Tag Archives: Frua

1967 Maserati Quattroporte

The sedan, or berlina in Italian, has always been kind of the standard bearer in a vehicle lineup. Unlike coupes, convertibles and estates, they are cars that serve a wide variety of purposes for different people. In the past few years, companies such as Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen have sought to spice up the sedan by producing what has become known as the four-door coupe, what you could consider a sedan with a bit of an attitude. But there's been one long, standard bearer of the sedan with an attitude genre that has only recently gained wide notoriety: the Maserati Quattroporte.

The Series 1 Quattroporte was vastly different than its contemporaries, with bespoke looking styling by Frua and power dealt out in spades by a 4.1 liter V8. This was one of the first motorcars that could comfortably cruise at 200 km/h (125 mph) for long stretches. In 1967, a larger, 4.7 liter engine was offered before production came to a halt in 1969. In total, a little over 700 of these four-door Maseratis were built. This example for sale in Hamburg, Germany was originally delivered in France, hence the yellow headlamps, and looks sumptuous in metallic gray over burgundy leather.

1967 Maserati Quattroporte

Dark gray metallic, dark red leather, manual transmission, 4.7 liter, delivered new in France, beautiful original interior, two previous owners, partly restored on well-preserved original base, extensive documentation of work performed over the last 40 years.

We only featured one other Series 1 Quattroporte on this site, and it was listed at about half of the asking price of this example last year. At almost $80,000, we're closing in on what a brand new Quattrporte will cost you, but that would be like comparing apples to oranges. Sure, both are great ways of having your sports car cake while piloting a more practical sedan, but this Series 1 Quattroporte is a great chance for the discerning collector to purchase something different that would instantly put your good taste on full display.

-Paul

1978 Maserati Kyalami Convertible

If the Maserati Kyalami we featured yesterday wasn't rare enough for you, then this drop top version should sate the appetite for exclusivity. Only two of these convertible Kyalamis were built by a German specialist. This Kyalami Convertible for sale in Cologne, Germany has the smaller 4.2 liter V8 and has me lamenting the fact this variant was never produced on a greater scale. If only their coffers were as deep then as they are now under Fiat ownership.

1978 Maserati Kyalami Convertible

The Kyalami has been at the Geneva Motor Show 1976 presented to the public. It was named after the famous race track in South Africa. The bodies were usually built at Embo in Turin, and initially visited one of this car with the world-famous 4.2-liter DOHC V8 engine, the already celebrated in racing successes. The engine was equipped with 4 Weber dual-downdraft carburetors, dry-sump lubrication and made according to factory specification 265 hp. In 1978, a single convertible version of the Kyalami Frua was prepared.

This Maserati Kyalami Maserati convertible was a recognized specialist in Berlin on the inspiration of the design-Frua rebuilt as a convertible. Extensive accompanying article from the literature report of this unique project. The Frua car is considered lost. Thus, this unique piece is unique in perfect condition and offers the ambitious sports driver to a very exclusive Italian V8 Sport Cabriolet experience with space for 4 people. The sound of the domesticated former V8 racing machine is a treat for the connoisseurs and lovers of the brand Maserati. The color combination of dark blue metallic, and bright in fine leather-lined interior that meets the highest standards of aesthetics. This is a manual switch, with power windows and an electric-hydraulic deck. The Scuderia Colonia Sportiva is proud to be able to offer this unique Maserati convertible.

The asking price of €99,500 (~ $133,000) is quite eye watering considering what closed roof Kyalamis and Longchamps fetch these days. For someone seeking an offbeat Italian exotic, however, you'd be hard pressed to find something as uncommon as this. This is certainly a car that would have the judges scratching their heads at just about any car show you would attend.

-Paul

1980 Maserati Kyalami

Looking back at Maserati's history, it's rather remarkable that the cars with the Trident badge are still with us to this day. After a divorce from parent company Citroën in the mid 1970s, Alejandro DeTomaso came in to save the day and controlled the company into the 1990s. It was during this time that DeTomaso introduced the Longchamp, a GT coupe powered by Ford's Cleveland V8. Maserati was given their own version of this coupe, with its name coming from the famed South African racetrack. Instead of an American engine under the hood, however, you will find either a 4.2 liter or, in the case of our feature car, a 4.9 liter V8 from Maserati's own parts bin.

The Kyalami was a sharp looking car, and quite rare, with under 200 built from 1976 through 1983. As a result, this is a relatively obscure car to even the most hardcore automotive enthusiasts, which is a shame, given how capable this coupe was. For sale in Vienna, this restored Kyalami looks sharp in metallic red and offers a glimpse into the days when Maserati was on the edge of extinction.

1980 Maserati Kyalami

Perfectly restored collector's vehicle, extremely rare, recent service.

In comparison to its sibling, the Longchamp, the Kyalami usually brings just a bit more in terms of value. This is mainly a result of its Italian engine under the hood. A good example like this should run anywhere from $35,000 to $50,000. With a manual transmission and a good quality restoration such as this, I'd suspect this car is worth somewhere around $45,000.

-Paul

1965 Maserati Quattroporte

Even though the current Maserati Quattroporte was styled by Pininfarina, there is a clear relation, especially from the front end, of its relation to its Frua designed forebear, the Series 1 Quattroporte. Designed around a 4.1 liter V8 with 256 horsepower, the Quattroporte was one of the first vehicles that could do 200 km/h, or approximately 124 mph on the highway. With only 776 produced, you don't see one of these cars every day. This example for sale in Washington state is a survivor with magnificent provenance, featuring the second body shell produced.

1965 Maserati Quattroporte

1964 Maserati Quattroporte series 1 AM107.034. A time capsule, California car with great history going back 35 years. It is in totally original condition with original navy blue paint, original pumpkin leather and carpets. Arguably the best original unrestored series 1 QP in North America. Fitted with a matching number 4.2 liter 4 cam V8, 4 Webbers, A/C, De Dion rear suspension with inboard brakes, ZF S.5.325 5 speed transmission and single headlights. Dyno tuned, starts instantly, superb running and ready to be driven anywhere.

To add to the rarity, 034 carries body number 2 (two). In 2003 this car was chosen by Maserati North America to be at Pebble Beach during the launch of the new Pininfarina Quattroporte. It has new Pirelli tires, original jack, and spare tire. If you are inclined toward original, unmolested top quality cars, this is a very inexpensive entry level exotic car that has aged well and will always be in style.

I've only stumbled upon a few Series 1 Quattroportes in the last year and the ones I have seen have been in tattered condition. This car is in great original condition and the blue over saddle tan interior exudes a rich aura. Like some Maseratis, the Series 1 Quattroporte is not particularly valuable. This could be for a number of reasons, obscurity and the additional two doors probably playing a part in this equation. If you can find one in good condition, the price will usually be in the $30,000 range. In my opinion, this car at $45,000 is a steal, given the condition, history and uniqueness. Nothing is a sure bet in the collector car hobby, but I'd be willing to put money that these cars will take off in value once enthusiasts begin to get hip to them.

-Paul