Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Chassis No: AM-123-04
Mot Expiry: None

Though a tangled web, the history of Maserati features some memorable motorcars. Formed by the Bologna-based Maserati brothers in 1926, the company was taken over by steel magnate Adolfo Orsi 11 years later, and it was during his son's reign that the first Quattroporte was born. By 1971 Citröen had assumed control and the second Quattroporte was based on SM front-wheel drive mechanicals and styled by Bertone maestro Marcello Gandini. As Citröen declared Maserati bankrupt just four years later, it would also have been the last Quattroporte had the workers not forced the creation of a public company and the appointment of Alejandro De Tomaso to run it. As things turned out, just 13 Quattroporte IIs were built all told - the 1974 prototype and 12 production cars built to order between 1976 and 1978. The Citröen influence was evident throughout, from the signature hydropneumatic suspension to the 210bhp 3.0-litre V6 engine of the SM under the bonnet. The newcomer even featured the SMs swivelling headlight system.

The Maserati on offer is understood to be the aforementioned Bertone Quattroporte II prototype that was displayed at the Paris and Turin Motorshows of 1974. Apparently well known to the UK Maserati Club, it has been sympathetically refurbished over several years courtesy of its enthusiastic previous owner. Tens of thousands of pounds have been lavished upon it, with Prestige taking care of the bodywork requirements and renowned marque specialist Bill McGrath Ltd handling the mechanical work. Featured in the October 2011 issue of Classic & Sports Car and displayed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, its unique specification includes: Cream paintwork teamed with a Saddle Brown leather interior; Jaeger LCD dashboard; polished woodrim steering wheel; four electric window blinds; triple wipers, air conditioning; Blaupunkt Blue Spot
Radio/cassette etc. Deserving of a suitably appreciative new home, this historically-important, IOM-registered motorcar comes complete with a large history file containing rare factory literature, brochures etc. A one-off opportunity.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle is not UK registered and the registration number 'KMN619M' displayed on it is from the Isle of Man.