Modena Automobili is reviving the Maserati Shamal with a carbon-bodied restomod

    Patrick Jackson 11 February, 2025

    Modena Automobili Maserati Biturbo Shamal

    Heavily based on the popular Biturbo, the rare Maserati Shamal is being afforded some time in the spotlight with this new restomod version (Image: Modena Automobili)

    The Maserati Biturbo was one of the icons of the 1980s, with around 40,000 examples of the first twin-turbocharged production car sold. However, there was a far rarer car Maserati offered in the '90s which was based on it – the Shamal.

    That's exactly what this new restomod from Modena Automobili seeks to shine a light on. Just 369 examples of the Marcello Gandini-designed Shamal were produced from 1990-96, cementing its status as a true object of desire for the brand's enthusiasts, but a mere 33 examples of this restomodded version will be produced.

    The original Shamal was the last car to be revealed under De Tomaso's ownership of the trident brand, and indeed, half of the debt-plagued company was acquired by Fiat between its reveal and it actually entering production.

    Modena Automobili Maserati Biturbo Shamal

    The original Shamal chassis is now draped in a largely carbon fibre body featuring a number of small but meaningful tweaks to accomodate its uprated underpinnings (Image: Modena Automobili)

    Given the financial situation at the time, the Shamal's doors, interior, and bodyshell were all carried over from the Biturbo, creating its distinctive looks. However, the engine and gearbox were different, with a 3.2-litre twin-turbo V8 and six-speed Getrag manual fitted.

    That's where this version – officially called the MA-01 Biturbo Shamal Restomod – differs, given it's not seeking to be an authentic replication but a modern interpretation.

    Borrowing the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 used in current Maserati models, along with the ZF eight-speed automatic behind it, it's been dialled up to 373kW (500hp) and 550Nm. That's enough to launch it from 0-100km/h in 5.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 290km/h if you have a long enough strip of tarmac.

    To help handle that power, it of course features a revised suspension setup, Brembo brakes, and Pirelli P Zero tyres.

    The new bodywork which will be draped over the original Shamal chassis, perhaps unsurprisingly, features heavy use of carbon fibre along with some steel sections, with Modena Automobili's own design centre sympathetically redesigning and enhancing the lines of the original to incorporate a lower grille, redesigned LED headlights, enlarged air intakes, and a 2.5cm bulge in the bonnet to accomodate the new engine.

    Modena Automobili Maserati Biturbo Shamal

    A digital instrument cluster and Recaro seats have been neatly integrated into the largely classic-feeling cabin (Image: Modena Automobili)

    Inside, the look of the original cabin is largely preserved, but features such as a digital instrument cluster, Recaro Classic LX seats, automatic climate control, and a premium audio system (your choice of Bose, JBL, or Alpine) have been tidily incorporated. Perhaps the coolest, though, is the traditional oval-shaped clock seen in Maseratis of this era, which is supposedly removable and wearable as a watch.

    All 33 examples will be hand-assembled in Modena, before being homologated by TÜV Germany. It's worth noting the first prototype is still under construction, but there are many names attached to this project with prior direct connections to Maserati meaning the right people are working on it.

    The cost? Pricing starts at €585,000 before taxes, which is around $962,000 Australian or 6.24 Bitcoin, since the company has noted it as an accepted form of payment.

    Mind you custom colours and interior fabrics are included in that cost, along with the company providing a service to search for and select a suitable donor car at no extra cost either.

    Modena Automobili Maserati Biturbo Shamal

    Just 33 examples will be assembled by hand in Modena, with the company including the sourcing of a donor car into the purchase price (Image: Modena Automobili)

    Patrick Jackson

    Writer & Sub Editor

    Patrick is an automotive journalist with more than eight years of experience across a range of online, print, and broadcast media. His focus is primarily on automotive content, having launched the car review website Drive Section in 2019 and the automotive adventure site Essential Drives in 2024. He is a passionate car enthusiast with a particular interest in classic cars. His past credits include DriveTribe, Vehicle History, Finder, ForceGT, The Weekender Herald, Supercar Blondie, Exhaust Notes, and WhichCar.​

    More inNews

    1962 Volvo P1800

    March 2025 Auction Report: Plenty to Like, But Some Prices Decline

    Retro Rides’ Market Analyst Cliff Chambers has plucked the best from roughly 300 car and motorbike lots during March 2025, finding that while there was plenty to like, the value of some models has declined quite noticeably.

    Isuzu Dragon Max Restomod

    A restomod ute? Isuzu has unveiled a surprising Holden Rodeo throwback

    Unveiled at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show, the one-off Isuzu Dragon Max shows there may well be a market for turning even the most humble of utes into a flashy restomod.

    Nissan Patrol G60 and Y62

    This is how the Nissan Patrol has left its mark on Australia after 64 years and 250,000 sales

    From the first motorised crossing of the Simpson Desert in 1962 to posting record sales figures today, the Nissan Patrol has left its mark on Australia, and Australia has left its mark on it in turn.

    More inEuropean

    1939 Skoda Superb 3000 OHV

    Celebrating 90 years of the Škoda Superb

    The Škoda Superb may only be a relatively recent addition to the Australian automotive landscape, having first launched here in 2010, but 2025 marks 90 years since its debut in its homeland, then-Czechoslovakia.

    1988 BMW 735i E32

    BMW vs. Japan: The late ’80s showdown that reshaped the luxury car market

    The 1980s saw a number of Japanese carmakers foray into the luxury sedan market, particularly in America where Honda launched Acura and Nissan launched Infiniti, but it was when Toyota launched Lexus in 1989 that it gave the likes of BMW a real run for their money, rewriting the luxury car rulebook in the process.

    Jean Charles Rédélé with the Alpine A106

    Alpine celebrates its 70-year history with new video series

    Almost 70 years ago in July 1955, Renault dealer and rally driver Jean Rédélé created Alpine. Originally a standalone brand, the mission was simple: to create a French sports car brand based on Renault powertrains.

    Get The Latest

    Sign up for the latest in retro rides, from stories of restoration to community happenings.

    By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.