1979→1986 Maserati Quattroporte III
The bestseller among classic Maserati GT cars, with 2,141 made in 14 years. Dubbed >the Italian Rolls-Royce< for its opulent interior trim. Styled by Italdesign, built at Innocenti in Milan. Launched in November 1976 as the >4porte< with 4.2-litre-V8 of 255 (later 246 hp) and 5-speed manual gearbox. From 1981 exclusively with 4.9-litre-V8 of 270/282 hp and optional 3-speed automatic.
Royale version from late 1986 with high-compression engine of 300 hp. Top speed from 215 to 230 kph (134 to 144 mph) despite a net weight of 2,080 kg. Chassis design shared with the Kyalami, DeTomaso Longchamp and Deauville. Rear suspensions mounted in a subframe. Electrics by Bosch of Germany. First owners include Italian president Sandro Pertini and the Vatican, tenor Luciano Pavarotti and publisher Malcolm Forbes as well as the Royal households of Maroc, Jordania and the Brunei.
Story by Maserati S.p.A.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1979 – 1986 |
| built at | Modena, Italy |
| production | 2100 |
| engine | 90° V8 |
| valvetrain | DOHC 2 Valves / Cyl |
| fuel feed | 4 Weber 42 DCNF Carburetors |
| displacement | 4136 cc / 252.4 in³ |
| bore | 88 mm / 3.46 in |
| stroke | 85 mm / 3.35 in |
| compression | 8.5:1 |
| power | 193.9 kw / 260.0 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| specific output | 62.86 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 131.65 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 393.19 nm / 290.0 ft lbs @ 3800 rpm |
| body / frame | Unitary Steel Monocoque w/Front Steel Subframe |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | Aluminum Alloy |
| front tires | 225/70VR15 |
| rear tires | 225/70VR15 |
| front brakes | Ventilated Discs |
| rear brakes | Ventilated Discs |
| front wheels | F 38.1 x 17.8 cm / 15.0 x 7.0 in |
| rear wheels | R 38.1 x 19.0 cm / 15.0 x 7.5 in |
| steering | Worm Sector |
| f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Dampers |
| r suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Dampers |
| curb weight | 1975 kg / 4354 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2600 mm / 102.4 in |
| front track | 1520 mm / 59.8 in |
| rear track | 1520 mm / 59.8 in |
| length | 4910 mm / 193.3 in |
| width | 1890 mm / 74.4 in |
| height | 1385 mm / 54.5 in |
| transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| top speed | ~249.4 kph / 155.0 mph |
| fuel capacity | 100 litres or 26.40 gal. |
Auction Sales History
1983 Maserati Quattroporte AM330/49*3500* – sold for €22,648
This particular car has a prestigious history. It was the personal car of the King of Morocco, Hassan II. A written document signed by Mr. Mohamed Guermoudi, the Director of the Automotive and Electrical Services of the Royal Palace, confirms that this car is the property of the king. It features a beautiful color combination, the body is painted in metallic green – matching with the colors of the flag of Morocco – with tan leather upholstery inside.
The car has covered some 124,000 km and comes with its maintenance book, as well as old bills and English MOT.
Auction Source: Rétromobile 2015 by Artcurial Motorcars
