Interesting bi s1 1987 D reg

[Luna 06]

It's a bit of a long story, but I shall try and keep it brief!
I have just purchased my 3rd Maserati, the latest being a Gransport. My parents have friends which they mentioned this to and they said, they also have a Maserati in their garage which due to their ages " in their eighties" No longer use. It is started once a month and has now been sorn. They are the second owners and bought it back in the early 90's. It has had 12k spent on the engine by them " not sure when" and has never been out in the rain. The first owner was a solicitor who imported it for the south of France. Not sure of the milage yet, but I think it's low. LHD in dark blue. The question is what is it worth, and is there a demand for this model. I was rather hoping it was a Merak ss.
Your thoughts would be much appreciated.

 

[safrane]

A bi turbo is not worth that much unless in concourse condition. It may have been run frequently but rust and failed electrics is the big killer of these...the engine however is quite robust.

btw I too am on my third Maser and that is a GS as well.

 

[Contigo]

Difficult to say, depends on miles and condition as the Biturbo's can be proper rotboxes. If it's UK registered then get the registration and run it through the MOT history to see what sort of work it has had. Bear in mind you can buy a mint 222 for 6-8K and some of the earlier Biturbo cars for much less. If it is a Zagato Spyder snap their hand off!

 

[StuartW]

A very hard one to price, the lack of use would be a bit of a concern for me, but it could be an interesting one depending on the condition and price

 

[Luna 06]

Thanks for all your feedback.
Good choice saf. I did consider the early Granturismo, But there are so many, I felt the GS would have the rarity value attached.
As for the Bi, I feel I should have a look and get back with all the details for you all. It could well be in mint condition.
Are the Zagato spiders really worth a lot more?
Wii report back in the new year..

 

[zagatoes30]

As above it depends which Biturbo and condition. These can be expensive to repair especially if there is any rot but can be really interesting alternative modern classic - when did you last see one on the road ?

 

[drewf]

You might be better trying to raise interest in France - the market there for BiTurbos is far stronger than UK, and since it's LHD...

 

[Luna 06]

Latest news.
The elderly couple are looking for 4k. I have not been down to see it, and probably wont bother. But it really could be mint!!
The car is in Gosport nr Southampton.
I'm sure they would reduce the price to a nice buyer.
If anyone is interested please pm me for contact details.

 

[StuartW]

If it is a good one, that could be a decent buy - sounds intriguing

 

[Ewan]

By chance I'm off to Portsmouth this weekend, so would love to take a look to see what this is all about. You have PM!

 

[Luna 06]

Ewan, you have a PM.

 

[Ewan]

I went to look at this car yesterday and at the current asking price its not the one for me. But if anyone is looking for a cheap LHD Maserati, possibly for European holiday touring, feel free to contact me and I'll happily give you my opinion of the car.

 

[Ewan]

For the record, it's a 1987 222 LHD Biturbo, first registered in Italy, then France, that came to the UK in 1999 (since when it's had three owners). The mileage shows as 85,000 kilometres, but there is no paperwork or service history to verify this as genuine. But it could be. The engine appears to have been changed from the original 2.5 lt. to the later 2.8 lt. Unfortunately the car had no fuel and a flat battery so I couldn't hear it run. It's not taxed (currently on SORN) and hasn't been on the road for the last couple of years or so. With a bit of TLC (proper valet, big service, some Tax and a new MOT) it may well make a lovely fun little car, but the lack of documentation will always limit it's value.

 

[Contigo]

Sounds interesting but how people can lose something so important is crazy!

 

[CatmanV2]

Sounds interesting but how people can lose something so important is crazy!

Fire, flood, mistake. Who knows?

C

 

[Contigo]

Fire, flood, mistake. Who knows?

C

Yes it happens but it's careless. There is always a way of rebuilding the history too. I've done it many times.

 

[CatmanV2]

Yes it happens but it's careless. There is always a way of rebuilding the history too. I've done it many times.

Well that depends if you value it

C

 

[Ewan]

Since 1999 any work to the car has been completed by the owners (not garages) so there's not much paperwork for that period, other than the odd parts receipt. And before that date, there is is zero paperwork.

The only clues to its life in France are the sticker in the rear window (for a garage that no longer exists) and the old French number plates. From its time in Italy we have just the name and address of someone I presume to be the first keeper. So there really is not a lot to go on!

Here's a quick couple of badly taken snaps from yesterday:

 

[outrun]

How much are they looking for?

 

[Ewan]

£4000 for the car in its current condition.