This 1980 Maserati Quattroporte is yet another example of the company’s former flagship that has fallen on hard times. Listed as a project car that was well maintained throughout its life before being parked (aren’t they all), the big sedan has minor rust issues in addition to many years of non-maintenance to address. It does come with a pleasing color combo of maroon over period-correct gold basketweaves. Find it here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of $4,999 and the option to submit a best offer.
I’m in the minority of having a soft spot for 1980s Maseratis in my heart, likely because I’ve never owned one. They are costly machines to maintain, but it’s less likely that it’e because of any number of systems being wildly different from other 1980s luxury car components but more that decades of cash-strapped owners have forced these cars into one repair past being economically sound to restore.
Even today, second- and third-hand Maserati sedans are among the cheaper luxury cars you can and while they still make incredible noises, the interest level of those second and third owners in maintaining such an exotic specimen continues to decline. This Quattroporte at least has some indications of a past owner that cherished the car, from a fairly mint interior to the more sporting wheel and tire combination.
Despite being in Arizona, this Maserati does have some relatively minor rust issues to sort out (well, minor for a snow belt person like myself). The rust is contained to rot-through in the lower rear corner of the doors, but the seller doesn’t specify which ones. Regardless, fixing this door rot will likely be on the next owner’s longer-term priority list after they get this big boy running again.
A dozen or so years ago I saw a ’32 Ford with an engine from one of these in it. Of course a dozen years ago this car was a $1,000 car so it was a cheap donor. $5K may be a bit steep for a donor, but it is a beautiful engine and there’s no shame in showing it off.
A 1984 Maserati Quattroporte was just sold for $4,675 by Mecum auctions at Pebble Beach. For $90K or so, provided you did the work yourself, you could make this one as nice as that one.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/CA0819-380532/1984-maserati-quattroporte/
Wow! I thought it was an ugly car until I saw the Mecum example. I would have bought it, had I been there.
These pop up with relative regularity in non running condition for few thousand dollars but in significantly better state. Perfect candidate for a mopar crate motor, transmission is a 727 Torqueflite.
The motor in these is one of the best parts. They already have a 727. It is surprising how wide and low they are. Also very comfortable. I think they are lovely from all angles and such a money pit that I would never own one myself. Forget fixing the doors, just buy good ones.
Would love to see the motor in a low boy.
I don’t think the car is good looking enough to spend time on motor swaps or restoration, but’s that’s just my opinion.
why no engine pics?
For $500, this’d make a nice convertible… ;-)
I just sold this car’s near identical blue brother out of an estate that I’m clearing. Started at this ask price area and it subsequently moved for $1500.00.
The fine folks that contacted me about it? They all had plenty of “character” is the best way that I can spin it here.
I got an inquiry from L.A. for someone who was creating a 1957 grand prix car tribute – apparently this engine is a ringer for that one…. That’s the most interesting thing about these cars – the engine.
I looked and saw one that was a daily driver grade car at the upper end of the condition range. It was asking $14,000. I’d pay $14,000 to excuse myself from $40,000 of restoration expenses, how about you?
How many people who are desperate to have one of these don’t already have one? I think that we are definitely in a declining market on this particular piece of merchandise.
Someone told me that they were good for 140mph new. I wonder how long ago any single one of the remaining fleet topped 80mph. I’m thinking not recently.
Good luck to the seller on getting anywhere above 30% of his ask. Of course, now that it’s been featured here on BF, perhaps the right someone in the legion will step forward and offer top dollar?
Is this a stretched Biturbo? Dangerous, unreliable firetraps those were-
Not at all. The four door’s issues are usually rust and electrical. The Bi-turbo were usually mechanical.
These are wonderful drivers and look stunning when polished up. The sound of the motor is energizing.
Eric, or a Ute!
I had one of those, in Melrose with same interior… Engine was junk and dismantled, but they have a Mopar tranny so theoretically a 383/440 could be shoehorned in so that you could actually drive it, which I never did. $5k is about $5k too much for this in my eyes. Good luck to a new owner.
unsold at $4999