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 sporting version of the Biturbo Coupé aimed mainly at export markets. Historically, it stands out for factory-fitting the air–air Twin Intercooler system (Maserati Twin Intercooler) coupled to the 2.5-litre V6 engine with a twin Weber carburetor and two IHI turbochargers. This technical configuration significantly optimized intake air cooling, mitigating the tendency to overheat of the early series and raising the official power to 205 CV. Visually, the ES version was distinguished by its characteristic two-tone paint with the lower part in dark contrast and by specific alloy wheels with composite centers. The unit offered here is a 1988 Maserati Biturbo ES Coupé, a particularly interesting collectible piece as one of the last examples produced with carburettor fueling before the model fully transitioned to electronic injection. This car was originally registered in Spain, where it has remained its entire life in the hands of local owners, ensuring its provenance and authenticity. The vehicle starts, runs and drives correctly, maintaining an extraordinary level of originality in all its aspects.

BODYWORK AND PAINT
The bodywork retains its original factory paint in two-tone Red Rosso and Anthracite finish, a feature very uncommon nowadays that demonstrates 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 spared from humidity and road salt from winter roads that typically 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 photographs of the undersides, 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 the original Maserati units and are fitted with new tires with less than 500 kilometres of use in the original measure 185/65 R14.

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

INTERIOR
The cabin stands out for its high originality and remains unmodified. It retains the original period radio, as well as the seats’ trim and original finishing components. On the instrument cluster, the odometer currently reads 75,230 kilometres, but it is inoperative due to a probable failure of an internal plastic gear within the instrument cluster itself. Although this is a relatively simple repair that would only require removing the dash, a deliberate decision has been made not to intervene in the instrument panel to avoid any suspicion of manipulation of 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 documentation folder from the brand, in addition to two sets of keys. It comes with the complete Spanish vehicle inspection (ITV) records from 2012 to 2023, which document the mileage recorded at each inspection, which together with the maintenance invoices provides solid and coherent evidence of the real mileage and long-term use of the car. The car is formally registered as a Historic Vehicle in Spain, preserving its original provincial license plate from the era, and is delivered with official confirmation of its historic status issued by the DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic).

PICK-UP
The vehicle is located in A Coruña, Spain, from where it will be available for pickup. Assistance with arranging transport 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 car’s undersides), the original wheel-change tools and the protective cover for the original radio. As the classic car market recognizes the value of the Maserati Biturbo, examples that retain factory paint, intact mechanical specifications, complete absence of rust and documented history are increasingly hard to find, making this Spanish-market model an ideal opportunity for collectors.