Maserati - Biturbo ES Coupe. V6 2.5 - 1988

GENERAL
The Maserati Biturbo ES Coupé is a high-performance evolution of the original Biturbo introduced by the trident brand in 1981 under the management of Alejandro de Tomaso. The ES (Export Sport) variant was a designation used by Maserati to identify an evolved and more sporty version of the Biturbo Coupé aimed mainly at export markets. Historically notable for factory-fitted the Maserati Twin Intercooler system coupled to the 2.5-liter V6 with a twin-champion Weber carburetor and two IHI turbochargers. This technical configuration significantly optimized the cooling of the intake charge, mitigating the tendency to overheat of the early series and raising the official power to 205 BHP. Visually, the ES version was distinguished by its characteristic two-tone paint with the lower part in dark contrast and specific alloy wheels with composite wheel centers. The unit offered here is a 1988 Maserati Biturbo ES Coupé, a particularly interesting collectible piece as it is one of the last examples produced with carburetion before the model’s full transition to electronic fuel injection. This car was originally registered in Spain, where it has spent its entire life in the hands of local owners, ensuring its provenance and authenticity. The vehicle starts, runs, and drives correctly, maintaining an extraordinarily original condition in all aspects.

BODYWORK AND PAINT
The bodywork retains its original factory paint in two-tone Red Rosso and Anthracite finish, a feature very uncommon today that demonstrates the careful storage and the level of preservation of the vehicle over the decades. Having spent its entire life in the dry climate of Spain, the car has been completely shielded from environmental moisture and road salt typical of winter roads that tend to deteriorate northern European examples. As a result, the body, chassis, underside, side skirts, wheel arches, and all structural areas are notably well preserved and completely free of rust or corrosion. For the ground photographs, the spare wheel was removed to allow a detailed visual inspection of the floor and chassis rails, confirming the excellent state of preservation afforded by its history in the Spanish market. The alloy wheels are original Maserati items and are fitted with new tires with less than 500 miles of use in the original size 185/65 R14.

MECHANICS
This example features the original 2.5-liter biturbo V6 engine fed by a carburetor, equipped with the coveted factory specification of twin intercooler. The car has recently undergone a full service at a workshop specializing in sports cars, where engine oil, gearbox oil, differential oil, and brake fluid have been replaced. The cooling system has been reliably enhanced by the installation of a high-performance aluminum radiator. In terms of suspension, the car is fitted with Koni Red front shocks and Bilstein Yellow rear shocks, visible in the car’s photos. These components are highly valued among enthusiasts of the model as they improve road behavior and handling accuracy without altering the vehicle’s classic character or mechanical authenticity.

INTERIOR
The cockpit stands out for its high originality and is free from modifications. It retains the original period radio, as well as the original seat trims and finish components. The instrument cluster shows an odometer reading of 75,230 kilometers, but it is inoperative due to a probable failure of an internal plastic gear inside the instrument group itself. Although this repair is relatively simple and would only require removing the panel, there has been a deliberate decision not to intervene in the dashboard to avoid any suspicion of tampering with the original instrumentation. The speedometer and the rest of the indicators function correctly.

DOCUMENTATION
The vehicle is supplied with a complete documentary history supporting its provenance and mileage. It includes the original Maserati user manual, the original service book, and the factory document portfolio, plus two sets of keys. It has the full file of Spanish vehicle inspection documents (ITV) from 2012 to 2023, showing the recorded kilometers at each inspection, which together with maintenance invoices provides solid, coherent proof of the real mileage and long-term usage of the car. The car is formally registered as a Historic Vehicle in Spain, retaining its original provincial license plate from the era, and is delivered with official confirmation of its historic status issued by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT).

PICK-UP
The vehicle is located in A Coruña, Spain, from where it will be available for collection. Assistance with transport arrangements and worldwide shipping is offered. Independent inspections by professionals or interested buyers are welcome and recommended before the sale closes.

OTHER INFORMATION
The sale includes various original accessories such as the spare wheel (which was only removed from its housing to photograph the undercarriage), the original tools for changing wheels, and the protective cover for the original radio. As the classic car market recognizes the value of the Maserati Biturbo, examples that preserve factory paint, intact mechanical specifications, complete absence of rust, and documented history are increasingly hard to locate, making this Spanish-market model an ideal opportunity for collectors.