1979 Maserati Kyalami

Named after the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in South Africa, the Maserati Kyalami is an automobile produced by Italian manufacturer Maserati from 1976 to 1983. It was a new model rushed into production after Alejandro de Tomaso took helm of the company. De Tomaso had Pietro Frua take Tom Tjaarda's design of the De Tomaso Longchamp (itself inspired by the Mercedes 450SLC) and modify the front and rear end to create a distinctive Maserati feel for the new car. The interior was also upgraded to incorporate classic Maserati elements such as the steering wheel and instrumentation.

210 Kyalami's were built between 1976 and 1983. Due to its rarity very little was written in magazines about the Kyalami. However, direct owner experiences confirmed the fundamental validity of its design, with a well-balanced, stiff chassis offering excellent body control and an agile, very easy to control handling. The performance offered by the 4.9litre V8 was characterised by the abundant power and torque delivered by the engine.

This car epitomised the last statement being a previous competitor on the gruelling 2002 London to Prague Classic Marathon. There is some history to accompany this car showing images of a detailed restoration believed completed in the period of c1993-1994. Past MoT's from 1987 to 1993 track mileage increase from 64,000miles to 93,000miles before seemingly being reset as just 7,800 miles were recorded in 1994. By 2004, post-Classic Marathon, this had risen to nearly 28,000 miles.

Offered now with UK V5 registration document, this righthand drive example of a revered marque is presented for complete restoration with some works to the body having already been tackled. With many (perhaps all) component parts accompanying this Lot, it is reasonable to assume that this should be a manageable restoration. The all-important Maserati V8 powerplant and ZF gearbox are present and not believed to be seized. With some time and care this unusual Maserati could once again see this car competing in the 2015 Classic Marathon. Useful to account for is the presence of what appears to be all four original Campagnolo alloy wheels with a high-value attributed to these alone.