Based on the 5000GT chassis, the Quattroporte unwittingly launched the unibody V8 4-door sports sedan class when it came to market in 1963. There may have been some to do so before it, but none have lasted the 55+ years that the Quattroporte nameplate has. So, your BMW M5's, Audi RS4's, and Mercedes AMG series all owe the Quattroporte a tip of the hat for bringing the high-speed luxury sedan class to life.
Fast and luxurious as they were, it is no surprise that early Quattroportes were produced in small quantities, leading to their rarity today. Only around 770 of the Quattroporte I (Series I and II combined) were produced between 1963 and 1970. This example, being a Quattroporte I Series II, has the updated rear suspension, tossing out the DeDion axle of the Quattroporte I Series I for a more traditional live-axle leaf spring arrangement. Both series of Quattroporte I were available with the aluminum block and head 4.1L quad cam V8, known optimistically as the 4200. The engine saw its introduction on the platform, and served it well, with 256hp lending to a 143mph top speed on manual transmission models.
Year: 1967
Model: Maserati Quattroporte
Engine: 4.1L V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: N/A
Price: €45.000 - €85.000
Location: Essen, Germany
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1967 Maserati Quattroporte
Seller’s Description: To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Essen event, 11 - 12 April 2019.
Estimate:
€45.000 - €85.000
Current ownership for 18 years
Delivered new to Italy, in storage from 1975–2000
Beautifully restored to its original white over blue colour scheme
Retains its original engine
Featured in Motor Klassik in November 2013
Originally finished in Argento Auteuil over a Blu interior, this Series I Quattroporte was delivered new with a five-speed manual gearbox to its first owner, Sergio Leoncini of Verona, on 20 April 1967. The car passed to Carlo Zanetti of Treviso in 1973. Two years later, the Quattroporte was put into storage and remained parked for 25 years.
Removed from storage and purchased by its current owner in Germany in 2000, it was shipped there and restored from 2001–2004. According to the owner, the interior was found to be in such good condition that only the driver’s seat had to be reupholstered. The car was featured in Motor Klassik in November 2013 as the cover story. Furthermore, the car received a service in January 2019 and is ready to return to the road.
Presented in a very desirable colour scheme and retaining its original engine as confirmed by Maserati Classiche, this would be an ideal foray into the collector car hobby for a young enthusiast.
This example maintains most of its original interior, with the exception of the reupholstered driver's seat. The exterior, silver when it was delivered new in Verona, has been repainted in white, leading to very Maserati color scheme. We can't attest to the workmanship of the restoration completed nearly 15 years ago, but we would hope that the seller could provide photographs and documentation thereof.
These cars draw no insignificant sum, and yet they are relatively affordable, as far as 1960s V8 Maseratis go. A 4.7L example might be worth a bit more, but we're not so sure that he 30hp bump is necessary to capture our attention. For those not put off by the extra two doors, we think that the Quattroporte I represents a good value for classic V8 Maserati enthusiasts.
-Graham