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Collector Cars Auction
55
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1982 – Maserati Quattroporte 4.9L
See original version (French)
55
-
1982 – Maserati Quattroporte 4.9L
See original version (French)
Estimate €18,000 - €26,000
Voluntary lot
Description
1982 – Maserati Quattroporte 4.9L
The epitome of the Italian-style luxury sports saloon of the 1980s
French registration document
Chassis no. ZAM330000CA003808
- Designed by De Tomaso on a Kyalami chassis, featuring the in-house V8 and styling by Giugiaro
- The most powerful 4.9L version and a very rare example with a manual gearbox!
- Dark Golden Beryl exterior and Cuoio leather interior with aluminium and wood Nardi steering wheel
- 31,500 km on the odometer, driven since the top end overhaul at Franco Tralli
- Single owner for nearly 25 years and in exceptional condition!
- Service history, technical documentation, owner’s manual, jack and original tool kit
The full test drive of this Maserati Quattroporte III 4.9L, carried out in 2024 by the News d’Anciennes team, can be found at the following link: https://newsdanciennes.com/essai-dune-maserati-quattroporte-gros-moteur-grande-routiere-et-classe-italienne/
When we think of a luxury saloon, most of us picture a Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar; or perhaps a BMW or Mercedes. Fewer people imagine themselves behind the wheel of a Maserati. Yet the Quattroporte, the first series of which dates back to 1963, is an institution, a true dynasty even amongst Italians. Each has left its mark on its era, whether clad in a body by Frua for the first generation, or Bertone for the second, although only 13 examples of the latter were produced. The Maserati Quattroportes are quite simply the most luxurious and dynamic Italian saloons of their era. Despite a rather erratic development process by Citroën in the 1970s – which did have the merit of saving the Modena-based brand from bankruptcy – following the takeover by Alejandro De Tomaso, a third iteration was launched in 1979. At the time, it was the most expensive model in the range; following on from the second-generation V6, it relaunched the brand in the sports saloon segment with a return to the V8, in 4.2-litre or 4.9-litre versions.
Designed by the master Giugiaro, the Quattroporte III was fitted with the famous ‘Alfieri’ V8, featuring four overhead camshafts and producing 280 horsepower, whose origins dated back to the 450S racing cars. The chassis, derived from that of the De Tomaso Deauville, is a model of rigidity and was designed by Dallara. The result is a saloon nearly 5 metres long, of wild baroque beauty, with dynamic handling and entirely hand-assembled.
The third generation of the Quattroporte is also packed with features that were uncommon for the time, such as central locking, electric seats and air conditioning, all set against a backdrop of leather and wood panelling. The finish is indeed particularly opulent.
After a final hurrah with the Royale version, a total of 2,141 Quattroporte III models rolled off the production line, making it a true rarity. It is the last Maserati to be fitted with one of the most prestigious Italian engines of the post-war era, before twin-turbo V6 engines established their dominance.
Our Quattroporte III is the most exclusive, as it features a powerful 4.9-litre engine and a very rare version fitted with the five-speed ZF manual gearbox. According to our information, barely 150 units were equipped with this transmission.
It features a metallic brown colour (Dark Golden Beryl) combined with a natural leather (cuoio) interior, meaning it is identical to the press model of the era. The only deviation from the original is that the leather steering wheel has been replaced by a Nardi accessory made of aluminium and wood.
It has had only a few owners, one of whom owned it for nearly 25 years, giving it a stable history, which is always a mark of quality. This is all the more so as it has clearly always been used sparingly and well maintained. This undoubtedly explains its simply exceptional condition for this model.
The odometer reads just under 31,500 kilometres, which, according to one of the former owners, corresponds to the mileage covered since an engine overhaul carried out by the Italian specialist Franco Tralli, based in Modena. The car has also benefited from regular servicing using parts sourced from the renowned Giuseppe Candini, also in Modena. According to the invoice on file, the last full service was carried out in 2018 by JP Classic in Puteaux. A service is therefore recommended, notably including the replacement of a brake cable.
Important points regarding this car: the bodywork is in very good condition and all the instruments were working at the time of our test drive. The interior is also miraculously well-preserved, displaying a particularly attractive patina, which is one of this car’s major strengths.
Furthermore, it comes with a comprehensive set of technical and user documentation, as well as its jack and full tool kit, each in its original case.
It is worth noting that this series of Quattroportes was largely neglected for many years, with many suffering at the hands of owners who showed little respect for their prestigious lineage. Uncovering a model in such original condition is therefore quite a feat. This one will also allow you to enjoy a fantastic engine, paired with a manual gearbox as rare as it is delightful, in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that epitomises Italian luxury. All for a more than reasonable price. Pavarotti, the aesthete, had adopted it. Another way to experience music…
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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