For owners of project vehicles, it’s somewhat inevitable that a person of significance in our lives – a spouse, or perhaps your parents – will ask when a long-dormant car or truck will be leaving the property. The thinking man says, “You know, you’re right – it’s time to sell.” At which point, an ad is created with a price that there is zero chance of a buyer ever coming close to paying. You did your best; the market just isn’t there yet, and now you’ve secured a few extra months of tinkering. Perhaps that’s the logic behind this 1987 Maserati Biturbo listed here on Facebook Marketplace with an asking price of $13,000 – or does the seller truly think it’s worth that much?
Now, I get it: I’ve been known to price some of my projects a bit high because I’m not anxious to sell them. It often backfires, because about two weeks later, I really want the thing gone, and I can’t get anyone to bite on it because it’s been written off as too pricey. Regardless, the Maserati Biturbo is known to be an expensive project car, and not particularly desirable in the enthusiast marketplace at the moment. While there’s been some evolutionary appreciation of 80s performance vehicles, demand for the Biturbo is still tepid at best. This car does have the preferred 5-speed and a clean interior, so it has a few things going for it.
The Biturbo has strong aspirations to be a winner, however, with its twin-turbocharged V6. The engine had some loose ties to the Merak, and in the U.S., it generated a healthy bit of power. In 1987 models like this one, it gained fuel injection which helped output numbers even more. It should kick out about 187 horsepower when all is said and done, which – on paper, at least – seemed like a winning combination when combined with the standard manual transmission. However, reliability was poor, and while some of the blame rested on owners who didn’t understand the nuances of turbocharged engines, there was little point in denying that the car was riddled with issues from the start.
1987 models also marked the start of smarter intercooler placement, so if you’re going to buy one, this model year is a good place to start. The ornate interiors can be a major source of pain and expense if found in tattered condition, but fortunately, this one looks decent – the driver’s side bolsters show some wear, but the rest looks like it has survived in fair shape. The backseat actually looks worse than the front, which is unusual, but perhaps an original owner took advantage of the true 2+2 seating arrangement. The seller makes no mention of recent maintenance, so a conversation is in order if you’ve been on the hunt for one of these interesting quasi-exotics.
I have the intercoolers from one of these cars. All that was worth saving…
That must be a typo in the ad – says it has 213,000 miles on it.
Is that possible?
Looks like this seller is unfamiliar with the decimal point. He clearly meant the asking price to be $130.00 and the miles to be 2,130.00.
With those corrections…and some price negotiations…it looks to be a decent project car.
I will be polite, you can’t give these away!!
For that price I hope the leaves are included! And at that price it will be a lawn ornament for a long time.
These were a joke when they were new. But they let your neighbor, the plumber, brag that he had a Maserati.
Most of those miles are one way trips back from the dealership
I’m guessing the selling price is based on the ultra rare six speed transmission as stated in the add description despite the picture of the gear knob having five speeds. Maybe reverse counts as one of the ‘six speeds’?
I think it was John Phillips at Car and Driver that called these “another roadside attraction.” This is way overpriced, but I still would like to try to make it run, seems a good challenge. I wouldn’t drop a dumpster on it (Clarkson.)
“The driver’s side bolsters show some wear…” That’s a nice way for describing that footlong gash!
But yes, the price must be a typo. Should it say $3k?
In an economy as we are observing. What goes first, is junk that one doesn’t need. It has nothing to do with spouses. That’s how we see all sorts of junk come to surface, in hopes for a bigger sap than oneself is.
Perhaps the reason for sale is that he lost his licence and now he can’t drive?
Still has the limo to ride in the back.
I don’t see that thing going 185!!
Very problematic cars but they were good looking in the 80’s. An acquaintance had one for a brief period… he could not maintain it so it was gone………… There is one telltale sign on this car…. the driver’s seat is worn out on the bolster…. so that either means it was driven a lot or it was entered so many times trying to get it to run right!!
Every time one of these come up for sale there are tons of remarks on how horrible they were. I think I am the only person that owned one and never had a problem. I had an 87 I bought used and drove daily for several years. Other than maintenance oil brakes tires never had an issue. Now I realize how lucky I was, the thing was great fun
I’m happy to hear someone enjoyed one of these. We only hear the horror stories.
I only know these by reputation but I think the styling wrote checks the engine couldn’t cash, in the opposite sense that’s usually meant.
Everything about that sensible, Cavalier-like shape said “practical daily driver”, and the price tag, if 5-series money for 3-series-size when new, at least was attainable enough for someone who’d have it as their only car. Yet it was as temperamental as any Ferrari or Lambo, if no more.
Located in Elizabeth City, NC
Bring A Fire Extinguisher.
This car helped Joe Walsh reestablish his license.
I always like the body style. And twin turbos catch my attention. But like indicated by Jeff, only worked out well on paper. Sounds just like the Lancia Beta Coupe, 4 wheel disc brakes, (with huge sized rotors for the car size) dual overhead cams 5 speed gearbox, 4 wheel independent suspension, leather seats.sounds great until you own one. And like the BiTurbo. A waste of space in your garage. Is it an Italian thing?
@ gaijinshogun on Joe Walsh —
gaijinshogun wins my vote for the cleverest comment thus far
in 2026 !
After months of trying, a friend just sold his. I can’t bring myself to ask what he got for it, but I’d bet it was no more than half this car’s price.