I just purchased this car from the mechanic I sold it to almost 20 years ago. This will be the 4th time I have purchased chassis # ZAM331B00CB101365. We will simply call this car (1365) I first purchased this European built car # 1365 in the spring of 1982 in Torino Italy and immediately sent it over to the designer to have a body kit made for it. I'm sure many of you remember the MIE body kit. The system was designed by Mike Robinson and executed by Mr. Giorgetto Giugiaro's personal modular Sig Arrigio Galitzio of G-Studio. In these photos you can see a young Francis Mandarano in the red shirt talking withSig Arrigio Galitzio and Mike Robinson the tall guy on the right. Note the license plate number 249 you will see it often in this thread. The second photo is of a very young Adolfo Orsi on the driver side and his brother Roberto Orsi. Again note the license plate number 249. The 3rd & 4th photos are of how it looks today. More photos to come Ciao, FGM Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I’m very fond of these, regardless of the unenviable reputation that frequently precedes them. Had one for 2.5 years almost 20 years ago and my 9 year old wishes I still had it (of all the cars I’ve owned + loved before). Hopefully, it stays with you for good this time and that this Phoenix soars!
Wonderful story, wonderful car. Please keep us updated on the restoration Frank, many members including myself are very, very fond of these cars. When they were new and just released there was nothing like them on the road, they were (faults and all) great little cars. -89 Zagato Spyder
Rats living in the trunk and the detailers in hazmat suits. Note the cloth interior. Ciao, FGM Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Did not know you have a soft spot for these Maseratis, Frank. But the car looks like a serious project with all the neglected stuff until its ready to run again. Keep us updated, i like these resurrection threads.... Greetings from Paderborn
My favorite quote on Biturbos came from George Garbutt. “The biggest mistake I made with the Biturbos, was not welding the hood shut before we shipped the cars out!”
I drove an 84 as my daily driver for about 2 years, including a drive from Boston to Las Vegas where I was for a few months, then to Northern California for the summer, then back to Boston in the fall. Had it from 97-99. A collision with a lady driving a Camaro who failed to yield right of way when turning left finally killed it. No issues with the car otherwise though.
You do like a challenge don't you. I though I saw this posted before maybe in another thread? Yes, the cloth doesn't turn to burnt dust like that vinyl does.
The car is now with High Mountain Classics in Fort Collins, CO. owned by Victor Holtorf Victor tried to turn over the engine but it was locked up. So he pulled the engine. I've given them the go ahead to pull the engine apart and see if it's worth rebuilding. This point I'm looking for a good running parts car. The condition of the body and the interior is not important. If any of you reading this can help me find one, I would appreciate it very much. Ciao, FGM Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Tragic how many ended up like this! I hope you are able to make a full restoration and preserve the history. Please post the many interesting progress updates!
You could always make an electric out of it Frank like those two English Gents did! On BiturboZentrum we had a guy put a Lexus LS 400 V8 in one!
The car has too much history to change motors. I plan to restore the mechanicals to original specs for now and other stuff later as my purse can afford. Ciao, FGM Image Unavailable, Please Login
What is the model of the Gotti's? They look like 140US but with face mounted barrels/lips. Lovely story, I look forward to seeing the process.
Wanted Maserati BiTurbo 5 SP 84/85 or 89/90 Must be good running/driving condition bad body - bad interior OK Cash Waiting Contact me at 206 310 8380 [email protected] I will most likely pay more than I should so please let me know if you have any information that can lead to a purchase. I have determined that a parts car is what is needed to get this project moving. I I have instructed the shop to reassemble the original 2.0 engine so I can have it on display in my office/ Studio. I will pay good money for a good running parts car. People are telling me that a later 2.8 L injected engine can be adapted using the engine management electronics from the later car. If any of you have any specific knowledge on this type of conversion I would appreciate knowing more about it. Ciao, FGM
Good time to start a BiTurbo restoration? https://insider.hagerty.com/trends/affordable-classics-win-big-in-the-latest-price-guide-update/
