1991 Maserati Racing

The Maserati Biturbo was introduced in 1981. The first model was a two-door, four-seater coupe with similar dimensions to the BMW 3 Series. As the name implies, the two-litre V-6 engine came with two turbochargers but it also came with luxurious appointments. The model was designed by Pierangelo Andreani, an engineer from the De Tomaso team. It came initially with a 2.5L V6 developing 187bhp, however, a limited edition 'Racing' model was introduced in 1990. The Biturbo Racing was powered by an all-aluminium V6, 2-litre, 24-valve, 4-overhead camshaft engine that produced 285bhp at 6,250rpm. This was thanks largely to a new crankshaft, new lighter con-rods, new forged pistons, new turbochargers and new engine management system. The cylinder heads also received attention with re-profiled camshafts. The purpose of this limited edition model was to test the new hardware developments and improvements before applying them to the Ghibli II and the Shamal. Additional mechanical features included Koni shock absorbers, a five-speed Getrag gearbox and a limited slip differential using Quaife technology. Aesthetically, a new front fascia used new ellipsoid headlights developed by Magneti-Marelli. Marcello Gandini, the designer of a later model, developed an aerodynamic kit that included front spoiler, windshield wiper spoiler, rear spoiler and side skirts. The choice of colour for the Racing was simply red or black and only 230 examples were ever produced.This 1991 Maserati Racing is equipped with all of the aforementioned upgrades and is finished in delightfully intimidating black with black leather interior. It was originally supplied new to marque specialists Dima Automobile of Bolzano, Italy. Having covered only 41,607 believed to be genuine kilometres from new, there are many more years of motoring to be exhumed from this muscular Maserati. Buyers should be aware that this lot has formed part of a large private collection and has been stored for some time in a heated environment, as such, some remedial works may be required. A light service has just been carried out by Terry Keys Motorsport and a mechanical report from Terry Keys will be supplied in the history file at the auction. With a 2.0 litre V6 engine under the bonnet and sharp Italian styling, this rare Racing model is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.