WHAT IS IT?
Fresh from its divorce from Citröen and just into its equally precarious DeTomaso stewardship, the Biturbo was Maserati’s bid to take on volume manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The Biturbo line spawned a lovely wedgy coupe, a somewhat strange spyder by Zagato, and a four-door sedan. Although the cars were attractive, more powerful, and more technically interesting than their Teutonic competition, build quality wasn’t even close. In the U.S., Biturbos with catalytic converters and finicky carburetors gained a reputation for self-immolation. They fared a little better in Europe.
WHY THIS CAR HAS BEST ONE ON THE PLANET CHOPS
Any surviving Biturbo that doesn’t look like it was discovered after the new owner of a distressed property cut the grass for the first time in 30 years is a rarity. One that is absolute perfection inside and out is simply unheard of. The engine compartment of this car says it all. Gleaming everywhere, and no sign of corrosion. The fragile wood, leather and velour interior looks like it just left Modena. It has the equivalent of under 50,000 miles, but it looks like less than half that. “Bellisima pari al nuovo” or “Beautiful, like new” truly is an apt description. At the equivalent of about $28,000 (negotiable), it’s almost worth rolling the dice.
The fragile wood, leather and velour interior looks like it just left Modena.
It’s for sale in Vicenza, Italy.Â
THE VERDICT
Delivered by Juror Andy Reid: So I know these cars quite well and have driven quite a few, even when they were new. This is as close as you can get to a brand-new Maserati Biturbo. There is not a single example that I have seen that even comes close to how good this one is.
So i know these cars quite well and have driven quite a few, even when they were new. This is as close to you can get to a brand new Maserati Biturbo. There is not a single example that I have seen that even comes close tp how good this one is.
I have to agree with Andy here. The ones that didn’t self-immolate wound up being abandoned (often at the shop that delivered the news that it would take five-figures to get the car back on the road). The lucky ones became donations to the Kidney Fund, sold to dreamers who then abandoned them, to be re-found only when someone cut their lawn for the first time in 20 years. This one is simply astonishing. It’s often been said that there is one good example of every terrible car. This is that car. Best One on the Planet? More like best one in the Orion Spur of the Milky Way.
This is, without a doubt, a fantastic example of the Maserati Biturbo. As much as I love the looks of these weird little Italian cars, the inevitable repair bills have always kept me at bay when shopping for fun cars.
I find this car oddly beguiling. I know I shouldn’t, especially at the asking price, but I want it in the worst way, which I suspect is precisely how I’d get it.