Curbside Classic Outtake: Reliabity Is Always Relative
We can get ourselves in a tizzy about the defects and quality issues in new cars, but it’s sometimes good to have a little perspective. How would like to try to keep this Maserati Quattroporte stretch limo running? No e-pedals on this baby, but look at that bank of Webers to keep tuned and synchronized.
The big Maserati four-cam V8 had its origins in racing cars, like this 450S that Carrol Shelby once raced. I doubt its designers expected it to end up in a limo, and in Eugene, at that. It’s a small world after all.
The big (non-stretched) Maserati sedan was quite a piece of work in its day. Designed by Maestro Giorgetto Giugiario, it graced us with its handsome angularity from 1976 through 1990. These were quite common in LA back in the day, a more exclusive alternative to the big Mercedes sedans. The interiors were a true delight. Smog controls made life hard for the 4.2 and the later 4.9 liter V8, but it gave a passing account of itself. This one looks like it might be out of commission for a while.
More by Paul Niedermeyer
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Why the perceived difficulty of synchronizing carburetors? Any halfway competent mechanic can do it with the aid of an air flow meter (like the Uni-Syn) and if you really know what you're doing a length of hose (to listen to the air flow) will suffice.
WOW.. Seeing a Maser Limo..in pics must be nice.