Lot 117: 1981 Maserati Quattroporte

Originally launched in 1963 the Quattroporte was aimed directly at the executive market, a fast luxurious saloon designed to cope with the new motorways of Europe. It had a top speed of 143 Mph. Five generations of the car followed with the third generation presented here launched in 1979. Under the guidance of Maserati's new chief Alejandro de Tomaso the "4porte" as it was now known had a 4.2 litre engine producing 251 Bhp, later upgraded to 267 Bhp. It was also available with a 4.9 liter V8 boasting 280 bhp. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of famous coachbuilder ItalDesign, the cars distinguishing characteristic was its lavish interior. Originally fitted with a three-speed Borg-Warner automatic gearbox it was replaced by a Chrysler Torqueflite unit. Typical customers were the president of the Italian Republic and fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who in period could be seen stepping out of his armour-plated Quattroporte to greet his top model friends. This fine top of the range 4.9 litre example here from 1981 has had just two owners from new. Finished in metallic blue with a brown leather interior it is Italian registered.