1992 Maserati 430 Auto

1992 Maserati Biturbo 430 RHD Auto, has history from new with many invoices including a very recent one from McGrath Maserati, 63, 090 miles, Swan White with blue leather and alcantara interior.

I bought this Biturbo having wanted a Maserati for some time, I started looking at various models such 3200s, Quattroporte IVs and Ghibli GTs just over two years ago when this rare 430 came to my attention through word of mouth. The previous owner being an ex- Maserati mechanic helped my decision to buy it and since then I've done some small cosmetic jobs on it, such as repainting the front and rear grilles etc. When I first bought it, it wasn't running particularly well with a somewhat variable idle and another previous owner had fitted some aftermarket dump valves, but it has just recently been through the excellent hands of McGrath down in Hertfordshire. With their expert eyes Paul and Andy have worked wonders on it and it is now running much better, with the benefit of a cambelt change and a fresh MOT - see the copies of the invoice in the photos for a complete run down of the work they carried out. Parts replacement, large and small, has been quite thorough. A stainless steel exhaust system was fitted several years ago and is still in good condition.

I'd wanted a Maserati ever since being given the Airfix Indy kit way back in 1973, and one of the reasons I bought the 430 was for the interior, having looked at a '90s Ghibli a few years ago I fell in love with the (very) Italian styling. Maserati interiors have always been rather special and aside from the alcantara sections on the driver's seat being replaced a few years ago, it is all original with no tears or holes. The electric seat adjustment works as it should, as does the clock. The previously skittish speedometer is now working too.

The body and paintwork are are in very good nick, although there are some scuffs and small marks here and there, more so on the 'SE' body kit which I believe was fitted when the car was new, or shortly after. The floor pan has had patches welded in near the sills over time and generally I'd say it is a nice solid example (the previous owner Mike had the car up on his ramp to let me have a look at the underside). The overall condition to me suggests that it has spent most of its life indoors.

I had planned to keep the car for the long term but lack of garage space and having two other classics means it's kept on the drive, not an ideal situation, so now it is up for sale. The sale includes a number of spares which came with it when I bought it - a pair of rear doors, a boot lid and spoiler (with the correct lower indent for the new trident badge which is also included) an additional spare five bolt pattern wheel, various coolant pipes, some spare switches, door handles, rear lights, suspension parts etc. There is a period workshop manual which also covers the two door Biturbos, plus two sets of keys.

The 'MAZ 4301' reg' number was put on the car back in July 1997, it's original number was 'K24 NCR' when registered with its first owner in August 1992. The V5C is in my name. For an '80s design it gets some quizzical looks, but like all the Biturbo models it has a certain charm about it which is difficult to put your finger on.

I'm asking £8250. 00, or near offer.