Maserati Spyder Biturbo (22k miles)

History

Launched in 1981, the Maserati Biturbo was the first series production road car to use a twin turbo-charged engine. Initially available with a 2-litre V6 unit featuring three valves per cylinder and quadruple camshafts, the range soon expanded to include 2.5 and 2.8-litre engines. Performance from all units was suitably impressive with a seamless wall of torque that pushed the larger engined cars to highly illegal speeds with almost alarming rapidity. Keeping the whole thing on the road was a straightforward suspension configuration of MacPherson struts and independent trailing arms, with one of the earliest uses of the 'TORSEN' (torque sensing) limited slip differential.

On the outside at least, the styling was pleasingly understated with a stubby silhouette and purposeful stance that oozed discreet aggression, especially from the rear with its menacing quad exhausts. Inside was rather more flamboyant with acres of hand-stitched leather, walnut and suede inlays and the famous oval gold clock – very Italian stallion, if a little 'tart's boudoir' for some tastes...

In 1984 a convertible Spyder version was launched, shorter and lighter than the coupe and styled with customary verve by Zagato of Milan. Not available in RHD form until 1987, it was an expensive car at £28,795 (£9,000 more than a BMW 325i Cabriolet), and was always a rare sight on Britain's roads.

This 2.5-litre carburettor model was supplied new to a Mrs Binstock of Eaton Terrace, London SW1, in January 1988 by Victoria Motor Company. Treated to a six-year guaranteed Dinol anti-corrosion programme from new, it has covered less than 22,000 miles to date with a full service history and lots of old MOTs to substantiate the mileage.

Significant work in the history folder includes a new clutch at 12,704 miles, new timing belts at 13,342 and at 21,438 miles, new clutch and slave master cylinders within the last twelve months. From the end of 2002 to February 2006 the car was kept in a heated showroom before being recommissioned for the road and used only very sparingly since.

Said to be in excellent condition throughout and to drive very well, it is fitted with the desirable 5-speed manual gearbox and also has an Ansa stainless steel exhaust and BBS spoked alloys. With an MOT until August 2008, it is supplied with its original tool kit, leather folder containing all the correct handbooks and its original Maserati key fob.