It feels like quite a long time since Maserati released a car worth getting excited about. The Ghibli was
a missed opportunity
Levante
can only be judged a success in PH books if it brings in the money to build new 'proper' cars. There haven't been any of those
for a while
This sees us casting our minds further back, to Maserati's re-emergence as a manufacturer of desirable sporting saloons, and to the fifth generation of Quattroporte. First produced in 2004, it boasted svelte Italian styling and a sumptuous, naturally aspirated, 4.2-litre V8, putting out 406hp and 339lb ft - and bestowing it with a 170mph top speed.
Today's Spotted seems a very nice example, too. First off, and most importantly, the original owner correctly specced it with the six-speed ZF automatic 'box, rather than the ruinous - mechanically and financially - DuoSelect automated manual which earlier cars were lumped with. Then there's the equipment list, which seems to include, well, almost everything that you could put in a car a decade ago. And finally, there's the appearance, with a nice subtle spec and everything - bar a little wear on the seats - appearing to be in tip top condition. For a shade under £16,000 it'd be hard to imagine getting much more Maserati for your money.
Buying Guide
points out though, even in its best form, running a Quattroporte is not for the faint of heart. Maintenance costs can run into the thousands, while fuel economy can rarely be expected to rise out of the teens. This may no longer be the £70,000-plus car it once was, but it will certainly have retained the running costs of the automotive echelon to which it is accustomed. What the sleepless nights worrying about that rattle you think you heard, and newfound familiarity with your local petrol stations will earn you, though, is a fantastic example of what Maserati can do when it puts its mind to it. A magnificent engine, a spine tingling soundtrack accompanying you on every drive, and a level of style and sophistication that none of the German equivalents can hope to match.
SPECIFICATION - MASERATI QUATTROPORTE
Engine: 4,244cc, V8
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 406@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 339@4,500rpm
MPG: 19.2 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 340g/km
First registered: 2007
Recorded mileage: 51,000
Price new: £80,220
Price now: £15,990
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