout 444hp in this example. Gone was the dry sump lubrication of the Spyder's V8 and the Cambiocorsa automated manual gearbox from the Spyder.

Year: 2015
Model: Maserati GranTurismo Convertible
Engine: 4.7L V8
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Mileage: 21,659 mi
Price: $65,000
Location: Pompano Beach, FL

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2015 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible

2015 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible
Blu Sofisticato Metallic over Bianco Pregiato Poltrona Frau Leather w/ Nero Top
*One Owner - Clean Carfax Report*

Factory Options:
20-Inch Trident Wheels in Grigio Mercury (Originally $825)
-Red Painted Brake Calipers

Trident Logo Stitched in Headrest (Originally 650)

Factory Windscreen

Vehicle Highlights:
4.7 Liter V8 Engine rated at 444 Horsepower
6-Speed Automatic Transmission
Rear Wheel Drive
Limited Slip Differential
Power Convertible Top
High Intensity Discharge Bi-Xenon Headlights
LED Running Lights
Navigation System
Bose Premium Sound System
CD Player
Bluetooth
Satellite Radio
Front & Rear Parking Sensors
Dual 10-Way Powered & Heated Front Seats
Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control
TirePressure Monitoring System
Maserati Stability Program (MSP)
Homelink
Fog Lights

We like how this car is optioned, especially the nautical color combination. With the light seats, there is at least some hope of leaving the top down while the car is parked in public and returning to a seat of a reasonable temperature. As for the Blu Sofisticato exterior color, it's not one that we see often, and it plays well with the dark blue leather dash and interior accents. The 20" wheels have a subtle trident pattern, but are subdued enough for a car that will, in all likelihood, never make it onto a racetrack.

The F136 V8 is known to be relatively stout, and there seem to be many vocal advocates of the engine on various internet forums. And, we are thankful that Maserati continued with a cloth top instead of moving to a more complicated folding hardtop roof. Yes, they can wear out, but the mechanisms seem to last longer and they don't intrude so much on trunk space. This is certainly a car of occasion, and for those who don't prioritize handling over all else should be plenty happy with the driving dynamics. Now, somebody please liberate it from Florida and take it to some real driving roads.

-Graham

Maserati, Pininfarina

2012 Maserati Quattroporte S

December 9, 2018 Graham

Where does reader support stand on the M139 Maserati Quattroporte, erstwhile prowler of upscale suburban mall lots, fine wares cantilevered from the rear axle with nary a protest from its Ferrari F136 Y series V8? We like em.

Generally speaking, we seek value over rarity in our Italian cars. Take our Milano Verde - it's sort of rare, but where it really shines is in the way it holds up to a BMW 325is in performance, at a much more agreeable price. A used Quattroporte, should you posses the optimism to keep one serviced, offers a similar value proposition over, say, a BMW 7-series, or a Mercedes-Benz S-class. They are easy to find with low mileage and proper service records, their platform origins are much more focused on sporting, their powertrain is beyond reproach, and their styling less conservative. Best of all? These Quattroportes likely did not stuff the coffers of Maserati, as the fit, finish, and performance seem to cater more to consumer satisfaction than they do to shareholder gains.

Year: 2012
Model: Maserati Quattroporte S
Engine: 4.7L V8
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Mileage: 30,933 mi
Price: $33,991

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS: 2012 Maserati Quattroporte S

Lamborghini Houston is proud to offer this beautiful 2012 Maserati Quattroporte S in Bianco Elderado over a Cuoio interior with 30,926 miles. The Quattroporte S is powered by a 4.7L V8 producing 425 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque through a Rear Wheel Drive system and an Automatic Transmission. This Quattroporte S is further enhanced with the following:

Wood Trim Steering Wheel and Shifter

Electric Moonroof

Navigation System

Heated and Ventilated Front Seats

Front and Rear Parking Sensors

Brake Calipers in Red

This example is optioned with a remarkable white over tan color combination that we would be proud to drive home in. Other than the dated navigation screen, we would say that the interior has aged gracefully, and compares favorably to the FCA Quattroportes of present. A facelifted model, this Quattroporte features the ZF automatic, which some seem to favor over the semi-auto units of early cars. We're of the opinion that both have their merits, but the ZF auto is a better fit for most buyers. In S spec, this example features the 4.7L version of the F136 Y engine, producing a very respectable 434hp.

