Description
The Maserati Biturbo was introduced in December 1981 at a time when the company was in the ownership of Alejandro de Tomaso. His plan was to provide a more affordable entry point to the prestigious brand, making full use of the marque’s ‘supercar’ reputation gained from the earlier models manufactured whilst Maserati was owned by Citroen.
The Biturbo was powered by a new, all-aluminium, twin-turbocharged, 90-degree V6 engine, claiming some production ‘firsts’ – the first production car engine with three valves per cylinder and the first to use a twin-turbocharged engine. Initially a 2 litre engine, pushing out a claimed 180 bhp, the engine was enlarged and developed further during the car’s production run to 2. 8 litres and a claimed output of 250 bhp.
The car was designed by Pierangelo Andreani, of unitary construction, using a front-mounted, longitudinal engine and gearbox, with MacPherson strut type suspension upfront and semi-trailing arms at the rear. As with the engine, the chassis was updated during the model’s life with revised suspension and the fitment of wider alloy wheels. The car received a modest facelift in 1988, executed by Marcello Gandini, which sought to soften some of the sharp bodylines of the original design.
The Biturbo name was dropped in 1988 alongside the re-styling exercise in favour of Maserati 222 – which is said to signify two-doors, two-litre engine and second-generation vehicle. The 222E (export) model employed the enlarged 2. 8-litre engine with fuel injection (introduced in 1987) and a ‘full fat’ 250 bhp on tap. The interior was lightly revised with a fully adjustable steering column, leather seats and an automatic air-conditioning system.
This 222E model was first registered new in the UK in November 1989. It looks to have had just 2 owners prior to being exported to Jersey in 1996. There is a full service history from Maserati specialist Bill McGrath up to 1995 and 53, 000 miles. In Jersey the car has had limited further use, now showing a little under 65, 000 miles, and has been well cared for with a new timing belt fitted in 2018; clutch master & slave cylinders replaced in 2022 and a new battery fitted this year.
The car fires up readily, settles to an even idle and is quite responsive to the throttle - there is a definite turbo ’kick’ if the revs are used. The gearbox is in good order, gears changing easily and smoothly (a 5-speed ZF type is fitted). Suspension and brakes perform well – no unwanted crashing over worn roads and an even retardation under heavier braking. All tyres look to have plenty of life in them yet.
The bodywork is sound, straight and largely unmarked, just a small scratch visible on one door. The underside is very clean with just a little surface weathering, as might be expected of a well looked after car of this age. The fire-engine red paintwork is in very good condition, showing no sign of fading. The alloy wheels have been refinished and remain in excellent condition.
The leather and suede interior is in a generally sound condition, as are the wood veneer embellishments to doors and dashboard and the wooden steering wheel. A modern CD player unit is fitted.
A relatively rare Maserati model – a little over 700 were made – with sporting performance from the powerful twin-turbo engine and in a respectable used, but well cared-for condition. Ready to be enjoyed by a new owner.
The car is currently Jersey registered and we can assist with shipping and importation processes if required. We can ship worldwide.
