The Maserati Kyalami is rather unknown model of the brand from Modena. A true gem that has been forgot- ten due to its limited production, but that set the design grounds of future generations of the Trident. It was the first car developed in the times of Alejandro DeTomaso, when the Italian-Argentinian tycoon took over the firm. In 1974 and due the oil crisis, Citroën (which owned the brand at the time) decided to sell the com- pany. It was Mr DeTomaso, supported by the Italian State, who took over the reins of one of the most presti- gious brands in the country. The situation drove DeTomaso to develop a new car in record time to maintain continuity at the factory. The base was the DeTomaso Longchamp and Pietro Frua was asked to produce a redesign giving the vehicle a more Maserati look. The result was a more refined and elegant vehicle than its twin brother the Longchamp, in addition to being equipped with the legendary Maserati V8 engine. The mo- del Type 129 was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1976 as the Kyalami, the famous South-African track where in 1967 Pedro Rodriguez won one of the last Maserati GP victories. 

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The Maserati Kyalami was in production between 1976 and 1983 and during this period only 200 units were built. It was a coupé of angular lines and generous proportions but also with certain dramatics and aggressiveness due to its package and presence on tarmac. The original Tom Tjaarda design was substantia- lly improved with more har- monious proportions; especially lowering the height by 25 mm and increasing its width by 20 mm. Furthermore, the nose included the traditional 4 round headlines and in- troduced the typical Maserati grill. A surprising result that improved on the saga created by the Sebring and Mexico to modern times.

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However, the major difference with the Longchamp was in its mechanics. While the DeTomaso model used a V8 engine of Ford origin; the Kyalami had an authentic pure bred Maserati engine. A marvel both in terms of perfor- mance and music.

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The mechanics selected for the Kyalami was the famous 4.2 litre V8 with 4 camshafts developing a power of 270 BHP and connected to 5-speed ZF gearbox and a limi- ted-slip differential. A robust and amply verified set (mo- dels such as the Indy had the same engine), which pro vided a total guarantee to the final set, high performance and great comfort while driving. Only 126 units of the 4.2 model were made. A 4.9 litre ver- sion was presented in 1978, with 280 BHP and automatic gearbox as standard.

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The Kyalami was a 2+2 coupé with plenty of space for 4 persons to travel in comfort. The interior was upholstered with the best materials. Connolly leather and Alcantara on the upper part of the dashboard, door panels and rear tray. The rectangular instrument panel with Jaeger clocks clearly differentiated the driver side from the passenger, creating two different environments. The driving position was ideal for a car of these characteristics, which would allow for both sporty and more relaxed driving for long rou- tes without losing a hint of comfort. 

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Today, the Kyalami is a car that starts to be appreciated, especially among the savvy in terms of classic cars. A car with an extraordinary history that was born in one of the most difficult periods of the trident firm. In its time, it ins- pired the most demand customers such as, for example, the famous tenor Luciano Pavarotti, and awakening from its undeserved lethargy is claiming its true place in the history of cars. In summary, a highly balanced coupé that is slowly recovering all its splendour.

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Style

The design of the Kyalami was nothing more than an improvement and adaptation of the dashing coupe bodywork designed in 1972 by Tom Tjaarda for DeTomaso Longchamp. Curiously, Tjaarda worked for Pinin- farina in the 60s but his most popular designs came later when working for Ghia, including the DeTomaso Pantera or the famous Ford Fiesta.

Pietro Frua stylised the original Tjaarda design lowering its height, extending and widening its body. The result was a slimmer and more harmonious figure while intensifying the aggressive and sporty nature of the car. Frua knew full well the DNA of the trident brand and quickly knew how to make a true Maserati and even set the design grounds for future models of the brand. It was the last great creation of Pietro Frua, who died in 1983.

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Famous cars & famous owners

-Opera master Luciano Pavarotti was one of the famous costumers of the Maserati Kyalami

-Other famous owners of the Maserati Kyalami were the same Alejandro DeTomaso, owner of Maserati at that time and designer Pietro Frua who was in charge of his restyling. 

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Car History

Following Maserati Classiche the and the original Factory Delivery Note, the car was delivered new at Bo- logna’s Maserati dealership AUTOSPORT in December 1978. Right after, the car was imported to Spain by Maserati agent Auto Paris in Barcelona and the model was exhibit in different car shows. The car was first registered in 1982 when business man and famous artist brother Mr.Carlos Arranz Bravo bought it. After it when to famous Ramon Magriñà car collection

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Ownership Timeline

-30.08.1978: The car was finished at Maserati factory (see Original End of Line Data Sheet).
-14.12.1978: The car was delivered at Bologna’s Maserati Dealer AUTOSPORT (see Original Delivery Note) -We have no records that the car was ever registered in Italy.
-1979 The car was imported to Spain through Auto Paris (Barcelona’s Maserati agent).
-1980-1981 Exhibition car. The car was showed in different Car shows in Spain.
-11.08.1982 The car was bought by Mr.Carlos Arranz Bravo de Laguna brother of the famous Spanish artist Eduardo Arranz Bravo.
-In mid 90s, prominent Spanish collector Ramon Magriñà bought the car. He decided to replace the 4.2 liters engine for a 4.9 liters while he wanted to refresh the original one. He kept both engines. 

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Car Documents

Car came with EU/Spanish papers and all the following documentation:

-Original Maserati “Garanzia e Assistenza” Booklet with first owner details and warranty certificate

-Original Maserati Kyalami “AM 129” “Uso e Manutenzione” (Use and Maintenance) Booklet

-Original Maserati Kyalami Sales Brochure
-Original Maserati Certificate of Origin (issued by Maserati Spa)

-Original Maserati technical and Aesthetic Characteristics Certificate (issued by Maserati Spa)

-Original Final Test Data Sheet (issued by Maserati Spa)
-Original End of Line Data Sheet (issued by Maserati Spa)
-Original Delivery Note (issued by Maserati Spa)

-Original photos from previous owners
-Digital folder with many model information including original photos and brochures from Maserati archives. 

 

Asking Price: P.O.R.