Lot details
Registration No: R28 LHO
Chassis No: ZAM337B0000350126
Mot Expiry: June 2011

The history of Maserati is a tangled web, but has resulted in some great cars. Formed by the Bologna-based Maserati brothers, it was taken over by steel magnate Adolfo Orsi in 1937. It was during his son's reign that the first Quattroporte was born (it is amazing how the words 'four doors' sound so exciting in Italian!). Styled by Frua, it was powered by a 4.1-litre V8 and was capable of speeds over 140mph. By 1971 the company was in the hands of Citroen and the second Quattroporte was styled by Gandini but based on the SM floorpan and mechanicals. As Citroen 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. Quattroporte number three was born under his charge. By the late '80s Maserati was once more struggling financially and De Tomaso turned to Fiat for help - which took full control in 1993. The following year it launched the fourth incarnation of the Quattroporte, the styling of which once more fell to Gandini - the man who had been responsible for such automotive icons as the mighty Miura. Powered by a turbocharged 3.2 litre V8 engine (335bhp / 332lbft) allied to either manual or automatic transmission, the newcomer was a true super saloon that could reputedly accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds and onto 167mph.

Finished in Dark Green with Cream leather upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, automatic transmission, electrical equipment and interior trim, while he rates the bodywork and paintwork as "good". With only 2850 sold worldwide, Quattroporte IVs are a rare sight in the UK. Reputedly to standard specification throughout save for an aftermarket immobiliser, `R28 LHO' is understood to have been last serviced during February 2009 at 53,524 miles and to have benefited from a cambelt change at 28,596 miles.