We think that the used Quattroporte buyer is a very specific type. Perhaps he is tempted by the Jaguar XKR, or a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, but he is not interested in settling for an ordinary sedan. The sound, the design, and the feel - yes, that's Poltrona Frau leather inside - lead him to the Quattroporte. A used Quattroporte represents the coolest offering in the large sedan world in the past 20 years. For those that can't make a Ferrari GTC4Lusso work, we recommend the Quattroporte.

-Graham

Maserati, Uncategorized

Reader Classifed: 1961 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder

December 4, 2018 Graham

Please contact the owner, John, by clicking his email address here.

We are pleased to present this 1961 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder with Coachwork by Vignale as a reader classified. Sold originally in white paint by a Roman Maserati distributor, the Spyder was repainted to its current Rosso Rubino by its second owner, a Napolitana. The interior remains original to the car as delivered from the factory. At some point in the car's history, it was fitted with a factory replacement 3.5L engine, which it retains to this day.

Restoration work commenced in 2006, starting with a full-body repaint, which included stripping the body to bare metal. The chrome was restored at D&S Plating, whose reputation has led them to work on multiple Pebble Beach award-winning automobiles. Following the restoration of the Spyder, it was presented at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours, where it was the only Vignale Spyder present at the Maserati 100th anniversary celebration.

Click below for slideshow

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Year: 1961
Make: Maserati
Model: 3500 GT Vignale Spyder
Engine: 3,485cc DOHC Twin-Plug Inline 6-Cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: fewer than 40,000 km
Price: $665,000
Chassis number: AM101.1039

1961 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder engine and carbs

EMAIL FOR DETAILS: John

1961 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder driver rear quarter view

Description from a recent Bonham's auction:

This beautifully preserved example of the legendary Maserati 3500 GT was originally delivered with its splendid Vignale Spider coachwork in white paint with black leather interior and sold new by the Maserati distributor Cornacchia Automobili of Rome, Italy, to Vasco Migliacci—renowned Italian songwriter and composer, also from Rome. It was later purchased by a lady in Naples who, it seems, had the car color changed from white to Rosso Rubino, the beautiful Ruby Red it presents in today. The interior was not touched and remains as it was when delivered from the factory in Modena. The Napolitana kept the car until 1980, when it was acquired by Pierre Honegger, a race car driver and entrepreneur in Princeton, New Jersey. Honegger maintained the 3500 GT in his collection. Correspondence with the race driver confirmed that when he received the Maserati, other than the paint, the car was totally original, without any evidence of accident or modification. He sold the Maserati in March 1997, to noted collector Peter Starr, with 29,037 kms on the odometer, believed to be the original reading. The current consignor states that when Starr took possession of the car it had already been fitted with another Maserati 3500 GT factory replacement engine - a correct 3.5-liter 6-cylinder motor exactly as the original one. It is unclear whether the engine change was at the request of a previous owner or whether it was Honegger who switched out the motor, which seems most likely.

In 2006, Starr commissioned Ayer European Auto Restorations in Gardiner, Maine, to perform a respray, taking the body back to bare metal to ensure a first-class result. At the same time the chrome was sent to D&S Plating Co., the Pebble Beach award winning specialist based in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Following many years careful maintenance and meticulous service, the Maserati was presented at the Amelia Island Concours in 2014 as the only Vignale Spyder at the 100th Anniversary celebration of the marque. After two decades of ownership, Starr sold the car to the current steward, a long-time enthusiast with a large and eclectic collection, including numerous Maseratis.

This gorgeous 3500 GT Spyder is believed to be dressed with the original top and interior, and other than a small tear in the top canvas and some insignificant paint flaking on the dash, the overall condition of the car is amazingly well-preserved with a patina of careful wear over its fifty-seven years. It has three Weber carburetors and disc brakes in the front with drum in the rear and a lovely set of Borrani steel wheels, as well as the desirable 5-speed manual transmission.

This fabulous Ruby Red Maserati is one of fewer than 250 of the 3500 GT Spyder's built, with less than 40,000 kilometers on the clock, it is a highly desirable and drivable marque icon.

1961 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder interior

We do not have the skills to assess the concours-readiness of such an exquisite example. That said, we can easily place this vehicle at the absolute acme of desirable Italian automobiles. Now, we have to wonder - what will the owner replace this with? We think that a Lamborghini 350GT is the only way up from here.

Have an Italian car that you'd like to share with the readers? Email us graham@blythbros.com to arrange your reader classified posting!

-Graham

Maserati

1971 Maserati Indy

October 8, 2018 Graham

This past weekend was my college's homecoming weekend, and today's post is a 1971 Maserati Indy. What's the connection? Bear with me here. In 1971, the Hulman family donated the assets of its family foundation to Rose Polytechnic Institute in Terre Haute, Indiana. The size of the donation was significant enough to warrant a change of the college name to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. That's the connection to the model year. And the model name? Well, many of you are familiar with the fact that the Hulman family owns the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, or Indy Speedway, for short. That wasn't too much of a stretch, was it?

The Indy name itself is more of a stretch, when you take elapsed time into account. See, Maserati did win the Indy 500 twice back-to-back in their 8CTF, but that was 30 year prior to the launch of the Maserati Indy. Whatever. Ford milked the GT40 story for its 2005 GT and that didn't seem to bother people. Shameless marketing.

Year: 1971
Model: Maserati Indy
Engine: 4.2L V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 55,000 mi
Price: $67,500

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS: 1971 Maserati Indy

1971 Maserati Indy 5-Speed

This 1971 Maserati Indy is an extremely desirable 5-Speed manual example with matching numbers. Very attractive blue with black leather interior and only 55k miles. It has only two small rust bubble spots on the drivers door and rear quarter. It is otherwise very solid and a great original driver. A very smart buy at just $67,500

The Indy didn't receive the 4.7L and the 4.9L engine options until Ghibli production was winding down - most likely to avoid cannibalizing sales. A wet sump differentiated the Indy units from the Ghibli. The 4200 in this Indy should be more than sufficient to motivate the aerodynamic unibody car along the road.

The seller notes rust, and our lack of bodywork experience causes us to avoid rust at any cost. But, the right buyer could find a way to remedy the rust. To do it right could be costly. Mechanically, the ad leaves many things to question, but this Weber-carbed V8 and live rear axle configuration doesn't worry us too much. The Giugaro AM115 Ghibli is tough to match, but the Indy comes close, and at a much more affordable price.

-Graham

Maserati

1994 Maserati Ghibli

October 5, 2018 Graham

If the Maserati Biturbo represents Alejandro de Tomaso's effort to breathe new life into the Maserati brand, then the Tipo AM336 Ghibli represents Fiat's attempt to breathe new life into the Biturbo. None other than Marcello Gandini was contracted to update the exterior design while maintaining most of the core Biturbo dimensions. The result, while awkward in basic proportions, has a great early-90s sporting look to it; we especially like the boxed fender flares, like on yesterday's Lancia Delta HPE, and the projector beam headlights.

