BUYING GUIDE

Maserati Biturbo 1981-1995; continued

Many Biturbos are fitted with aftermarket wheels, though it's still possible to find originals.

If it's got a good service history, the engine is probably sound.		Hardwearing leather added £700 (US$998) to the original purchase price.

HOW MUCH

It's easy to get into a Biturbo without spending much money, and running a decent one needn't be expensive because they're not that costly to service.

But they are thirsty - especially if you use them as intended. Cover a high mileage as well and the high cost of non-service items will probably have you crying yourself to sleep at night.

But if you buy one as a classic for occasional use you'll be fine if you choose wisely. Take an expert if you're at all unsure - Bill McGrath does a full inspection for £106 (US$151).

PRICE RANGES
£18,000 (US$25,688): the best Spyder Es and Karifs
£13,000-15,000 (US$18,538 - 21,390): top notch 222s, 430s and good Karifs or Spyder Es
£7000-10,000 (US$9,982 - 14,260): good to excellent 222Es, 228s, 430s and carb Spyders
£4500 (US$6,417): usable 425s and Coupes
£1500-3000 (US$2,139 - 4,278): project cars
£500-1500 (US$713 - 2,139): breakers

REAL CARS FOR SALE

Spyder E 1989. Aquamarine blue with gray leather interior 23,000 miles and one owner. Stainless exhaust. FSH. £11,750 (US$16,756) 01935 862516.

Biturbo 430SE 1992. White with blue leather interior. Recent engine rebuild, recon auto gearbox. Aircon, Alpine stereo, stainless exhaust, 0Z alloys, extensive service history. £7995 (US$11,401) 01604 407001 or mark.morley@cwcom.net.

Spyder E 1989. Two owners. 23,000 miles, service history. Auto. Dark blue, cream leather and suede interior Air con, power hood. £13,250 (US$18,895) 0118 940 2319.

222E l990. Silver/81ue. Stainless exhaust, Kenwood stereo. £9,500 (US$18,895) 01485572787.

Karif 1989. Private plate, FSH, red, magnolia leather 34,000 miles, £8995 (US$12,827) 01942 235271.

For classifieds, click here.

OWNING ONE

GRAEME Sinclair's first foray into Maserati ownership was brief and not entirely successful. Having bought a 425 Bill McGrath Maserati advised him it wasn't really worth restoring.

But luck was on Graeme's side - Andy Heywood heard of a decent Biturbo through the Maserati Club. A 1987 example with just 9000 miles, the car hadn't turned a wheel for nine years. Fresh fluids and plugs saw it fire up straight away. The reason for its layup became apparent later on when the car didn't drive correctly. After much head scratching it was narrowed down to damaged nearside front suspension. A few replacement bits restored its health.

So what attracted Graeme to Maserati ownership? "I lived in Italy for nine years as a child, and I've now got a taste for Italian cars. Ferraris are pretty common - but not Maseratis. Besides, they're more affordable!"

Although he's had his Biturbo for only a year, Graeme is already hooked: "The performance is all you could ever need, and it's amazingly comfortable, but you cant throw it around too much as it doesn't handle that brilliantly - but I've got a 205 GTi for that."

So will the car lead a pampered life? Not a bit of it. Graeme aims to use it as his everyday car, whatever the weather.

BOOKS
	MASERATI – THE GRAND PRIX, SPORTS AND GT CARS MODEL BY MODEL 1926-2003 By Maurizio Tabucchi. Painstaking historical and technical research has laid the foundations for this book covering the entire history of one of Italy’s most prestigious and legendary car manufacturers. The fascinating story of the Modena Factory is closely intertwined with the most significant events that took place in the continual process of socio-economic and industrial development and transformation that has characterised Italy over the last eighty years. All Maserti enthusiasts will appreciate the true nucleus of the book composed of technical files reviewing every car, model by model, from the Tipo 26 of 1926 through to advance information on the forthcoming Kubang and Quattroporte. The texts are complemented by a superb range of illustrations featuring rare archive photographs and carefully selected technical drawings. To order, click here.
	CATALOGUE RAISONNE 2-VOL. SET, 1926-2003 By Gianni Cancellieri. The updated edition of the Maserati Catalogue Raisonné contains the history, races, production and all the new models, with detailed technical specifications. A must for all Maserati enthusiasts. 464 pages. English/Italian/French To order, click here.