Lot details
Registration No: M8 GTP
Chassis No: ZAM337B0000350109
Mot Expiry: Aug 2010

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 an SM chassis featuring Citroen 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 - they took full control in 1993. The following year they launched the fourth incarnation of the Quattroporte, the styling of which once more fell to Gandini - the man who'd penned such automotive icons as the mighty Miura.
The example on offer is a 1997 right-hand drive one powered by the standard 3.2-litre, 335bhp / 332lbft, V-8 coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Finished in Rosso Maserati it boasts a striking interior comprising Nero hide and highly polished wood facia, door cappings and steering wheel etc. The equipment and fittings include a 6-CD stacker unit. Originally the demonstrator for the Maserati UK concessionaires of the time, the Quattroporte apparently comes complete with stainless steel exhausts and an extensive service record. It is MOT'd until August next year and taxed until the end of January. The vendor describes the coachwork and paintwork as "very good for their age" and the interior as "excellent". The mechanicals are also deemed to be "very good". Quattroportes IVs are a rare sight in the UK and only some 2,850 were produced worldwide. Reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds and 167mph, the model is no mean performer either.