Those who have explored the Ghibli in the form of internet videos will probably agree with us when we say that you can really hear these things breathe. It's not due to a lack of power - 284hp from the 90 degree 24V V6 was more than adequate - but rather, due to the engine recipe, so to speak. With four valves per cylinder and a significantly oversquare power cylinder comprising a 91.6mm bore and 63mm stroke, not to mention turbocharged aspiration and a wide-open 90 degree V-angle for even better port flow, the Ghibli was designed to breathe.

Year: 1994
Model: Maserati
Engine: 2.8L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 75,187 mi
Price: 22,900 CAD

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1994 Maserati Ghibli

Named after a wind just like the rest of the Maseratis, the Ghibli debuted at the 1966 Turin Motor Show. Due to the limited resources, it shared its tubular frame with the Quattroporte sedan and the Mexico grand tourer. The body was the work of Ghia’s new chief designer, Giorgio Giugiaro.

1994 Maserati Ghibli. The exterior is Burgundy with a Tan leather interior. 5 Speed manual transmission. 121,003 km. RWD. V-6 engine. Options include power windows, power mirrors, power seats, air conditioning and CD player.

With mileage exceeding 75,000 miles, we would have to imagine that this Ghibli has managed to keep itself on the road more often than not. We wouldn't expect parts to be as simple to source as Alfa Romeo parts are in North America, but European enthusiasm for these cars is solid, so we're optimistic. The trim is all present on this one, so other than some routine maintenance and the occasional unexpected part failure, the future owner of this car shouldn't need to source many parts to begin with.

Forgive our enthusiasm, but we ourselves are highly tempted by this Ghibli. It's no collector car, so mileage isn't a concern. And, in this case, the mileage is a source of encouragement anyway. The color combination is very fitting, the aftermarket wheels work well, and the overall condition is quite presentable. Is the Ghibli update enough to squash the complaints that many have about the Biturbo? On paper, it would seem so.

-Graham

De Tomaso, Maserati

1984 Maserati Biturbo

September 19, 2018 Graham

As the Tipo 138 Maserati Coupe and Spyder take over as the de facto used Maseratis, it's time to refresh on the original used Maserati: the Biturbo. Born out of a newfound desire for profitability (where have we seen this before?), the Biturbo was the result of de Tomaso acquisition of the Maserati brand. Whereas Maserati had previously produced GTs and mid-engined sports cars, they sought to compete down-market with the likes of BMW and their 3-series. Selling to a market with higher volume, de Tomaso's Maserati hoped to scale up production to the point of financial success.

With a name like Biturbo, naturally the engine would be a major focus of the development effort, but were nine distinct engines over 13 years really necessary? Sure, there is a bit of context to the constant churn and development. Italian cars would need engines displacing under 2,000cc in order to avoid excess taxes, whereas foreign markets could engine the full 2,491cc offering. And, fuel-injection was more or less replacing carburetion during the Biturbo's time period, so it would stand to logic that Maserati would source a system midway through the production of the Biturbo. The mid-cycle bump up to 2,790cc is an ironclad method of increasing power and reducing lag on a turbocharged engine. But a complete head redesign for the introduction of a 24-valve variant? Well, even that might have made sense too, as it was likely intended to carry on further into models such as the successor to the Biturbo, the AM336 Ghbli.

Year: 1984
Model: Maserati Biturbo
Engine: 2.5L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 56,514 mi
Price: Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1984 Maserati Biturbo

You are bidding on a mechanically sorted Maserati Biturbo with an unmatched pedigree.

History: This was the personal car of the owner of Fremont Foreign Auto, an Italian car specialist in Fremont, CA. He swapped the drivetrain along with the rear end, wheels, and some interior components from the donor vehicle, which I was told had covered less than 20k miles.

Reliability: Fuel-injected 2.5L twin turbo V6 and five-speed manual transmission from a 1987 Maserati Zagato Spyder (same platform, so everything bolts right in). Fuel injection cures many of the reliability problems that colored early Biturbos' reputations.
- California BAR certified
- New fuel pump and alternator were installed in November 2017.
- No other needs or issues. I would drive it across country tomorrow.

