Designed by the legendary Marcello Gandini, Maserati's compact four-door sedan has lines unlike no other
And despite being Australian delivered, it also features another Aussie connection too
Marcello Gandini is regarded as one of the world’s best car designers.
His work includes hall-of-famers like the Lamborghini Miura, the first-generation BMW 5-series and the Lancia Stratos. He is a man who sees shapes and lines that link to a car’s inherent mechanical driveline, its intended purpose and its expected ‘personality;.
The Maserati Quattroporte IV (Tipo 337) was created during the Alejandro de Tomaso era at Maserati and was aimed squarely at BMW’s then-new 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Obviously neither Maserati nor DeTomaso do things by halves, so their line-up features a mighty twin-turbo flagship ‘Ottocilindri’ model stuffed with Connolly leather, acres of elm burl wood veneer and even a stunning gold elliptical analogue clock.
With a 0-100 km/h time of less than six seconds and a powerful 245 kilowatts of power, it remains a formidable competitor in today’s market. Interestingly, four-speed automatic models were made by request and were fitted in Italy with an Australia-made Borg Warner four-speed automatic transmission.
Not only are they robust, but they are easily serviceable in our beautiful country. With a whooshy turbo soundtrack, a huge torque curve and a wonderfully 1990s interior feel, the Quattroporte IV is arguably an exotic sedan considering who designed it, who made it and what powers it.
Considering they produced just 415 examples globally, and this one was Australian-delivered new, they are also very uncommon.
The car pictured – 1999 Maserati Quattroporte V8 3.2 Ottocilindri
This Maserati is a Quattroporte that was built in January 1999 and is a ”V8 3.2 Ottocilindri’ model finished in ‘Verde Brooklands’.
It was delivered new to Australia in 04/1999 and delivered to its first owner. Power comes from an ‘AM578’ 3.2-litre V8 engine with two turbochargers that produces 246 kW / 450 Nm. It was ordered new with a four-speed automatic transmission.
The vehicle presents in above-average condition and is largely original. The interior presents exceptionally well and features plenty of amenities like climate control, electric seats, adaptive suspension and a radial boost gauge.
It drives nicely and is pleasantly torquey and eventful when on boost. The car has been maintained diligently by its current custodian and is in good condition mechanically. The vehicle has had its cambelt done recently and comes with some service history.
The only main defect is that one wheel is sadly missing its centre cap.
Quick facts
- 1999 Maserati Quattroporte 3.2 V8
- Australian-delivered new
- One-of-415 ever produced
- Designed by Marcello Gandini
- 3.2-litre twin-turbo V8
- 246 kW / 450 Nm
- Four-speed Automatic (BorgWarner)
- Connolly leather
- Elm burl wood veneer
- Climate control
- Electric everything – seats, windows, doors, suspension control
- Service history
- Vehicle is unregistered
- Registration is available at an extra cost
Cheaper than a Shamal, nearly as fast, and with room for fourMaserati Quattroporte, by By Mike Duff, for Pistonheads.co.uk
