1989 Maserati Karif

Reviewed in the motoring press at the time as having “sawn off looks, shotgun performance”. This Karif is a bit more special than the standard model being one of just 25 examples in right hand drive as well as one that has been afforded some careful modifications in the interest of giving the car a little more modernity, whilst enhancing the unique body shape. A previous owner has given the Maserati fully adjustable coil-over dampers front and rear, custom made from a company called ‘Leda suspension’ in Lincoln, as well as wildwood four pot brake calipers. During one of the car’s engine rebuilds the same owner also saw fit to include an adjustable turbo boost control valve which is hidden under the dash. One of the ‘not-so-hidden’ modifications however is the rear boot spoiler which the previous owner states is a big improvement over the standard offerings from Maserati.

The current owner purchased the car after their involvement with road testing the car for the magazine ‘Auto Italia’, the car is indeed published in the magazine’s summer edition focusing on the Maserati brand offerings. After having owned the car for around 2 years, they feel it is now time to move the car on.

The Maserati stands proud in its black paintwork with the darker shade giving the outline of the car a more menacing presence. The bodywork is in rather good condition and has been treated to some repairs during the owner’s time with the car. The paint is in good condition and only has some very minor stone chipping on the front bonnet, which in reality is barely noticeable. All chrome work and lights are in good order too with no breakdown of the chrome and the lights are free from cracks, scratches or condensation from water ingress.

The wheels are in great condition and have no curbing or corrosion and the paintwork on them is good too. The tyres also have plenty of life left on them and the locking centre caps in the wheels give a nice retro touch. All the shut lines around the car are tight and uniform and the car has clearly been well looked after inside and out which is also backed up by the service history.

In the cabin of the Karif is a stone colour half leather, half fabric interior with touches of wood veneer trim which is all fitting in with Maserati’s brief of sporty with added luxury. The leather trim sections are in great condition with no rips, tears or discolouration and the fabric parts are at the same level of condition. The dash is free from cracks or rips, tears, discoloration. And the carpets and wood veneer trim are equally in fantastic condition.

The main touch points in the cabin are free from any excessive wear with the wooden steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake all looking near new in condition. The car is 34 years old, but the interior is in a remarkable condition for the age of the vehicle. All electrics work as they should, and the audio system has had a sympathetic, modern upgrade with a new amp and head unit. We imagine keeping that light coloured stone interior trim is a pain, but the owner has achieved it remarkably well. The boot is lined with darker coloured carpet but still presents just as well as the cabin space, the boot also houses the subwoofer so that the radio can be heard over that roaring V6.

Looking underside of the Karif and you’ll see plenty of rust proofing with lots of underseal covering the metal panels. All the major components look in good condition also, with no damage to be seen and only the spare wheel carrier looking to have any surface rust. The underside of the engine looks to be free from drips, leaks or fluid spillages too which is a good sign, and with the engine having been rebuilt by a Maserati specialist it’s safe to assume that the powerplant is strong.

Looking under the bonnet at the top of the engine, apart from some missing red paint on the top intake and rocker covers, the unit looks and sounds strong. It’s also important to note that the car was driven to our storage unit which is always a good sign. The electrics underneath look to be in good condition with no signs of split wires or brittle casings. All rubber components look to have plenty of life left in them and the major components have all been looked after by Maserati specialists so are working well as intended.

The car has 35,000 miles and 6 former keepers on the V5 but the owner states that number has been distorted as the car was registered in his and his brothers name, then just his brothers then his. The Maserati comes with a full HPI check, the V5 and a huge stack of history including MoT certificates and invoices, there is also a document outlining the car’s various quirks and some techniques that have worked for the owner whilst keeping the car.

A summary of the invoices is given below.

