Rare Rides: A First-generation Maserati Quattroporte From 1967

Maserati’s Quattroporte has always been a large, sports-oriented luxury sedan, though the sports part occasionally waned in its influence. Through six total generations to date, Quatroporte serves as the pinnacle of the company’s sedan offerings.

Let’s have a look at where it all started, with this stunning first-gen example from 1967.

The Quattroporte’s history began in 1963, when Maserati introduced the all-new super sedan at the Turin Motor Show. Crafting the model’s lines was well-known designer Pietro Frua (who designed the Glas Coupe shortly thereafter). The shapely sedan was an important moment in Maserati history, as it was the firm’s first large sedan, and the first powered by a V8.

Known as the Type 107, production started in earnest in 1964. Maserati farmed production out to Vignale, and the Maserati Indy generously donated its platform to the Quattroporte — as well as its engines and transmissions. Through the first generation it utilized a 4.1-liter V8, supplanted by a 4.7-liter unit later in production. Said engines were paired to a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic produced by Borg-Warner. The 4.1-liter produced 260 horsepower, which made for a heady top speed of 143 miles an hour (230 kph).

Quattroporte took its place among other high-performance Euro luxury sedans of the period, like the Lagonda Rapide and Facel Vega Excellence. All were grand touring cars which hit over 200 kph as their top speeds. While the first Quattroporte did make the journey to the U.S., before it arrived its dual rectangular sealed-beam headlamps were replaced by twin circular units (as dictated by regulation). The first run of cars lasted through 1966; some 230 were made.

By that point, Maserati wanted more power and a slight rethink.

Late in 1966, a revised version debuted as the Series II. The new version brought twin headlamps to all examples, and the rear De Dion suspension setup was replaced by a solid leaf spring. Interiors on Series II Quattroportes were upgraded over the first version, featuring more wood and luxury. At that time, the 4.7-liter was added as an additional-cost engine. Power reached 286 horses, pushing the model’s top speed to 158 miles an hour.

Series II lasted only through 1969, with around 500 examples distributed worldwide. The Quattroporte name went dormant for a while, until it was brought back as Quattroporte II in 1976. By then it was related to the Citroën SM, and was front-wheel drive.

Today’s burgundy-over-tan Quattroporte is in very good overall condition. With the 4.1-liter engine, a manual transmission and 53,000 miles, it’s priced upon request.

[Images: seller]