Used buying guide: Maserati Biturbo

Again in 2013, the Ghibli was hailed as the long run saviour of Maserati: a BMW 5 Collection rival that might hit 50,000 gross sales per 12 months by 2015. However issues haven’t labored out like that – and it’s not the primary time. 

In 1981, Maserati launched the Biturbo, a BMW 3 Collection rival, with the identical purpose and gross sales ambitions. Nonetheless, whereas excessive operating prices and class-trailing dynamics blunted the Ghibli’s enchantment, for the Biturbo it was an much more damning mix of inferior construct high quality and poor reliability that made gross sales decline. Thus the coupé model, the mainstay of the line-up, lasted solely till 1990 (the open-top Spyder model continued till 1994) and solely about 700 Biturbos had been offered within the UK.

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Right now, few individuals have a sort phrase to say concerning the mannequin. Individuals reminiscent of Karl Verdi, founding father of Verdi Ferrari, an impartial Ferrari workshop: “It was trash: badly designed, badly engineered and loose-feeling. I bear in mind a good friend spinning his new Biturbo on a bend after which being everywhere at a monitor day.” 

‘An proprietor’s view’ beneath reveals that not everyone seems to be so important. Moreover, comb the classifieds and you’ll discover sufficient cherished Biturbos to make you assume there would possibly really be some advantage to it. 

However the truth that all the pieces appears to be getting dearer, costs are rising too. Not way back, they began at round £4000, with good automobiles from £8000, whereas the perfect, with respectable service histories, began at round £12,000. Now, correct Biturbos with respectable histories go from round £12,000. Among the many dearer automobiles are ratty examples driving on the trident badge, and the ‘one we discovered’ might be a kind of, so we might topic it to an intensive examination.

The Biturbo was launched in 1981 in left-hand-drive kind solely. It was a good-looking two-door coupé powered by the world’s first manufacturing twin-turbocharged engine. The naturally aspirated motor had a timing belt and – one other first – three valves per cylinder, later elevated to 4. Be warned: handbook automobiles have a dog-leg first that may catch Biturbo novices out. A four-door saloon adopted in 1984. The identical 12 months, the fascinating Spyder was launched – fascinating as a result of it sits on a shortened platform. Because of this, it’s extra agile than the coupé however, unsurprisingly, much less stiff. Right now, extra Spyders seem to have survived than coupés. 

RHD coupés and Spyders had been finally unleashed on sceptical UK consumers in 1986. Powered by a 2.5-litre V6 producing 193bhp, the ‘new’ mannequin was decently fast. A light restyle adopted, then two years later the engine gained gas injection and an additional 24bhp. On the identical time, a 247bhp 2.8-litre V6 joined the vary. Alas, it wasn’t sufficient to lever fanatics out of their cheaper and extra usable 3 Collection, and the coupé handed into the historical past books on the finish of the last decade. Right now, purchase an excellent one and Loadsamoney’s loss might be your achieve.

An proprietor’s view – David Inexperienced

“I personal 4 Biturbos, and I really like them. The mannequin has a status for rust and poor construct high quality, however in my opinion, it was a sufferer of neglect. The engine was too superior, panels had been welded on relatively than bolted and there have been few sellers, so automobiles had been run into the bottom. They had been by no means supposed for Britain’s roads: muck will get flung up behind the headlights and corrosion takes maintain. Hold the world clear and rust-proofed and it will likely be wonderful. My day by day driver is a 2.5 coupé. It’s fast, dependable and rust-free. Costs are rising, so purchase an excellent Biturbo for the appropriate cash and you’ll have an appreciating traditional.”

Purchaser beware

Engine: A full historical past with oil and timing belt modifications each 6000 and 24,000 miles respectively (the latter might be achieved in 45 minutes) is the best. Oil strain ought to be round 4kg/cm at operating temperature. Make certain the coolant fan cuts in after idling for lengthen durations. Test for oil and coolant mixing, for oil staining the rear of the engine and the bulkhead, for noisy cams (brought on by oil hunger) and a unfastened water pump. 

Transmission: Guide ’packing containers are dependable; the clutch, or relatively the slave cylinder, is the weak spot. A brief pedal journey factors to impending failure. The four-speed auto is extra dependable than the three-speed. 

Brakes and suspension: Test the entrance discs aren’t warped; the place fitted, ventilated discs are much less susceptible. Even a wholesome handbrake is unlikely to carry the automotive. Examine for put on in balljoints and bushes. The trackrod ends put on out shortly

Electrics: Oxidation by the electrics causes issues, stopping present from flowing and inflicting circuits to overheat, so verify all the pieces works. Cleansing contact surfaces helps restore issues, however verify printed circuit boards aren’t fried. 

Physique: Test in all places for rust, specifically the door pillars and sills, window surrounds, bonnet edges, the battery tray and round and behind the entrance and hind lights.

Inside: Make certain the electrical home windows and air-con work and fixtures and fittings, headlining included, are in good condition.

Additionally value figuring out

Test the unique, Swiss-made analogue clock, referred to as the LaSalle, remains to be within the dashboard. It’s a ravishing factor wanted by automobilia collectors. Thankfully, you’ll be able to nonetheless purchase them – at a value. We discovered a US vendor providing an apparently authentic one, in manufacturing unit packaging, for £446.

How a lot to spend

£5000-£7499: LHD automobiles, together with a cherished 1984 coupé with 70,000 miles for £7300.

£7500-£9999: The most affordable UK-registered automobiles with chequered histories. 

£10,000-£14,999: Tidier UK automobiles; occasional facelifted (1989) Spyders with sub-50k miles. 

£15,000 and above: Features a totally restored 1989 2.8 Spyder with 33,000 miles for £19,995. Additionally a 1990 2.8 duplicate coupé race automotive with 100k miles, additionally for £19,995.

One we discovered

Maserati Biturbo coupe 2.5, 1987, 38,000 miles, £15,995: A low-mile, enthusiast-owned coupé. Advert says new latest timing belts and oil strain is to spec in any respect temperatures. Query marks over some suspension mods, a rusty wheel arch and the worth, which seems a bit of sturdy.