Sometimes you want to share your amazing Italian driving machine with more than one person, and while not exactly a family car, this Maserati features room for four. In true Grand Touring fashion, this 1980 Maserati Kyalami in Atlanta boasts a V8 up front, five-speed manual gearbox, and a usable trunk to the rear. This one’s in excellent shape with luxury appointments everywhere. Check out more pictures and details here at TheCarNut, where $95,000 transfers the title. Thanks to PRA4SNW for spotting this fabulous Italian four-seater.
Quilted inner fender aprons protect against unwanted scratches from the goons at your local Gorilla Lube, though let’s hope this masterpiece gets the white glove treatment it deserves. According to the seller, only 75 units received this car’s optional 4.9L (300 cid) V8 making 276 HP, and the five-speed manual transmission is icing on the cake. If you haven’t heard the song of a Maserati double overhead cam V8 at full throttle, check out this video for a sample. Maserati also offered a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic. While “easier” to drive, a three-speed automatic without overdrive would sap performance and numb the driving experience. Give me the five-speed and a long day of tree-lined byways.
The Kyalami never made it to America as a new car offering, though you can think of it like a two-door Quattroporte, according to Wikipedia. It would have competed with Ferrari’s chiseled 400i in the rarified world of front-engine RWD GTs with eight or more cylinders. Imported in 2019, this Kyalami promises rarity and questions wherever you stop. Eagle-eyed readers may recognize Citroën SM light models at the rear.
Supple-looking leather invites long drives, and the seller reports the car tackled North Carolina’s epic Tail of the Dragon. Before crying foul about the dash cover, note that “suede and leather” dashboard treatment appears original at Maserati-Alfieri. This rare Italian offers a DOHC V8, five-speed, and room for four. What’s your favorite V8 GT car?
Looks very close to a Longchamp.
It is a Longchamp, but “Maseratified” by Frua, and of course powered by the Maserati 107 V8 instead of Ford. The 107 engine is nothing like the Ferrari-shared F136 in the modern Gran Turismo shown in the video. The 107 (and 115 dry sump version) powered all V8 Maseratis from the 1963 Quattroporte through this car.
Stunning automobile. Where’s the e-brake located ?
If the driver were to drop their right hand off the wheel it would land on the e-brake, small black lever on the bottom left side of the console.
I see DeTomaso Deauville and Longchamp, as well as Maserati Quattroporte III and Biturbo. Seems as though Alejandro DeTomaso was determined to push the same styling theme, no matter how many times it failed.
Tom Tjaarda styled the Deauville (clearly a riff on Jag XJ6 styling) and the Longchamp, which (as noted) Pietro Frua later touched-up to become the Kyalami.
Giorgetto Giugiaro styled the Quattroporte III, which IMO is one of his masterpieces of the era, tho’ it really must be experienced in-person to fully appreciate its sleek, rakish lines and sheer Presence. This model was based on the underpinnings of the Longchamp/Deauville/Kyalami.
Pierangelo Andreani styled the Biturbo, taking much inspiration from the QPIII to lend it a family resemblance. I suspect the Biturbo front end may be closer to Giugiaro’s original proposal for the QPIII, which de Tomaso insisted he bulk up to present a larger grille and more imposing front-end. You can see how Giugiaro probably accomplished that by comparing it to the Biturbo’s nose, tho’ the result was IMO the only not-quite-right aspect of the QPIII.
“It would have competed with Ferrari’s chiseled 400i in the rarified world of front-engine RWD V8 GTs.”
The Ferrari 400i was a V12……
That’s why the author stated ” 8 or more cylinders”…
This is a rare find, indeed! When a car is a variant of a Longchamp, you know it’s not exactly common.
Note: Might want to remove the V8 reference when referring to the Ferrari 400! 😃
This is based on De Tomaso Longchamps (Tjaarda design) but re-designed by Frua. All outer panels except the doors were changed in the Frua re-design.
The 4.9 Maserati V8 with manual gearbox is the rarest & most desirable variant of the 200 Kylamis built in total. Asking price seems realistic if your taste and financial ability to maintain the car match up.
Looks like some kind of Chrysler from the rear, not too exciting-
Or an older Audi or Toyota.
What’s your favorite V8 GT car?
Tough one!
How do separate GT from other 2 Dr with back seat?
Favorite 12s:
Bentley Continental GT.
I also like the 456GT that I get to drive.
I have some fond memories of a Lamborghini Islero with my daughter in the back seat.
Rallye… attach some pics 📸 of your cars when the mood strikes. 🙌
Gorgeous!