Character: The throbbing exhaust note and 3,000rpm turbo rush give the car a far richer personality than contemporary BMW, Mercedes, or Alfa alternatives. The chrome tubing and wrinkle-coated valve covers under the hood is more in-line with Ferrari than even Alfa.

Body:
- Paint is excellent and body is straight
- Surface corrosion around the edges of the hood vents is the only rust

Interior:
- Aftermarket CD/Bluetooth stereo with phone/microphone interface
- Period correct Momo steering wheel with Maserati crest
- Odometer inoperable but 56,514 indicated
- A/C condenser kicks on, no visible leaks, but air is slightly cooler than ambient at best

Reason for Sale:
- I acquired the car from a dealer in Idaho this spring. You can see dozens of pictures on his site: http://www.modernclassicautos.com/1984-maserati-biturbo/
- His walk-around video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgKheP3ORe0&t=106s
- You can see the car, with other Maserati, Ferrari, and Alfa Romeo, on the Freemont Auto site: https://www.fremontforeignauto.com/

I have moved and lost a garage space, so I would prefer to sell it rather than park it outside.

We can't in good faith suggest that you'll notice the 10hp bump provided by the fuel-injected engine that the previous owner swapped in. From what it sounds like, this swap to fuel-injection carries the sole benefit of reliable operation - the seller goes so far as to state that the carb'd cars tainted the reputation of the Biturbo. Having met a very happy Biturbo owner at an Italian car event, we can get on board with this thinking. No, an engine swap is probably not in the best interest of the car's value, but a useable, reliable Biturbo is worth something to many.

Taking the seller's word to be good, good on him for selling the car rather than letting it sit. A rust-free Biturbo like this deserves some protection from moisture and the sun's rays. The interior, by the way, is preserved in remarkable condition for one of these cars. Take a look at the photos in detail, and you might notice the shift pattern. That's right - it's a dogleg manual transmission with 1st off the H. Spend some time diagnosing the weak A/C and get this thing out on the road to enjoy the snarly 90 degree V6. We heard that those are cool again - ask Alfa.

-Graham

Maserati, Pininfarina

2006 Maserati Quattroporte

February 28, 2017 Graham

We are willing to overlook quite a bit in the name of promoting a metallic brown Quattroporte. Aftermarket wheels? The unfavorable DuoSelect automated manual transmission? Minor details, when there's brown paint involved.

The DuoSelect automated manual transmission, making use of a dry clutch and essentially a robotic clutch slave cylinder, is the subject of criticism from both the automotive press and the Maserati community. The press was not impressed with the sudden, direct shifts of the automated manual in automatic mode, which seemed more at home in something like a Ferrari F430. The Maserati community was alarmed by premature clutch wear, due mostly to poor modulation of the clutch when moving from a stop, especially on an incline. The criticism may have played a role in lackluster initial sales as well, because in 2007, Maserati began offering the Quattroporte with an automatic ZF transmission with improved drivability, first as an option, and then as standard.

Year: 2006
Model: Maserati
Engine: 4.2L V8
Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
Mileage: 16,060
Price: $25,500

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2006 Maserati Quattroporte

This beautiful Italian vehicle, designed by Pininfarina, is in exceptional condition and has been extremely well cared for. All service is up to date and has been meticulously performed on a regular basis. Service records are on file and available from this factory-authorized service provider. This vehicle looks and drives very well with no issues present. This is a non-smoker vehicle, being sold by owner. No additional dealer fees or taxes will be applied to the final price.

This vehicle has only been been driven during the summer months and garage-kept since purchased. The exterior metallic brown paint compliments the chrome accents to produce a very elegant, yet sophisticated appearance. All glass and trim are in very good condition. The wheel and tires are in exceptional condition.

