Maserati Kyalami

Maserati Kyalami (Tipo AM129) 4.9 V8 ZF 5-speed manual

History File

Maserati produced their Kyalami model between 1976 and 1981 with a total of just 200 built. They offered two engines: a 4.2 V8 producing 265ps which was subsequently replaced by a more powerful 4.9 Litre rated at 280ps (206 kW or 276 hp). Transmission was offered in either 3-speed Borg warner Automatic or, the preferred 5 speed ZF manual. This particular example is number 175/200 and was produced late in the run with a production date of 29.05.1981. It is also number 53/75 total 4.9 versions produced and has the mentioned ZF 5 speed manual gearbox. Chassis number AM129/49*0286* was initially registered in Switzerland on the 5th of June 1981 and comes with its original leather Maserati leather wallet and, more importantly an incredible service history booklet with no less than 18 Maserati stamps, confirming one of the best pedigrees we’ve ever encountered at Cathedral Classics. The original Swiss owner, Herr Peter Krüger, personally retained the car until November 1991 when it is sold to his company PK Betriebs AG in Bern, Switzerland. In 2000 the car is purchased by a prominent German collector has never been registered in Germany but, all tax and duties have been paid in Germany, so further European registration would be fine. Kyalami’s are a rare sight these days and this is quite clearly one of the best available – if not the best! Sought after engine and gearbox combination; a superb history file; just three owners and two registered owners; 54k documented kilometers and in sublime condition.

Exterior

Now 42 years old, this rare Maserati is a sight to behold and has clearly been carefully stored throughout its life span. It’s finished in Blue Sera (dark blue metallic) with a code number of: 897026000. The car has received a fresh coat of paint at some stage during its time in Switzerland, but still displays an impressive overall even finish and the colour suits the car well. One tiny paint blemish at the bottom of the passenger door is now evident, but would be difficult to find without prior knowledge. Also, the rear passenger window trim has a very slight age related imperfection, but not offensive. All in all it’s a magnificent statement piece and potentially very under valued.

Interior

It’s a luxurious environment, to say the least. It has to be said that Maserati do know how to make an interior: “Pelle Naturale” translated is simply natural brown Premium Connolly leather, but it does exhibit a hint of orange hue which is balanced with a lavish brown alcantara dashboard, covering a cavernous glovebox, with matching alcantara door capping’s. The brown theme continues to opulent fitted carpet mats with matching leather piping. The cream coloured (nicotine free) roof-lining is nice and tight, just as it left the factory and is consummate with a low kilometer ambiance. Considering the 1970’s build period, the cockpit is surprisingly ergonomic with all instrumentation ridiculously easy to read – apart from the radio! The retrospectively fitted period Blaupunkt Bamber OTS Radio-Cassette is tucked at the bottom of the centre console with the factory covering plate still with the car. The air conditioning works just fine as does the clock and both tanks display correctly when switching over. It’s a typical 1970’s ostentatious cabin which is a required taste but, you have to admire Maserati’s style.

Documents

Engine & Transmission

This is a matching numbers car, chassis and engine number AM129/49*0286* and number 53 of 75 of the later 4.9 Litre – Tipo AM 107.23.49 V8 engines produced. Combined with the preferred ZF five-speed manual transmission it produces 280 PS (206 kW / 276 hp). No less than 18 stamps are evident in the original Maserati Service Book up to 51,861 kilometers and the car offered with another comprehensive timing chain inspection.

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

The car sits on what can only be termed as imposing Magnesio 7.5 x 15” alloy wheels with 215/70 VR 15 Michelin tyres. They may need changing due to age relating issues. Brakes are strong and pull the car up straight, also at speed.

Underneath