Named after the Mesopitamiam summer wind the Maserati range topping Shamal was launched in December 1989 with a range topping price of 125 million Lire (One Hundred and Twenty Five Million Italain Lire).

The Tipo 339 Coupé is powered by a 32 valve 3.2 litre / 195 cui twin turbo charged V8 that produces 322 hp.

Marcello Gandini was responsible for updating the original Biturbo body that features his signature slanted rear wheel arches first seen on the Lamborghini Countach.

Fitted with a six speed gearbox the Shamal also features a Koni active suspension sytem which adjusts the shock absorber stiffness with real time information about the road conditions.

Top speed is said to be 170 mph with 62 mph being reached in 5.2 seconds from rest.

Factory records show just 369 Shamals were produced, like the 1994 example seen here at Brooklands Auto Italia, between 1989 and 1996.

Thanks for joining me on this “Mesopitamian Wind” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !