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.
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.
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.
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)
