1989 Maserati Bi-Turbo Spyder

With the advent of the Eighties, Maserati began to focus on building a smaller, high performance luxury coupe to compete with the likes of BMW, the end result of which was the Bi-turbo. Unveiled in December 1981, at the heart of the new model was a 90-degree V6 engine with twin turbochargers (at a time when any form of forced induction was still something of a novelty) boosting output to an impressive 180bhp from just 2-litres. The first Bi-turbos were sold in coupe form, with the terrific styling by Giugiaro's Ital Design studio, but the range was soon expanded to include both a four-door sedan and convertible and the engines enlarged to 2.5-litres. The open-topped Bi-turbo was an adaptation by Zagato on a wheelbase shortened by four inches, with a suede-lined hood with excellent fit and finish. There is just one word to describe the interior of the Bi-turbo - sumptuous. From the soft leathers to the elegant trademark clock, the ambience of the cockpit is in stark contrast to the more clinical interiors of its German rivals. The Bi-turbo Spyder is a quick, stylish and very affordable Latin supercar that will, with proper maintenance, provide many years of reliable and immensely rewarding driving.