Back to the Future, But With More Horsepower!
Image Credit: Modena Automobili.
I've just had a peek inside Modena Automobili's latest creation, the MA-01 Biturbo Shamal restomod, and it's a bit like stepping back in time, but with a DeLorean-style upgrade. Remember the 80s? Big hair, even bigger shoulder pads, and car interiors that looked like they were designed by a committee of robots. Modena has taken that aesthetic, dusted it off, and given it a contemporary twist that's more "Miami Vice" chic than "Grandma's floral sofa."
I've always had a soft spot for the Shamal. It was the bad boy of the Maserati family, all bulging arches and snarling V6. But the interior? Let's just say it wasn't its strongest point. Think acres of brown plastic and enough buttons to launch a space shuttle. But Modena has taken that 80s vibe and injected it with a dose of 21st-century cool.
They've ditched the cluttered dashboard for a sleek, digital display for starters. I'm usually not a fan of screens in classic cars. They stick out like a sore thumb, but this one? It works. It's integrated seamlessly into the design, like it was always meant to be there. And it's a far cry from the original Biturbo's instrument cluster, which looked like it was borrowed from a washing machine.
But the real genius is how they've blended the old with the new. You've still got that classic 80s vibe, with clean lines and simple shapes, but it's all been refined and updated. The materials are top-notch, the craftsmanship is impeccable, and the overall effect is just… chef's kiss. They've taken the best of the 80s and left the rest in the dustbin of automotive history.
The engine had a bit of dusting off applied to it as well. This beast packs a 3.0-liter V6 with a healthy 500 horsepower output and 406 lb-ft of torque. That's enough to make your hair stand on end, even if you're bald. And with a price tag of around $605,000, it's not exactly cheap. But you get what you pay for, and in this case, you're paying for a piece of automotive art.
Modena Automobili is building 33 of these beauties, so if you want one, you'd better get your checkbook out pronto. And if you happen to have any Bitcoin lying around, they apparently accept that too. Because why not? It's not like you're going to use it to buy groceries.
Image Credit: Modena Automobili.
Here’s a question for you: Is it worth it? Only you can answer that, actually. But if you're looking for a classic car with a modern twist, and you've got the cash to splash, then this might just be the car for you. Just don't blame me if you end up with a mullet and a pair of parachute pants.
Modena Automobili promises deliveries in 8-10 months. That’s plenty of time to start practicing your 80s dance moves, and you'll be cruising in style before you know it. But please remember to leave the shoulder pads at home. Trust me on this one.
