Maserati Biturbo Spyder 2.8i

Manufactured for two short years, 89-91, the 2.8i was an evolution of the car to have the world's first engine served by dual turbos.

The original Biturbo was launched in 1981 to much fanfare, but Maserati as a company were struggling with their identity as well as fiscally. Sandwiched between Alfa/Lancia and Lamborghini/Ferrari in the desirability stakes, the company needed a model that would rescue them.

The Biturbo was the first European car to have an SOHC serving three valves per cylinder, and the electronic boost control ensured that the dual IHI's offered their power in a linear, progressive mode.

Zagato were the partner used to help build the complimenting Spyder model and in fact utilised the very same hood mechanism as can be found in the exceedingly uncommon Aston Martin Vantage Zagato. Sumptuously appointed inside, the car was never determined as an out-and-out sports car, more of a GT.

With a kerb weight just under 1100 kg, and the 250 bhp V6 offering sub-seven second performance, the Spyder is a relatively rare car on British roads.