Birth of the Cool

The Maserati Quattroporte is one of the world's finest sport sedans, effortlessly combining performance, handling, luxury and practicality into a stunningly beautiful package. With the addition of the new Executive GT and Sport GT versions, it must surely be at the top of the short-list for anyone who desires a car which seats four adults in comfort, and which also offers one of the most rewarding driving experiences available.

As such, it is simply the latest in a noble line of Maserati four-doors, stretching back over forty years. In fact, the first Quattroporte was produced in 1963 - and it proved to be a ground-breaking venture for the Modena manufacturer. Prior to the new development, Maserati had never offered a four-door car, remaining dedicated to building racing cars and the finest Grand Touring cars. Paradoxically it was the success of one of those models, the 3500 GT coupe, which led to the creation of the Quattroporte.

Customers who owned the 3500 GT were intoxicated by its combination of fine performance, excellent handling and unique styling - so much so, that they demanded more, a car with the same attributes enhanced by the addition of two extra doors and more rear seat space. So in 1961 the decision was made, and Giulio Alfieri oversaw the project, which broke new ground for Maserati. Not only was this the company's first four-door car, it was also the first to use a monocoque chassis pressed out of sheet steel - nowadays the standard construction method for mass-produced cars.

Power came from a 90-degree V8, based on the engine used in the legendary 5000 GT but with the capacity reduced to 4.1-liter; the 260bhp on tap enabled the Quattroporte to sprint to around 140mph, enough to be the world's fastest production sedan. This performance, unheard of in sedans of that era, meant Maserati created an entirely new kind of car: the Quattroporte was the first sport sedan, and with true luxury features. It is a genre the latest Quattroporte continues to define. Later in the production run an option of increased capacity, to 4.7-liter, was offered - making for a top speed in excess of 150mph. All this from one of the world's finest sedans, with an interior offering all the comforts expected of a hand-built Italian car. The potency and versatility of the combination can be judged by the fact that five of the cars were actually converted to be used as fire-fighting chase vehicles at Italian racing circuits.

Over 750 examples of the original Quattroporte were built; at the time, that made it the second most popular car the factory had ever produced, beaten only by the 3500 GT. Unfortunately circumstances meant that the second generation was virtually stillborn, with less than 20 cars taking to the road.

The Quattroporte II was the result of long-term collaboration between Maserati and the French manufacturer, Citröen. Alfieri had already designed a revolutionary 3-liter V6 engine to be used in the SM, the flagship Citröen model, an ultra-modern, technically superior, and very high performance car which was immediately adopted for use by high officials in France. Alfieri's engine was a masterpiece, both light and compact and only 13 inches long. It was a logical development to base the new Quattroporte on the chassis, engine and transmission of the SM, while adding a typically Italian body and interior. The car, on sale in 1977, was designed by Bertone, and the result was a wonderfully relaxing, luxurious sedan that raised the standard of European luxury cars and created enormous excitement in the motoring press and among enthusiasts.

Unfortunately, circumstances conspired against it; the oil crisis hit demand for luxury cars, and the potentially very fruitful collaboration with Citröen was nearing its end due to the French company's financial circumstances. As a result, the then-new Quattroporte car was never certified in Europe, and the small production run was sold primarily to customers from the Middle East. Nonetheless, the Quattroporte II continued the tradition set by Maserati's original sport sedan, and lit a new path with its increased luxury and efficient high performance. The Quattroporte III, the very rare Quattroporte Royale, and the Quattroporte IV all benefited from the style and character of the Quattroporte II. Maserati and Pininfarina were also informed by the advances embodied by Citroen and Alfieri's Quattroporte when the designed the current Quattroporte, widely regarded as the fastest and best-handling real-world sport sedan, and as the best value in the ultra-luxury segment.