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.
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.
For a car that kicked off a string of victories in what would eventually become Lancia's dominance on the world rally stage, the Fulvia certainly gets less recognition these days than it deserves. This beatuiful little coupe went on to win the 1972 International Championship and the 1969 Marathon de La Route 84 hours of Nürburgring. With a narrow angle V4 engine, front-wheel drive and four-wheel disc brakes, this was an agile little car that famed motoring critic Jeremy Clarkson likened to a "rorty sorbet." This Fulvia for sale in Italy is an early Series 1 model that has had a repaint and has been kept stock.
Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1 Series, 1966. Car shows in a good state and has been completely repainted in the original color. Interior has been completely redone. Original Targa and booklet. Targa Gold ASI with certificate. TÜV is two years valid. Car ready to be moved on the road.
At a bit over $17,000, these Fulvias are a sports car bargain and the perfect car for someone looking for an interetsting altermatove to the usual Alfa Romeo GTV.
The original 105 Series Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider, known to some as the boat tail Spider, is one of the prettiest and most iconic designs to emerge from the design house of Pininfarina. This example comes to us from our reader Ping in the Los Angeles area. It has had a host of work done to it and has been used reliably on a semi-regular basis. Now all it needs is a new owner to look after it and enjoy it.
The car is in great condition and is extremely reliable (for a 43 year old car). I purchased the car in 2002 from a car collector in Wisconsin and drive it to work on average once a week, weather permitting. In the last ten years that I have owned it, the car has never been driven in the rain and has always been garaged (day and night). I don’t think it has been outside for more than an hour and a half at a time. It had 72k miles on the car when I bought it and it now has 103k. I have receipts totaling over $12k for maintenance done over the past 10 years, the major items which are listed below.
Just prior purchasing the car, the prior owner replaced both brake boosters with OEM ones (which he said he paid $600 for the pair). He also had the fuel injection pump, 2 lower ball joints, center bearing and support, 3 tie rod ends, front brake calipers, rear transmission mount bushing replaced along with other odds and ends.
Feb ’03 – I had the drive shaft u-joints replaced and the gas tank cleaned and refinished.
April ’03 – Replaced clutch master cylinder
Nov ’03 – purchased new convertible boot cover, replaced rear shocks and front and rear emblems.
Aug ’05 – Replaced heater valve membrane, replaced left and right motor mounts
Aug ’06 – replaced front brakes and rotors, replaced left tie rod end, replaced belts
Sep’ 06 – replaced battery
Oct’ 07 – New 14”x7” wheels, new tires (original 14”x5.5” wheels are included in the sale)
Nov ’07 – replaced rear proportion brake valve, rebuilt brake master cylinder, replaced front arm ball joint bushing
April ’08 – Installed new exhaust heat shield, installed new speedo cable (melted due to missing heat shield)
Oct ’08 – Rebuilt differential
May ’09 – replaced head gasket, replaced gas tank sending unit, replaced trunk cable
Jan ’10 – replaced convertible top, refinished convertible top frame
Oct ’10 – reupholstered seats
Sep ’10 – Replaced front brakes
Aug ’11 – Replaced center muffler, Tune up and oil change
The car was repainted in 1980 and still shines like new, but there a few small flaws here and there. I tried to take pics to show what I can but most of it is so minor that it does not show up in the pics. The bottom side of the hood is also pealing in a few spots. The engine compartment was not painted with the rest of the car and is some very light surface rust on the side by the battery. There is not other rust that I am aware of. Everything works on the car except for the cigarette lighter and the day/night toggle switch on the rear view mirror. The 2nd gear synchros were weak when I purchased the car but shifts smoothly if you just pause for a moment between 1st and 2nd gear. I was planning on replacing them when it got a little worse, but after a while I just got use to it.
There is a minor oil leak coming from the transmission and the car burns about a quart of motor oil every 1,500 miles (I believe this is typical of Alfas, at least all that I have owned). The car was manufactured in 1969, but due to the strike in 1969, this one was shipped to the States in spring of 1970 ad therefore titled as a 1970 model year. The only reason I am selling the car is my work recently moved and my commute is now much further. I need to keep my Chevy Tahoe for the family, but I also need to find another car that is more economical to commute in and more comfortable than the Alfa. Did I mention the Alfa does not have air conditioning or a radio?
Duettos in good shape that have been used as intended will usually trade hands in the $20,000 to $25,000 range. The very best concours examples can crest north of $30,000. Of the 105/115 Spiders, the Duettos are prized most in large part because of their design purity, versus later models that suffered from crash bumpers and fussier design details. I never thought I'd like silver so much on an early Spider, but with the simple steel wheels complimented with chrome hubcaps and a tidy black leather interior, this car cuts a clean pose. The California black plates are also a great finishing touch. Overall, a great example of an early 105 Spider that deserves another forty years of TLC.
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.
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.
