Maserati Biturbo Spyder Zagato
ENGINE 2491cc/V6/OHC POWER 192bhp@5800rpm TORQUE 220lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 135mph 0-60MPH 7.2sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 18-23mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MoT November 2020 ODOMETER 43,223 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The glorious twin-turbocharged V6 fires up to a throaty burble that sounds much more like a V8 than a traditional six pot. Acceleration is vivid – there’s plenty of torque off-boost, and vast amounts of it when they’re lit up. Despite this, it’s tractable when just pootling about. The steering is light but accurate, with no slap or wandering. There’s a little vibration through the steering wheel, but well within the parameters expected of the breed. Pedal feel is good, with strong, progressive brakes and no tramlining under load. There are no peculiar knocks, vibrations or rattles from the suspension to report. The ZF dogleg gearbox works well, albeit with the customary reluctance to select second when cold, but it soon becomes smooth following extended use.
BODYWORK CHECK
The paintwork is absolutely mint – as befits a concours-winning example such as this. There’s not a single blemish anywhere on the exterior and all of the chrome and rubbers are in excellent condition. The usual Biturbo rust traps – around the
EXTERIOR
Perfect paint Excellent hood
INTERIOR
Everything works No major blemishes
MECHANICALS
Excellent provenance base of the windscreen, below the front grille and along the sills – are absolutely clear of rot. The alloy wheels are undamaged and each wears a well-treaded Dunlop SP Sport 490 tyre.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The interior is almost as immaculate as the exterior. Aside from some time-related creasing in the leather, there is some discolouration (which the vendor is due to sort prior to sale). Otherwise there are no illuminated warning lights on the dashboard and absolutely everything works. The only noticeable blemish is a small chip in the wooden steering wheel. There are no marks or rips in the hood material and it rises and lowers easily.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay continues the immaculate theme – all of the fluids are up to the maximum mark and none show any signs of leaking. There are two large files of receipts, plus the original book packs and brochures. It also comes with a copy of the Brooklands Maserati Cars Performance Portfolio 1982-1998, which stars this very car on its cover. Delve into the paperwork and you’ll see regular servicing at marque specialists like Autoshield and McGrath Maserati going back decades. Recent expenditure points to a service and cambelt change in mid-2019 and replacement clutch and slave cylinder in 2018.
THE CCW VIEW
This has to be one of the best – if not the best – right-hand drive Maserati Biturbo Spyders on the open market at the moment; the paintwork, provenance and quality of the drive mark it out as being a cut above the rest. The asking price doesn’t seem a lot to ask for such a rare slice of exotica, let alone one as good as this.
PROS Near-concours condition, performance, price CONS Minor vibration through steering wheel
BUY IT FROM Richard Grace Cars, Old Sealand Road, Sealand, Wales CH1 6BR. 01244 880825/07734 394699, richardgracecars.co.uk