Highlights
- One of only 40 ‘LA’ prefix final build cars
- 477km from new
- Single registered keeper from first registration
- Museum-grade condition in Maserati Red
- Beautifully preserved two-tone leather and suede interior
- Registered in Italy with original Italian number plate
The Appeal
The Karif was Maserati’s late 80s bid for an ultra expensive ‘halo’ car, one that would showcase the firm’s engineering and hand-crafted construction prowess. Designed and bult by Zagato and based on the shortened BiTurbo convertible, just 221 left the works equipped with Maserati’s hand-built 2.8L V6 engine.
The final 30-40 cars were equipped with catalysers and carry ‘LA’ chassis prefix. This car is one of the very last of those built and it is a collector-grade example. With just 477km from new, it is about as close to a brand new 35 year old car as it is possible to get. It even still has the factory plastic protective covers on the door cards.
The Karif’s specialist nature and eye-watering cost meant that many took time to sell after they were built. This car was built in 1991 but was only first registered in 1996 in Italy. Since then it has had just one keeper. The condition is extremely good, the two-tone luxury suede and leather cabin with its extensive wood trim being particularly inviting.
The Karif is one of the last of the BiTurbo line and represents a type of hand-crafted Maserati that has now been lost. For those reasons these exceptionally rare cars are highly collectible and this example is surely amongst the best and most notable. One for the serious collectors.
History and Paperwork
- Factory built in 1991
- First registered in Italy on 27 September 1996
- Single registered keeper from new
- Standard Italian registration document present
- Chassis number: ZAM339B00LA100190
- Original Italian number plate retained
- 477km recorded on odometer
The Condition
- Highly original car in Maserati Red with grey lower trim and bumpers
- Paintwork in good order with somevery light points to note in photos
- Factory ‘disc’ alloy wheels in good order with matching spare
- Pirelli tyres fitted all round
- Two-tone black and grey suede and leatther interior looks barely used
- Factory protective film still present on the doors
- Extensive light wood veneers in very good order
- Period radio cassette fitted
- Wood-rimmed steering wheel
Maserati owner Alejandro De Tomaso wanted the Karif to be the firm’s halo car, and nowhere is this more evident than in the sumptuously appointed interior. Here you will find acres of wood, suede and leather, with the neat details like the oval clock and wood-rimmed wheel to add ‘surprise and delight.’
As with the exterior, the cabin is beautifully preserved because this car is, in essence, a delivery-mileage example. The same is true beneath the bonnet where the handsome engine, with its red crackle finish, presents well.
The Mechanics
- 2.8L twin-turbocharged V6 engine derived from Maserati 228
- Catalyst-equipped LA-prefix car delivering 225bhp
- 5spd manual gearbox
- Only 477km from new
The Kalif adopted the AM473 2.8L 90 degree V6 from the Maserati 228, retaining the twin turbos that made gave this long run of cars its common name ‘BiTurbo.’ It is mated to a 5spd ZF gearbox. As a LA prefix car with factory catalyser equipment, this very late Karif has 225bhp on tap.
Just 477km has been clocked up by the single keeper in the 30 years since he acquired the car. During that time it has been carefully dry stored.
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