The Ferrari engine and F1 transmission are in very good condition and operate with reliable functionality. The performance-tuned exhaust produces a wonderful tone, showcasing this vehicle's performance Italian drive train. The braking system works well with no known issues.

The interior is wrapped with beautiful tan leather and rich wood appointments. All power options function without any issues. Complete with Maserati Navigation system. Carpets and headliner are in exceptional condition.

You will be very pleased with the overall condition and performance of this vehicle. Cash, bank-issued cashier's check/money order, and bank wire transfer payment methods accepted.

I have the original Maserati rims and tires that came with the car, they are included in the auction.

You'll find a clear car fax with no accidents what so ever. This car is mint and a real eye catcher. I'm the second owner and bought the car with 8100 miles on it. Always adult driven serviced at Maserati and never seen snow or salt.

Why then, suggest that the readers of Classic Italian Cars for Sale consider purchasing an earlier DuoSelect Quattroporte? First, we haven't driven one, so we don't know just how bad it really is. Based on our experience with automated manuals, they're only really only a hassle when moving at a relaxed pace. We're no strangers to the deep rasp of a 4.2 liter Maserati V8 at full boil, so our modest suggestion would be to drive the wheels off of it as often as possible and keep the transmission in manual mode. Not so difficult, right?

When negotiating for this low-mileage example, it would be wise to negotiate a price the includes only the OEM wheels, which the seller is offering with the sale. Just don't let the seller know how much you dig the full wood steering wheel or the tan Poltrona Frau leather with brown piping.

-Graham

Maserati

2004 Maserati Coupe GT

December 4, 2014 Graham

Walking to work in Dearborn, I'm bombarded daily with the flat-plane crank soundtrack of the recently-revealed Ford Mustang GT350's 5.2L V8 - an impressive nod to the signature element of any Maranello V8. Odd then, that I'm left longing for the burble of the anomalous (for an Italian) American-style cross-plane Ferrari V8 that propelled Maserati through the turn of the century. My neighbor up the street had a Maser Coupe Cambiacorsa when I was in high school, and I could hear it from a mile away - affording me enough time to run out the front door and listen to it blip through the gears as it slowed into the driveway. While this Coupe GT is the less-common, conventional 6-speed manual, I'd gladly trade the raucous paddle-actuated downshifts for extended clutch life and the enjoyment provided by a third pedal.

Year: 2004
Model: Coupe GT
Engine: 4.2 Liter V8
Transmission:6-speed manual
Mileage: 22,300 mi
Price: $30,400

CLICK FOR DETAILS:2004 Maserati Coupe GT

Rare 6 speed manual transmission. Ferrari sourced 390 HP 4.2 liter V8. Heated seats, navigation, aluminum racing pedals, Leather headliner, Skyhook suspension, xenon headlights, optional Audition sound system. Stunning beige/gray leather interior, cruise control, AC, memory power seats. Michelin Pilot Sport Tires. No accidents, never tracked, religiously serviced. Cosmetically close to showroom condition inside and out. Great mechanical condition, just had 1 year service completed. All available service records. Car comes complete with factory tool kit, original window sticker, all manuals, and a spare set of factory wheels. Everything works, no stories. If you want a Maserati Coupe in close to perfect condition, you won't find a better deal. Price is $30,400 OBO. Original sticker price on this vehicle was $96,483.

Having witnessed the damage that UV rays can inflict upon leather dashboards of Ferrari 456 and 550s, I approve of the seller's use of a dash cover. A private inspection would cost 1% of the asking price, and hopefully vindicate the seller's assertion of religious service history and great mechanical condition. For me, the greatest appeal in the Maserati V8 is the availability of replacement engines - at a quarter of the price of, say, a Ferrari 360 V8. Keep a spare in the garage, and drive the Maser with the windows down and the tach up.

