Maserati Kyalami 4.9 manual 1982

The Kyalami is deeply underrrated.  It was launched shortly after Alessandro de Tomaso took over the company. and it was criticised at the time for being a badge-engineered Longchamp.   Maserati compounded the problem by trying to sell it as a bespoke 2+2. upmarket of the Quattroporte.   As a result. only 188 were built (according to factory records); and there are only 9 left in the UK.

The Longchamp underpinnings should not be sniffed at.   They borrow substantially from Jaguar's XJ6. which can't be a bad starting point.    The bodywork was extensively re-engineered. so very few panels are shared.   And the Maserati V8 powertrain makes for a totally different experience.

In its time. the competitors were the Aston Martin V8. Bristol 603. Ferrari 400/412. and Jaguar XJ-S.   I have not tried the Ferrari or the Bristol.   Compared with either Aston or Jag. though. the Kyalami is a great drive.   The V8 is docile from the start (which you cannot say of a carburettor Aston) and the sharpness of the Kya's handling makes the XJ-S feel like it's wrapped in cotton wool.

It's also got proper rear seats. more spacious than the competition; and a subtlety of form (shared with Fiat 130 and Lancia Gamma coupes) which is surely classic.  Think of it as a Ghibli in a broad-shouldered lounge suit.  This is a car for grown-ups. in a way that few Ferraris or Lamborghinis are.

Here I am offering AM129/49. 0067. which I have owned since May 2004.   It's an original right hand drive 4. 9 with the ZF 5-speed manual. and even comes with its first registration number. The gentleman I bought it from acquired it in April 1999 so it has only had two owners in the last 14 years.

When my predecessor bought it. it had about 86. 00 km on the (metric) clock.   In his first two years of ownership. he had a full engine and gearbox rebuild. new radiator and stainless steel exhaust system. and a bare metal body restoration and respray.  I have all the invoices.   He chose the paint colour (not to everyone's taste – if I were re-painting it I would go for a tobacco brown. like chassis no. 105. DCW 98X. which can be seen on the Bill McGrath website) and the green cam covers. which are a nod to the 1950s racing cars but not strictly correct.

I bought it at 99. 00 km and it now reads 100. 03.   Despite my best intentions. I am not using the car and it should go to someone more deserving.   It has been on SORN since June 2011.

With less than 10. 00 miles since its last restoration. it's in very good condition.   I start it up regularly and the engine shows good oil pressure (see picture. taken on 12 July).   Visible rust amounts to a few bubbles around the bonnet safety catch and offside wing ridge. front screen and fuel flaps.   The paint has lifted (but without corrosion) at the base of the C-pillars.   The interior trim has suffered slightly from moisture fluctuations. with a split in the leading panel of the driver's seat and seam damage behind the passenger door.   The pictures show the extent of these problems.   The o/s headlamp reflector is corroded but I am supplying a replacement with the car.   It comes with a full history file since 1999. owner's manual and parts manual.

However the clutch seized about six months ago.   As a result the car cannot be driven and will need to be collected by trailer.

These rare cars seem currently to fetch – in decent condition – $35-45. 00 in the US and 25-30. 00 Euros on the Continent.   They are so few and far between in the UK that I think the only fair way to sell the car is via e-bay.   However I have set my reserve at a level where if no-one else buys it. I will make a fair surplus repairing this fascinating machine.

Good luck bidding!

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