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FOR SALE

1989 Maserati Karif

£18,950

Uprated Suspension and Brakes | Impressive History File | Beautifully Presented

  • Mileage~35,839 at service
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.8-litre
  • LocationWitney

£18,950

1989 Maserati Karif

Premium Classified Sale

Video #2

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 ~35,839 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. Its most recent service was on the 8th of January 2025 which included new spark plugs, cambelt, brake fluid, new tyres all round, new wiper blades and a new repeater lens. The wiring was also tidied up and a new heater control panel was fitted along with the interior fan having a fault diagnosed, all at a cost of ~£7,000.

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

EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

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.

During our visit the tyres were 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. The car has been fitted with a full set of new Toyo tyres in its recent service.

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.

During our visit the nearside front bumper indicator had a crack but has been replaced in the recent service, 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.

VIEW ALL
INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

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 was not functioning during our visit but Simon has had the AC control panel replaced in its recent service

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
Video #2

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 spark plugs and cambelt were replaced in its recent service.

The engine is in presentable condition, during the recent service the cam belt has been replaced and the cam covers have had some new paint, 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 and a half 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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Video #2

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. In January 2025 the car has had a service, with new spark plugs, cam belt, brake fluid, new tyres all round, new wiper blades and a new repeater lens, the cam covers were also painted, Simon sent over a couple of photos we have added to the end of the history section. The wiring was also tidied up and a new heater control panel was fitted along with the interior fan having a fault diagnosed, all at a cost of ~£7,000. 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 a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

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
08-01-2025 Service (Cam Belt & Spark Plugs) 35,839
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
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • ModelMaserati Kalif
  • Transmission5-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date23-06-1989
  • CC2790
  • Mileage~35,839 at service
  • ColourBlack
  • Interior ColourGrey
  • Interior TrimLeather/Veneer
  • Chassis #ZAM339B00KA190003
  • Engine #AM473551164
  • Last Service08-01-2025
  • 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, 6 months
  • Key FeatureLow miles, impressive provenance and genuine rarity
  • Vehicle RegistrationF716 TFP
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body Type2-Door Coupe
  • Auction ID2066
VIEW ALL
VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos

Insurance Quote


Average annual insurance premium for a like this is via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

*Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid .

Vehicle Location

Witney, Oxfordshire

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