Since it's introduction in 2004, the fifth generation Maserati Quattroporte has been a great success for the company, blending the renowned 4.2 liter Ferrari sourced V8 in an executive sedan wrapper that has been the go to choice for those seeking more flair than what the average German executive sedan can offer. Previous generations of the Quattroporte were more obscure, mainly because their sales were paltry in comparison to the current model. Possibly the most well known out of the previous generations is the Quattroporte III, manufactured from 1979 through 1990. A little more than 2,100 were sold in total. While its Giugiaro penned lines were a bit sedate, the interior was classic Italian luxury, with copious amounts of well sewn, soft leather and polished wood. A 4.2 liter or 4.9 liter V8 engine could be had, most being teamed to a Chrysler Torqueflite automatic. A few models, however, were teamed with a ZF 5 speed manual. This particular Quattroporte is an early 1980 model with the 4.9 liter engine. Enthusiast owned, this car has had a lot of attention in the last several thousand miles.
1980 Maserati Quattroporte
1980 Maserati Quattroporte, VIN# ZAMBC1103AA300784. 65,000 Original Miles. Exterior: Marrone Colorado. Interior: Cognac
This is the 1980 Maserati Quattroporte, "4porte" in Marrone Colorado Metallic Brown and Cognac Leather interior. It has Free and Clear Title, Current Registration, Original Window Sticker, Tool Kit, Manuals, Service Records and a clean Carfax report.
Recently passed the most stringent smog emissions test in the country; as a testament to how the 4.9 Liter 4 Cam V8 engine is operating, and I have had the transmission and rack & pinion steering fully rebuilt as a preventative measure for reliability. All original emissions equipment is intact. I believe I am the 3rd owner and have done the following things in the past 3,000 miles:
Rebuilt Transmission with rebuilt torque converter and New cooler lines.
Rebuilt Power Rack and Pinion Steering unit.
Upper front Ball Joints
Carburetors synced and tuned
New Sparkplugs.
All New Fluids and U-Joints Lubed
Remote Keyless Entry Installed
New fuel Filter
New exhaust gaskets
A/C converted to r134a Blows Cold
New Tires
New Rear Shock Absorber Bushings
Grease Fittings installed on Tie Rod Ends
Valve Cover Gaskets
New Battery
New Front Wheel Bearings
Rear Hub Bearings
New adjustable alternator voltage regulator
Completed in the last 10,000 miles:
New Water Pump
Valve Adjustment
Brake Pads
More items listed in available service recordsAdditional Items that will be included:
Original Tool Kit
Original Jack, Spare and Lug wrench
Original Window Sticker
Available Service Records
Owners, Parts, Service, Electrical and Radio Manuals
Spare Belt and Radiator Hose Set
Spare UFI Oil Filter
Lockable Car Cover
Sheepskin Front Lower Seat CoversThis is my 3rd Quattroporte and my 1st 1980 model. My previous were an 1982 and 1984 and they are very similar with very minor changes. One of the advantages of the 1980 model is that it has the simple European carb airbox that's easy to remove for access. I really like the Marrone color which suits the period and understated styling. This car has an amazingly preserved interior for it's age. The leather is still supple and wood in great condition. I covered the top wood dash panels with alacantra panels (like 1984 +) that are removable to protect from the sun. The rear deck area has some warp-age but since the rear window is tinted, it is not noticeable unless pointed out.
The Quattroporte III as she is known was officially imported to the USA as a 1980, 1982, 1984, 1985-6. Years were skipped to save money on federalization. The later models were the Royale versions. They are robust and straight forward cars to run and maintain as the engines are reliable and under-stressed. Parts are readily available through several sources. The automatic transmission suits this car well and is a Chrysler 727 torqueflite with the lock up converter. I have had it fully rebuilt and shifts very nicely. Much has been written about the Quattroporte III, some accurate, others just plain wrong. They drive much smaller than they appear and I enjoy it most cruising around with the windows down in town, listening to the V8 burble or blasting down the Highway at speed and comfort.
For a 31 year old, the car is in great overall condition. All instruments work as do the power accessories. The paint is nice and shiny with minor flaws that will not show in photographs except for some chips that occurred when my bicycle fell against the passenger side door (see photos). Other than a keyless entry system, the twin exhaust tips, and upgraded Carrera Front Shocks and Adjustable alternator voltage regulator, it has not been modified or personalized in anyway to take away from how she was born.
The car tracks down the freeway and brakes straight and true, starts right up hot or cold and sounds great! The mileage may go up a little as I believe these cars should be driven often as possible. Most of the 4portes that I have seen for sale lately have not been cared for very well and would take much effort and funds to duplicate this example. I have spent the last 6 months sorting her out for someone to enjoy as it's time for another motorcycle for me. In all, the Maserati Quattroporte is a great way to enjoy Italian exotic car ownership and represents a tremendous value for a car that sold in excess of $55,000 in 1980! If you have any questions please email or call 310-406-6767. Below are over 100 photos to document the cars condition. A youtube video can be seen by searching for 4porte and my ebay ID c20500.
Having owned three third generation Quattroportes, the seller is an obvious expert with regards to this executive sedan. With the amount of maintenance and repairs undertaken, this is the kind of car someone in the market for one of these would want, as these are not cheap vehicles to run if something goes wrong. All in all, a very nice example of Italy's interpretation of what a big luxury sedan should be.
-Paul
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Thanks,
Paul