- This is a very rare Maserati up for auction. You've probably never heard of it.
- With a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine and Countach designer styling, the Shamal is an often overlooked exotic GT.
- This example has recently had extensive work done and has just 32,000 miles on it.
In the late 1980s, Maserati found its status in the automotive aristocracy significantly diminished. While Lamborghini and Ferrari managed to maintain their exotic images, Maserati accepted a lifeline from Chrysler in the form of a cash injection of partial ownership, which led to bizarre results such as Chrysler's TC by Maserati. Ta. The brand that once won him the F1 World Championship has now been reduced to producing only his glorious K-cars. But there was still a glimmer of hope.
This is that hope, the Maserati Shamal. This 1991 model of his is up for auction today on a Bringa Trailer ( car and driver, part of Hearst Auto). You're probably not familiar with Shamal, so I'll give you some highlights. Designed by Marcello Gandini of Countach fame, box flares like the Lancia Delta Integrale, rear-wheel drive with adaptive suspension, and a six-speed manual. Connected to a torque-rich twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, you'll blast down the road like you're taking driving lessons from Juan Manuel Fangio.
This is a true Maserati with an old-school spirit, even if it's packed with all the fast technology available from the 1980s. Shamal made his debut in December 1989 and thus only snuck under the line to save his ten miserable years at Maserati. It wasn't sold in large numbers, with only 369 units produced between 1990 and 1996, but it was the company's proud flagship.
The elements of the Shamal form something of a supercar hit in a package designed for grand touring. For example, the rear wheel arches have a sloping profile similar to Gandini's signature Countach. A four-cam V-8 engine with twin turbochargers, similar to the heart found in the Ferrari F40, displaces 3.2 liters, but with a modest 326 horsepower it is much less stressed. The Koni Adaptive Damper hinted at the future of adjustable suspension for performance cars. And the 6-speed manual is the same Getrag box installed in BMW's M-tuned V12-powered 850CSi.
This individual spent most of its life in central Italy and was transported to the United States two years ago. A lot of work was recently completed, including a new steering rack, timing belt service, and replacing the fuse box with modern, more reliable parts. The latter is said to sometimes be Shamal's Achilles heel, so it's really helpful that it's already been addressed.
With just 32,000 miles on the odometer, this Shamal is ready for its next driver. Given its rarity, it's collectible and something to turn heads at your next car convention, but Maserati's forgotten gem is as desirable as any.
Auction ends on February 14th.
Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He grew up obsessed with British cars, came of age during the golden age of Japanese sport compact performance, and started writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection of humans and machines, whether it's racing. The career of Walter Cronkite and Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He teaches his two young daughters how to shift his transmission manually and is grateful that they provided him with an excuse to buy Hot His Wheels permanently.
