Description
The all-steel unitary chassis/body was styled in-house and built by Innocenti, part of the De Tomaso empire like Maserati. ZF five-speed manual and three-speed automatic were the two transmission options, while a limited-slip differential came as standard. Produced initially with a 2-litre, three-valves-per-cylinder, 90-degree V6, the Biturbo gained 2.5-litre, 2.8-litre and four-valves-per-cylinder engines as the model range expanded throughout the 1980s to include four-door saloon and open-top spyder variants. The 2.5-litre unit was the first addition to the range of engines and like the 2.0-litre original was an all-alloy, two-cam V6 with three valves per cylinder, the two inlets being different sizes to promote efficient cylinder filling over a wide rev range. Turbo lag, a not uncommon problem with this form of forced induction, was addressed by using two small IHI turbochargers rather than a single large one, fed by a solitary Weber carburettor. In this form the Biturbo engine produced 192bhp (DIN) and 220lb/ft of torque, figures good enough for a top speed in excess of 130mph.
The Zagato-bodied Biturbo on offer here is finished in ivory and is fitted with its original typically luxurious Maserati interior with a gold clock. Offered with history from 1994- 2015 and UK V5 registration it certainly offers its new custodian a great entry into Maserati ownership and is undoubtedly a future classic from the Trident marque.
