1989 Maserati Karif |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1989 Maserati Karif

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Mileage~35,699 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine2.8L
LocationWitney

AUCTION CLOSED

1989 Maserati Karif

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

The Maserati Karif is a rare and intriguing option for the driving connoisseur - not one you see everyday.

The Karif is a late '80s snapshot into the fascinating and individual take of the Maserati sports car. Encompassing the classic Maserati attributes of luxury, grace, and performance with a dash of practicality, there’s also a genuine feel of Maserati’s motor racing experience within its soul. The original Biturbo design was rolled out in 1981 and did much to bring Italian prestige to a wider audience finding over 20,000 homes and formed the basis of the company's output for two decades.

The Karif is an evolution of the original Biturbo, created on a shortened chassis with an upgraded ~285 bhp version of the 2.8-litre V6 twin-turbo engine. Housed in a unique 2+2 ‘notchback’ styling there was no mistaking it. A genuine rarity, even for a Maserati, a total of 221 cars were produced from 1988 to 1991. Just ~39 were produced in RHD and an even smaller number made their way into the UK. However, there is more to the car than its exclusivity. It has genuine substance and plenty of talent, providing sharp cornering with devastating performance.

Registered in June 1989, this genuine UK car is finished in black, with a grey leather and Alcantara interior. With just ~35,699 miles on the clock, this particular car has been well documented in the classic car press, as the ‘go-to’ example of a Karif. Superbly finished inside and out, with suspension and braking upgrades, it also comes with a folder full of provenance, including its owner's wallet, a stack of bills, two keys and an MOT valid to February 2025.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Simon the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The Karif demands your attention, and your skill.

Simon is well acquainted with the Maserati brand, having owned several models over the decades. He intended to buy a Ghilbi but came across this Karif and after test-driving the car, instantly saw its potential. Simon's involvement with Maserati goes beyond ownership, as he was an active member of the owners' club, acting as editor for the club magazine at one stage.

Simon's passion is clear to see when it comes to driving and knows how to control the car within its limit. The essence of the Karif lies in the need to enjoy its talent while treating it with respect. Despite this, the car is being sold as he told us his wife just can't get along with the car; luckily he has something in mind to take its space in the garage.

Simon

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

A near flawless exterior reflects the cars charmed life.

Wheels and Tyres

The car is fitted with a set of the optional 15” Fondmetal alloys - they’re in good shape, with just minor signs of age.

The tyres are over 10 years old, the rears are Toyo’s and the front pair are Yokohama's which show some inner tread wear, but are all look within the legal limits.

Bodywork

The panels fit flush, with no issues noted on the shut lines - all doors open and close without obstruction and offer good seals.

The boot lid struts will need renewing at some point.

Structurally the car is solid throughout. The engine bay, boot floor, suspension mounts and floor pan look to be in great shape and the same applies to the bodywork, beautiful presentation aside from a minor but treatable dent spotted on the driver's door.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The black paint is in good order, with mild signs of swirling noted in the sunshine, but demonstrates a decent lustre and even colour match. There are no signs of outdoor elements spotted on the paintwork.

There are a few tiny surface chips on the bonnet and a light scuff seen on the top of the nearside rear wing.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good condition, with no significant marks noted, seals are in good condition too. There is a tiny bit of lamination damage on the top right-hand side of the windscreen. Both front passenger electric door windows operate with no issue.

The nearside front bumper indicator has a crack but otherwise, the lights and lenses are free of damage. The original Zender body kit is well-mounted with no damage and no significant issues were spotted with the body trim or chrome work.

Both bumpers fit flush to the body and present cleanly with some minor paint imperfections noted in places.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Elegantly furnished with top-notch cabin materials, the interior is perfect blend of style and luxury.

Seats and Carpets

The sumptuous and supportive grey Alcantara and leather seats are well presented with mild age-related wear and a tiny rip on the driver seat bolster.

The carpets are in good shape, with no signs of dampness.

The driver's side mats show typical age-related use but should clean up nicely.

The boot is clean with no signs of heavy use.

Dashboard

The dashboard is beautifully presented with a decadent mix of leather, Alcantara and veneer. Except for a mild fracture on the centre console veneer, the dashboard has worn its years well. The main dashboard controls, binnacle and switches are in good order with mild signs of age on some buttons. The centre console electronic module is currently not functioning but Simon has assured us that will be investigated before the auction ends.

The rest of the cabin is neatly presented with well-attached trim and the Alactanta headlining is cleanly presented.

The door cards are good, with minor signs of age in places but more than acceptable considering the car's age.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The wooden steering wheel and gear knob are in excellent shape.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

A smooth and balanced engine is matched by its brisk acceleration and confident grip.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine starts up with no issues, with no unwanted dashboard warning lights staying on. The stainless exhausts remain smoke-free, with no splutters or blowing. The engine idled evenly with no hiccups and the cooling fan cuts in after a short period - just as it should do. We didn’t spot any signs of fluid leaks on the day.

The engine is in presentable condition, the red painted portions of the engine would benefit with some new paint and we noticed one of the airbox hoses will need attention. The rest of hoses and ancillaries appeared to be decent and the battery is a recent fitting. The car has a full stainless steel exhaust fitted.

The gearbox was demonstrated to work well, changing up and down without any negative feedback and no issues with the clutch. Simon mentioned that the transmission is a bit jumpy in slow traffic.

Suspension and Brakes

The car rides very smoothly, with no unwanted noises heard from the suspension. The drive was well-composed on the roads and it felt planted. This is no doubt helped by its uprated fully adjustable Leda coilovers and Eibach springs.

The brakes were demonstrated to work effectively. Fitted with Wilwood Midlite 4-pot callipers in 2006, there's no pulling to the side or judders when slowing down. There was a mild squeal coming from the front brakes at low speeds - Simon pointed out that the car has been to the mechanics for an adjustment in the past but it has no negative effects on the actual braking performance.

