Brochure images are from the collection of Hemmings Motor News, courtesy of Bruce Zahor

A twin-turbocharged V-6 engine is at the heart of every Ghibli sedan and Levante SUV (as well as some Quattroportes) that Maserati sells in the USA today , and this Chrysler-based, Ferrari-built 2,979-cc (181.8-cu.in.) unit utilizes a DOHC, four-valve design, with direct fuel injection and two intercoolers, to make 345 or 404 horsepower.

And while it's not mentioned in this brochure, we see an image of the Biturbo with its big brother, the V-8-powered Quattroporte , whose crisp lines inspired those of the junior car, which was penned by DeTomaso stylist Pierangelo Andreani , the man who'd previously created the Ferrari Mondial for Pininfarina . Of course, Alejandro de Tomaso then controlled Maserati, having taken over in 1975 after Citroën lost it in bankruptcy. It was de Tomaso who decided that the very modern Biturbo would be mass-produced, rather than being largely hand-built in tiny volumes, in Maserati tradition--that said, fewer than 6,000 cars were built each year, with half that figure produced by 1988.

The first Biturbos sold here were all equipped with a five-speed manual transmissions, but a three-speed automatic soon became available. In its early form, the V-6 was fueled through a two-barrel Weber carburetor (this brochure promised 192 hp and 0-60 in 6.8 seconds, although our catalytic converters meant 185 hp was more accurate). Electronic fuel injection would arrive in 1986-'87 to improve reliability and hot starting. The fully independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes meant this car's road manners were always top-notch.

The Biturbo quickly earned an unfortunate reputation that would overshadow its entire run in the U.S. market, but as with any maintenance-intensive Italian exotic, a well cared-for example offers a uniquely exciting, characterful drive.

Little more than 2,000 American-spec Maseratis were imported in 1984, with fewer than 1,300 arriving in each of the subsequent two years... imports trailed down to fewer than 250 for 1990. Top-quality examples are understandably rare today, and highly prized by those in the know. Have you ever driven a Biturbo, or one of its derivatives like the four-door 430 or the pretty, two-seat Zagato Spyder ? How about the incredibly rare and powerful Shamal

Click the brochure images below to enlarge.