1990 Maserati Biturbo Spyder

Coachwork by Zagato

2,790cc OHC V-6 Engine
Electronic Fuel Injection
225bhp at 5,250rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Zagato bodied Maserati
*Fewer than 20 examples imported to North America
*Present ownership for 25+ years
*Desirable and refined end of the run 2.8-liter engine

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Maserati's dominant model throughout the 1980s and the first series-production road car to employ a twin turbo-charged engine, the Biturbo debuted in two-door form in 1982. Intended to challenge BMW, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz in the luxury sporting saloon market, the Biturbo had a front engine/rear drive layout and featured all-independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and an interior of sumptuous leather and fancy burlwood veneer trim. The all-steel unitary chassis/body was styled in-house and built by Innocenti, part of the De Tomaso empire like Maserati. Excellent ZF five-speed manual and three-speed automatic transmissions were available, while a limited-slip differential came as standard. Produced initially with a 2-liter, three-valves-per-cylinder, 90-degree V6, the Biturbo evolved toward a 2.8-liter and four-valves-per-cylinder engine, the finest of which were the open-top spyder variants, of particular interest as they were the work of Zagato. Maserati finally got it right with the end of the run 2.8-liter version which fixed all of the Biturbo's original shortcomings, but it was too late for Maserati USA – they declared bankruptcy and less than 20 final run handmade cars made it to North America.

The 2.8-liter variants are thus certainly the most desirable, and hardest to find. Of the 2.8-liter models, the most coveted is the Zagato-bodied Biturbo Spyder. With 225 HP and 246 lb. ft. of torque, thanks to a large fuel injected OHC V6 with a four-valve per-cylinder fed by twin water-cooled IHI turbos and twin air-to-air intercoolers, the car's weight to power ratio makes it a thrill to drive. The only other cars of the era to offer this level of sophisticated power was Ferrari's mighty 288 GTO and F40. In 1990 under 20 examples were imported to North America and only a few are known to exist today. This particular example was previously owned by the professional baseball player and former Yankee and Braves team member, Mike Stanton. Its current owner has cherished and reliably driven this specimen for more than 25 years. This Zagato sports a black exterior over a grey interior of which every inch is covered in leather and alcantara while riding on a set of original, Maserati specification OZ racing wheels. If you are a Maserati, Zagato, or Italian car enthusiast, this exceedingly rare and increasingly sought after hand built, Zagato bodied Maserati presents an opportunity to acquire a fascinating piece of Italian sports car history.