-Graham

Classic, Giugiaro, Italdesign, Maserati

1975 Maserati Merak Targa

May 3, 2014 Graham

I've posted this Merak to our CICFS Facebook Fanpage, so what's it doing back here? Well, first off, it's a nice example that's worth taking a look at; the Merak is one of the prettier "wedge" designs from Giugiaro, even if it lacked the performance of its big brother Bora. But what's unique about this one is what has occurred to the roof; because unlike nearly every other Merak out there, this one's a Targa::

Year: 1975
Model: Merak
Engine: 3.0 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 76,900 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1975 Maserati Merak

1975 Maserati Merak AM122-2182

Customization by Steering Wheel Inc. in South Florida circa. 1975. This particular car was delivered new to the US in 1975, and had it's roof customized by Tom Clark Sr. the owner of SWI. The book this car is documented in is on page 222 of "The Maserati Road Cars, Post war production cars 1946-1979 by Richard Crump/Rob de la Rive Box".

The strengthening of the chassis was done at the sills, the windscreen pillars were gusseted on the seams (see book photograph, main picture). This part of the roof work was done by local company, Trust Manufacturing Co.

It came with a blue interior originally, which has since been changed to the current caramel hides you see today. It is in driver condition, with many documents and receipts for work done in the past 30+ years.

With her original Campagnolo wheels, she has had 1 re-spray (by Gene Winfield btw for you SoCal hot rod nuts), in 1982, major services (hydraulics/clutch) in 2003 and 2008, and remains largely original with 76,9xx miles showing.

The paint is not perfect, nor is it a show car, but more of a "good ol' nail of a driver" (as my friend says). Purchased new in Florida in 1975, she then went to California and remained with the same owner for the next 37 years. Tons of paperwork and receipts go with the car, detailed documentation and papers for everything that was worked on.

The Merak is really just a nice, California, no major issues Driver, that needs a new home, she starts right up @ cold, idles great, doesn't run hot, shifts, brakes and drives down the road quite well. She has never been wrecked, or damaged, clean, no issues, straight car, with no Smog too!!! (we have a Video of a Cold start and a quick drive off in her).

Please keep in mind, this car is 39 years old! It has never been restored, it has it's imperfections, so if you're looking for a "show" car, move on! I am upfront and blunt, I do not need to sugarcoat things like some people who sell. Pooling through the documentation on her, what I'm asking for the car and than some, adds up in receipts alone...

A clean, no stories, California Title (1975 NO SMOG!) comes with the car. The Merak also comes with (2) keys, original Owner's Manual, and 40+ pages of receipts/documentation.

Some areas of attention are as follows.

-All of the hydraulic lights on the dash work, and gauges (except noted gas gauge)

-A/C car, but currently non-functional, fan motor and defrost etc. run though

-Crack rear flying buttress (picture)

-Crack front bumper (picture)

-Chip in hood above Trident (picture)

-Hood latch is not working properly (hence the "ajar" look of the fitment per pictures, common)

-Driver window is slow going up/down

-Gas gauge is INOP

If you need more information or pictures, please let me know I'll do my best. Car is located in Roseville, CA at my best friends shop.

-Please call if you wish to discuss, Ken @ 203-770-0839 CT, or Nick if you'd like to stop by and look at the Maserati @ 916-792-1645

-It has nicks, imperfections and some small areas of surface rust here and there. I have tried to take as many good, informative pictures as possible, if there is any area left out, please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate.

To those seriously interested parties, I have a DropBox with all of the papers/documentation uploaded I can send if interested in looking through it. Also, please note, if you would like more information about this cars history, I have made contact with Tom Clark Jr. in Florida, and he would be willing to discuss the car with prospective, serious individuals.

If you saw the 1975 Merak sell @ Auctions America a month back, you know that the values on these cars have increased. My reserve is respectful to the condition of the vehicle, and far below what the auction car sold for...

Happy Bidding, someone's going to really enjoy this mid-engined car...

Shipping is 100% the buyers responsibility, though we will do as much as possible to help. PPI's may be requested if given ample time, and if scheduling can be made without a time hassle. Thank you.

*Due to 2 non-paying buyers, this has been re-listed, and I am looking for a serious buyer, not a time waster...Thanks*

* Please note, if you have less than 5 feedback, you need to contact me before bidding, or you risk having your bid deleted.

**Please note, this vehicle is sold, as is, where is, condition, no warranty is expressed or implied.

***Please note, I take my time very seriously, and you should to, so please do not waste mine, and I will not waste yours. Do NOT bid on this car if you have no intentions or the means to purchase it. Do NOT win this auction only to show up wanting to "inspect", the duration of the auction time is the appropriate time for that action, not after the fact.

Yesterday on our sister site German Cars For Sale Blog, I wrote up a converted Porsche 928 - questioning the sanity of anyone that would take the roof off of an otherwise perfectly good coupe. I'm not sure why this was such a trend, but obviously it extended into the 1970s as well. It was reportedly converted when new and is generally original. These original run Meraks - during the Citroen ownership period - generally aren't the ones that are the most sought after, nor is this one in the best condition. But it's a neat piece of history for Maserati fans and I'm sure would be welcome at any meet; as a conversation starter alone, it's worth the story, especially with the documentation there!

-Carter

Maserati, Modern Classic, Zagato

1987 Maserati Biturbo Zagato

May 1, 2014 Graham 1 Comment

The Maserati Biturbo has always been a car that fascinated me; perhaps it's that I grew up in the 1980s where box-tacular designs were the norm, but there was something about the styling of the Biturbo that I always found appealing. It was tight and compact, sporty with enough flare that it really stood out. I was especially a fan of the dished wheels and still am. Compared to the somewhat oddly proportioned Quattroporte III, the Biturbo just looked right. That continued under the hood, where from a performance standpoint the Biturbo was fairly impressive; at least, on paper. In an era where 140-150 horsepower was considered "good", the twin turbocharged V6 put out a lofty 180 horsepower. Not all of that transferred into pulse-pounding performance, but still it was more than adequate for the time period; remember, that's more than some American V8s were pushing at the time. Still, the Biturbo didn't gain the best reputation, meaning you can pick up clean examples today for not much money, such as this clean example from Ocean Drive Motors:

Year: 1987
Model: Biturbo Zagato
Engine: 2.5 liter twin-turbocharged V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 29,008 mi
Price: $9,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1987 Maserati Biturbo Zagato

1987 MASERATI BITURBO

MODEL: BITURBO ZAGATO
DRIVE TYPE: REAR WHEEL
CYLINDERS: 6
HORSEPOWER: 180.00 BHP (1325 KW) @ 6000.00 RPM
Hp / LITER: 90.0 BHP / LITER
FUEL FEED: FUEL INJECTED
BLOCK: ALUMINUM
HEAD: ALUMINUM

STOCK #: 8029
ODOMETER: 29,008 MILES
EXTERIOR COLOUR: SILVER
INTERIOR COLOUR: TAN
VIN #: ZAMPM1106HA331332
PRICE: $9,500.00
FEATURES: SERVICE RECORDS, NO RADIO, CONV. TOP NEEDS REPLACEMENT, RE-BUILT ELECTRICAL RELAY BOARD,

*VERY LOW MILEAGE – EXCELLENT SHAPE*

Though they look very similar to the sedan, the Spyder version of the Biturbo was styled by Zagato and rode on a shortened chassis, making it strictly a two seater. The color combination on this particular car is nice and understated; red and white were quite popular, so it's nice to see something a little different. While I'm not a fan of the overly-plush looking seats from 1980s Maseratis, overall the condition of this car inside and out is very clean. There are some needs, such as the replacement top, but if you're on a budget and want some unusual Italian fun in the sun, this Biturbo could be a fun sun project car. Overall it is priced pretty accurately in the marketplace for these Biturbos.

-Carter