We are willing to overlook quite a bit in the name of promoting a metallic brown Quattroporte.  Aftermarket wheels?  The unfavorable DuoSelect automated manual transmission?  Minor details, when there's brown paint involved.

The DuoSelect automated manual transmission, making use of a dry clutch and essentially a robotic clutch slave cylinder, is the subject of criticism from both the automotive press and the Maserati community.  The press was not impressed with the sudden, direct shifts of the automated manual in automatic mode, which seemed more at home in something like a Ferrari F430.  The Maserati community was alarmed by premature clutch wear, due mostly to poor modulation of the clutch when moving from a stop, especially on an incline.  The criticism may have played a role in lackluster initial sales as well, because in 2007, Maserati began offering the Quattroporte with an automatic ZF transmission with improved drivability, first as an option, and then as standard.

Year: 2006
Model: Maserati
Engine: 4.2L V8
Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
Mileage:  16,060
Price: $25,500

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2006 Maserati Quattroporte

This beautiful Italian vehicle, designed by Pininfarina, is in exceptional condition and has been extremely well cared for. All service is up to date and has been meticulously performed on a regular basis. Service records are on file and available from this factory-authorized service provider. This vehicle looks and drives very well with no issues present. This is a non-smoker vehicle, being sold by owner. No additional dealer fees or taxes will be applied to the final price.

This vehicle has only been been driven during the summer months and garage-kept since purchased. The exterior metallic brown paint compliments the chrome accents to produce a very elegant, yet sophisticated appearance. All glass and trim are in very good condition. The wheel and tires are in exceptional condition.

The Ferrari engine and F1 transmission are in very good condition and operate with reliable functionality. The performance-tuned exhaust produces a wonderful tone, showcasing this vehicle's performance Italian drive train. The braking system works well with no known issues.

The interior is wrapped with beautiful tan leather and rich wood appointments. All power options function without any issues. Complete with Maserati Navigation system. Carpets and headliner are in exceptional condition.

You will be very pleased with the overall condition and performance of this vehicle. Cash, bank-issued cashier's check/money order, and bank wire transfer payment methods accepted.

I have the original Maserati rims and tires that came with the car, they are included in the auction.

You'll find a clear car fax with no accidents what so ever. This car is mint and a real eye catcher. I'm the second owner and bought the car with 8100 miles on it. Always adult driven serviced at Maserati and never seen snow or salt.

Why then, suggest that the readers of Classic Italian Cars for Sale consider purchasing an earlier DuoSelect Quattroporte?  First, we haven't driven one, so we don't know just how bad it really is.  Based on our experience with automated manuals, they're only really only a hassle when moving at a relaxed pace.  We're no strangers to the deep rasp of a 4.2 liter Maserati V8 at full boil, so our modest suggestion would be to drive the wheels off of it as often as possible and keep the transmission in manual mode.  Not so difficult, right?

When negotiating for this low-mileage example, it would be wise to negotiate a price the includes only the OEM wheels, which the seller is offering with the sale.  Just don't let the seller know how much you dig the full wood steering wheel or the tan Poltrona Frau leather with brown piping.

-Graham