The Maserati Shamal Will Be The Next Million Dollar Classic Car
By Mae Cornis
One overlooked Italian thoroughbred stands ready for dramatic price appreciation: the Maserati Shamal. With just 369 units produced between 1990-1996, this rare grand tourer combines the key elements that typically drive seven-figure valuations: extreme rarity, legendary design pedigree, and technological sophistication.
“The market for late-model biturbos is surprisingly healthy,” explains Brian Rabold, Vice President of automotive intelligence at Hagerty. “These are incredibly rare and really special cars. When we talk about rarity in the Ferrari world, nowadays that might mean a few thousand units, but back then, you’re talking about production runs in the hundreds“.
Current Shamal values are creeping towards $200,000, representing an extraordinary opportunity, considering comparable Italian exotics from the era regularly command prices 5-10 times higher. With recent examples of 1990s Japanese sports cars like the Toyota Supra and Nissan 300ZX seeing prices surge beyond $200,000, the investment case for the more exclusive, more powerful Shamal becomes compelling.
Why Sub-$200,000 Shamals Won’t Last
The Shamal’s investment potential stems from a remarkable convergence of factors that position it for significant appreciation. At its core is the car’s extreme rarity – with just 369 examples produced, it represents one of the most limited-production Maseratis ever made.
This scarcity is amplified by its distinguished pedigree: It was penned by legendary automotive designer Marcello Gandini, the creative force behind the iconic Lamborghini Countach.
As Maserati’s flagship model of the era, the Shamal showcased its engineering prowess through its twin-turbocharged V8 engine – the most powerful powerplant in Maserati’s lineup.
This combination of rarity and performance credentials takes on new significance as collector interest in 1990s performance cars continues to surge, particularly among younger enthusiasts entering the market.
“The cars that are ready to get in and drive or ready to show are the cars that sell first, and they sell for a premium,” notes Jose Romero, sales manager at DriverSource. “Ever since Covid, instant gratification is a big part of it. When you’re spending a lot of money on one of these things, when you get it home, you want to be able to use it.”
A Million-Dollar Investment Hiding in Plain Sight
The Maserati Shamal’s significance as a potential investment stems from Marcello Gandini’s masterful design work. As the creative force behind the legendary Lamborghini Countach, Gandini brought several innovative and distinctive elements to the Shamal, making it uniquely valuable today. His signature rear wheel arch treatment and the distinctive front windshield spoiler created a design language that influenced Maserati’s entire lineup.
Beyond aesthetics, the Shamal represents the pinnacle of Maserati engineering during a pivotal time in the company’s history. As the last model launched under De Tomaso’s ownership before Fiat’s acquisition, it captures a significant moment of transition. The sophisticated twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 326 horsepower, showcased Maserati’s technical prowess and remains an engineering highlight of the era.
With just 369 examples produced between 1990 and 1996, the Shamal’s extreme rarity perfectly positions it for significant appreciation. Shamals in good condition are now trading hands for $175,000 and above.
As collectors increasingly seek out significant cars from the 1990s, particularly those with manual transmissions and distinctive designs, the Shamal appears poised to follow other previously overlooked models like the Ferrari Dino that have seen values surge beyond $800,000.
For investors seeking the next undervalued classic ready to break into seven-figure territory, the Maserati Shamal represents a unique opportunity to acquire a rare piece of Italian automotive history before the broader market recognizes its true worth.