The Drive

A truly quick car, the combination of the Karif's short wheelbase and torquey power can catch some drivers by surprise. That said, its relaxed cruising ability and tidy road manners present it uniquely as a compact and comfortable luxury 'gentleman's express' with plenty of poke when needed.

The Maserati was notably rattle-free on the open road. On the day, the weather temperature was high but this had no ill effects on the engine, as the engine temperature and oil pressure remained in check - this has been true throughout Simon's ~4-year ownership. Used regularly, the car has proved to be reliable. The car pulls with no hesitation as Simon demonstrated the Kalif's sharp steering, with no slackness or knocking reported. There was a little power steering squeal as we manoeuvred the car at rest but this seemed to disappear for the rest of the journey.

Electrics and Other

The car has been fitted with an Kenwood Mini Disc/CD stereo.

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History and Paperwork

A massive history file comprises old MOTs, invoices, service records and correspondence since 1993, totalling ~£30,000 worth of invoices.

Registered by Dutton Forshaw in Torquay in June 1989, it has a consistent series of service stamps up to 2006, with much of the subsequent servicing carried out by independent marque specialist, McGrath Maserati. The owner has a large file on the car, covering 31 years' worth of maintenance, upkeep and servicing. In addition, there are MOTs back to 1992, correspondence and detailed write-ups included.

Some of the work carried out up to the 2010s include the usual maintenance work covering new sensors, steering and brake parts. An upgraded suspension Leda kit worth £2,000 was installed in 2006. Other bills include some cosmetic spruce-ups and a remap. Work in the last 5 years includes a PAS pump repair, new ignition coil, electric fuel pump and maintenance. There are invoices for parts for servicing components too.

The current owner took the car on in 2020, having bought the car privately from a fellow enthusiast and has kept on top of the maintenance and upkeep of the car. It comes with its driver's wallet, two keys and an MOT to February 2025.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Simon will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
20-02-2024	MOT	35,467
22-02-2023	MOT	35,329
06-09-2021	MOT	34,745
11-06-2020	Refurb Power Steering Pump & MOT	33,795
19-09-2019	Ignition Coil
22-03-2018	MOT	33,599
04-04-2017	MOT	33,380
06-07-2015	Cam Belt	32,885
06-05-2015	MOT	32,826
13-04-2012	MOT	32,720
12-04-2011	MOT	31,839
05-05-2010	MOT	31,478
24-03-2009	MOT	30,996
23-11-2007	MOT	30,205
17-05-2007	Water Pump + Cam Belt	28,139
14-11-2006	MOT	27,882
14-11-2006	42,000 Mile Service + Clutch Slave Cylinder + Prop Shaft Centre Bearing	27,878
01-09-2006	Leda Suspension & Brake Discs
01-12-2005	MOT	27,235
03-05-2005	MOT	25,940
27-10-2004	MOT	25,716
04-11-2003	36,000 Mile Service & Head Skim	24,798
21-10-2003	MOT	24,798
02-07-2002	MOT	24,701
21-06-2001	MOT	24,661
29-11-2000	30,000 Mile Service & Steering Rack	23,981
05-05-2000	MOT	23,754
13-04-1999	MOT	23,101
20-03-1998	MOT	23,050
14-06-1997	MOT	21,299
14-02-1997	24,000 Mile Service	21,767
02-06-1995	MOT	20,662
26-04-1994	MOT	18,115
24-12-1993	Steering Rack & Brake Pads	18,077
01-11-1993	Stainless Steel Exhaust
04-09-1993	MOT	17,200
25-08-1993	18,000 Mile Service	17,136
25-07-1992	MOT	13,720
04-03-1992	12,000 Mile Service	13,698
07-06-1990	6,000 Mile Service	6,348
13-07-1989	1,000 Mile Service	829
22-06-1989	Pre-Delivery Service	70

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Key Details

ModelMaserati Kalif
Transmission5-Speed Manual
Reg. Date23-06-1989
CC2790
Mileage~35,699
ColourBlack
Interior ColourGrey
Interior TrimLeather/Veneer
Chassis #ZAM339B00KA190003
Engine #AM473551164
MOTYes Exp. 21-02-2025
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
HPi ClearYes - All clear
Former Keepers7
Tyre BrandToyo/Yokohama
Tyre Age2005/2006
# of Keys2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~4 years, 3 months
Key FeatureLow miles, impressive provenance and genuine rarity
Vehicle RegistrationF716 TFP
Fuel TypePetrol
Body Type2-Door Coupe
Auction ID2066

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Vehicle Location

Witney, Oxfordshire

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Auction Closed

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Seller : SimonP

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6 Comments

F1shpond

1 month ago

On the road trip you mentioned some minor bits need looking at, for example the clock and air conditioning not working. Will all these be repaired before handover?
Thankyou

Yorkbury

2 months ago

Hi. Would it be possible to view the car please? I live near Newbury. I can probably tell you some interesting history of the car.
Rgds
Nick

ColinB

Admin

Yorkbury

2 months ago

Hi Nick,

We can help arrange a viewing for you, if you could send an email to hello@tradeclassics.com we just need to do a couple of checks first.

Thanks,
Colin.

SimonP

Seller

Yorkbury

1 month ago

The car is currently having a number of minor ‘ailments’ rectified at Bob Houghton’s, North Leach. Should be ready early next week. My tel. is 01993 8238248. Call me if you want to see it. We’re near Witney. Simon

Yorkbury

2 months ago

sorry just noticed the details in the ad! Apologies

Yorkbury

2 months ago

can you supply the reg number for me to check the MOT history please?

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Vehicle Location

Witney, Oxfordshire

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