1984 - 1987 Maserati Biturbo Pre-Owned

Coming down from the high was easy due to large diameter, non-ventilated ATE discs on all four corners, featuring four-piston

Model year 1986 saw a new Spyder, or in English a new convertible model. (Photo: Maserati)

calipers framed by the front wheels.

Fortunately the car I was driving didn't feature optional power steering or the new for 1985 automatic transmission, both which would have detracted from its driving dynamics, but a new Sensitork limited slip differential, replacing the earlier Salisbury unit, was part of the package.

While I never drove anything newer than this 1985 Biturbo, model year 1986 saw a new Spyder, or convertible model, as well as the 4-door 425. Both looked identical from the front grille to the A-pillar, with the sedan expectedly frumpier than the coupe and Spyder unavoidably sexier. Interestingly, Maserati temporarily axed the coupe for 1986.

There were some other changes made that dumbfounded enthusiasts and went a long way to killing the brand's chances for achieving much success, the most uncharacteristic of Maserati being that all 1986 cars only came with automatic transmissions and power steering. Go figure? On the positive, the water-cooled IHI turbochargers were now standard equipment, which

The frumpier four door Biturbo 425 was also unveiled in 1986. (Photo: Maserati)

made the turbos more reliable and the base car quicker. Not so fast with the quickness kudos though, as a smaller Weber carburetor replaced the previous Weber, reducing the engine's fuel flow.

Incidentally, the Spyder was quite a different animal than the 4-door or coupe that came before. It's wheelbase was truncated and rear seats removed, making it a true roadster. On the contrary the sedan's wheelbase grew over the coupe, as well as its height, giving it a boxy, economy car look given its small dimensions.