Beskrivning
FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION AT THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, DUXFORD, CAMBRIDGESHIRE
AUCTION DATE: 13TH MARCH 2024
Auction Estimate: No Reserve
Registration No: J490 HPO
Chassis No: ZAM331B00KB180362
MOT: Expired
- One of only 210 right-hand drive examples
- Recently discovered after fourteen years of lay-up
- Extensive history file including eleven stamps in the service book plus bills for its ongoing care
By the time Alejandro de Tomaso acquired Maserati in 1976, the famous Modena firm was ailing and the market for their beautiful but troublesome mid-engine supercars like the Merak and the Bora was dwindling. Launched in 1981, the Maserati Biturbo was an attempt to broaden the customer base and make Maserati (slightly) more affordable. The first series production car to use a twin turbo engine, it was initially available with a 2-litre V6 unit featuring three valves per cylinder and quad cams, and later 2. 5 and 2. 8 Litre engines were employed. Performance from all units was suitably impressive, with a seamless wall of torque that invited rapid acceleration. MacPherson struts with independent trailing arms were fitted with one of the earliest uses of the 'TORSEN' (torque sensing) limited slip differential. The styling was pleasingly understated with a stubby silhouette and purposeful stance that oozed discreet aggression, especially from the rear with its menacing quad exhausts. Inside was rather more flamboyant with acres of hand-stitched leather, walnut and suede inlays and the famous oval gold clock. The 222 model introduced 1988 was particularly attractive following a styling makeover by Marcello Gandini of Lamborghini Miura/ Countach/ Diablo fame. With 248bhp on tap from its 2. 8 V6, it could sprint to 60mph in 6. 1 seconds with a top speed of 149mph.
This 222 E is a rare 'export market' RHD version with only 210 ever supplied in this form. First supplied via Meridien of Lydhurst, Hampshire to a Mr B. Harvey, the original leather bound document folder contains the service book which shows eleven stamps until 30, 957 miles in 2005. The vendor acquired the car in June 2006 and entrusted ongoing maintenance work to Terry Keys Motorsport until around 2010 when the car was locked away in a garage in North London, next to a Ferrari Dino 308 GT4, until it was discovered in February 2024 in need of rescuing.
On inspection, we found that the car is in need of much work and although the brakes freely roll we are unsure of the mechanical condition. Externally, the engine looks to be well preserved, but we have not tried to turn the car over. We hope that thanks to the storage unit being overly dry, it may pleasantly surprise a prospective new owner. The interior is remarkably well preserved and the vendor rates this as 'good' with a good clean being needed but this will hopefully come back to life very well. Overall, the vendor rates the body as 'good' although the passenger side door has unfortunately rotten out along the bottom and will need either replacement or a careful re-skin and paint. The drivers' door shows slight bubbling, but appears saveable and the rest of the panel work looks to have been preserved well.
Now, this rare Maserati offered without reserve and will be an excellent opportunity for the prospective restorer; offering an affordable entry into an oh-so exclusive Italian supercar marque.
