Built between 1989 and 1996, the V8-powered Shamal supercar was the ultimate expression of Maserati’s long-running Biturbo family.

Maserati’s mainstream model throughout the 1980s, and the first series-production road car to employ a twin turbo-charged engine, the Biturbo saloon debuted in 1982.

Intended to challenge BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the luxury sporting saloon market, the unitary-construction Biturbo featured all-independent suspension, disc brakes all round, and an interior boasting sumptuous leather upholstery and plentiful wood veneer trim.

Designed by the Maserati Design Centre in collaboration with ex-Bertone stylist Marcello Gandini, a man with an enviable selection of the world’s most desirable cars to his credit, the Shamal was powered by a compact 3,217cc 32-valve V8 engine producing 325bhp, good enough for a top speed within a whisker of 170mph.

T o fully utilise all this power within a relatively small, rear-wheel drive package, Maserati turned to class-leading t...