Description
The Maserati Kyalami 4. 2 is an iconic model of the Italian brand, produced between 1976 and 1983. This luxury coupe owes its name to the famous South African Kyalami circuit, thus marking Maserati’s desire to assert its prestige and sporting heritage.
The story of the Kyalami began in 1975, a period of transition for Maserati. The brand had just been bought by Alejandro De Tomaso, an Italian-Argentinian entrepreneur and former racing driver. In order to modernise the range quickly, De Tomaso decided to reuse the base of one of his models, the De Tomaso Longchamp. He entrusted Pietro Frua with the task of redesigning the bodywork to make it a fully-fledged Maserati. The result was an elegant GT 2+2 with a balanced design, combining sportiness and refinement.
Under the bonnet, the Maserati Kyalami was equipped with a 4. 2-litre V8 engine of Maserati origin, developing around 255 horsepower. This engine, inherited from previous models such as the Maserati Indy, gives the Kyalami respectable performance for the time, with a top speed of around 240 km/ h. It is available with a five-speed ZF manual gearbox or a three-speed automatic gearbox.
The interior of the Kyalami is a veritable showcase of luxury, typical of Maserati. It is fitted with noble materials such as leather and wood, as well as an ergonomic and well-equipped dashboard for the time. The car offers optimal comfort for long journeys while maintaining a pleasant driving dynamic.
Although the Kyalami was produced in limited numbers (around 200), it played an important role in the history of Maserati. It enabled the brand to get through a difficult period while paving the way for future models. Its legacy can be seen in future generations of Maserati coupés, which will continue to combine performance and elegance.
Today, the Maserati Kyalami is a prized collector’s item, appreciated for its exclusivity, timeless design and captivating V8 engine sound. It remains a fascinating testament to Italian automotive history and De Tomaso’s influence on Maserati.
This example, of Italian origin, is in perfect working order. It was imported from Italy to Belgium in 2022. The Maserati certificate shows that this Kyalami is a matching number.
