Maserati Shamal

A rare Maserati Shamal (tipo AM339) with European specification – Nr 34

History File

Our Marcello Gandini designed Maserati Shamal is a rare sight these days and one of only 369 units produced between 1990 and 1996. This particular car (number 34) boasts just 4 owners in the last thirty years. Originally delivered by the official Maserati distributor in Vienna in Austria, the first owner would present the car for its first significant service in 1994 at 12.099 kilometers. In 1997 the car appears in Italy and is again serviced and now showing 19,100 kilometers. German Sports Car specialist, OM-Automobile GmbH, would register the car in Germany 2014 and service it before selling to its last owner in north Germany, where it resides today. The car is now for sale again and will be serviced and timing belt changed on request before handover.

Exterior

The car is stunning in Red Maserati (code 231.154) and essentially the basic body shell from its Bi-Turbo model predecessor. Gandini’s personal touches are evident with his rear slanting wheel arches and the front spoiler in front of the windshield. All panels are damage and blemish free with new paint applied at some stage, we suspect to simply freshen up the overall (prone to) dull red paint appearance. The numerous headlights in their individual housings are all in immaculate, unmarked condition. The centre pillar (roll bar) is damage free but, the Shamal badging on both sides, is showing wear which is quite common in most of these cars.

Interior

The sumptuous black leather interior really is something to behold and considering it’s an eighties design, the overall cabin feel is quite modern and ergonomically well designed for the period. All the switches are clearly marked and still functioning as they should – especially the temperature control (ice cold) and famous oval clock. Electric windows and mirrors are all working correctly.

Documents

Engine & Transmission

Powered by an AM 479 3217 cc (3.2 Litre) V8, figures are officially printed as 326ps (240 kW; 322 bhp). Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 6 speed Getrag G560 manual transmission and Maserati’s Ranger limited-slip differential. The all-important cam belt was changed at 48,862 kilometers in 2014, but can be changed again before handover, along with a specialist service. All in all, it’s a strong package which moves along with utter ease but, when the twin-turbochargers kick in, it’s a wonderful sensation and not for the faint hearted.

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

All four 16”alloy wheels are damage free with one small insignificant paint blemish on the rear left. Ample tread are supplied on all 4 Toyo Proxes 225/45 ZR16 tyres with braking power.