- Misfire fault investigated, found to be sensor, all fixed – Bob Houghton Ltd – 14/04/21

- Custom exhaust fitted – P.D. Gouch & Associate – 01/11/93

- Reconditioning of steering rack – Basford dyno tune centre – 24/12/93

- New track rod ends, solenoid – Meridien Majestic – 31/05/95

- Repair and repaint rear bumper – 24/05/2021

- Replacement clutch slave cylinder – Geoff Bloor Garages - 21/11/96

- Replacement air conditioning pipe and brakes – Geoff Bloor Garages – 14/06/96

- Radiator overhaul, new battery strap, new track rod ends, repair immobiliser wiring, new oil pressure sender, new turbo hose – Bill McGrath Maserati – 14/02/97

- New battery – 20/07/97

- Solenoid valve, sensor bracket, electromagnetic sensor – Meridien Modena Concessionaires

- Rust repair, front bumper repair and repaint, any scratches/dents repaired and repainted, machine polished, M.J.S. Auto Repairs – 25/05/99

- Alloy wheel refurbishment – MK Racing – 01/04/99

- Engine removed and bottom end dismantled and cleaned, crank case repaired, crank cleaned, new steering rack, minor service, new oil and coolant – Bill McGrath Maserati – 29/11/00

- Rear brake callipers refurbished – Quattro Sports – 05/07/02

- No oil pressure in engine resulting in a repair comprising of two engines to make up one good one – Bill McGrath Maserati – 04/11/03

- New insulation – Meridien Modena – 19/04/04

- New A/C compressor, renewed brake light switch, overhaul rear brakes, new fog light - Bill McGrath Maserati – 04/05/05

- New A/C compressor and various parts (carried out under warranty), New front discs and pads - Bill McGrath Maserati – 15/07/05

- Engine tuned – Auto Shield

- New coil springs – LEDA suspension – 14/06/06

- New brake calliper – Rally Design – 19/06/05

- Fit coil over suspension kit, refaced brake discs, machine custom alloy brackets to fit wildwood alloy race callipers – Melnej Engineering – 01/09/06

- Inspection and service, new propshaft centre bearing, adjust wheel bearings, fit vacuum pump, new window mechanism, repair check strap, re-tension V belts, new clutch slave cylinder, new header tank, new anti-roll bar link bushes, new boot struts, weld skid plate in place to protect bottom of steering rack - Bill McGrath Maserati – 14/11/06

- Water pump leaking, new water pump and cam belt, repair to turbo brackets, new fuse box, repair to check strap bracket - Bill McGrath Maserati – 17/05/07

- Engine mapping – Motorsports development – 06/08/08

- Air modulation valve – David Askew Maserati parts – 15/02/12

- Cambelt, cambelt bearing, alternator belt and air con belt - Bill McGrath Maserati – 30/06/15

- Repairs to nearside mirror cover, front valance, nearside wing, nearside door, offside door, boot lid, offside rear wheel arch, repaired and resprayed – Adrian Dance – 16/03/18

- Fuel pump – OPIE oils – 17/08/19

- Biturbo 2.5 bar fuel pressure regulator – Brands Hatch performance – 09/12/19

- Ignition coil – Auto Retro services – 09/19/19

- Steering column bushing – Auto Italia

- Replace leaking power steering pump seal – PBM Technical services Ltd – 11/05/20

- Hydraulic service & cleaning – brakecaliperrefurbs.co.uk – 15/05/20

The Karif was a safe car for Maserati, one born from an era when its customers were looking for a bit more subtlety when showing off their wealth. This gave the little Maserati an interesting style, which might have played towards its premature passing and low production numbers. However, styling that divides is often the best kind and we certainly think, like fine wine that the Karif has aged very well, giving Lancia 032 vibes from its front end and a Stratos look if you squinted your eyes. Something that won’t divide though is the engine, the twin turbo V6 is running sweet and is plenty powerful enough to scare yourself sensible on the road.

This Karif is a great example that has been used and loved since its production and is set to continue to thrill its owners into the future.

Our estimate for this car is £25,000 - £35,000.

Viewing is always encouraged. This particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.