The Quattroporte III: Big, Bold, Brassy
Lusso in a Time of Excess

It is clear that the Maserati Quattroporte is a special car, combining the space of a large sedan with sports car handling and performance, clothed in a beautiful body with unmistakable Italian styling. It was ever thus; the previous generation of Quattroporte available in North America, through the eighties, was also a wonderfully relaxed high-speed mile-eater.

The similarities with the current incarnation are obvious. A light-alloy front-mounted V8 engine driving the rear wheels, a luxury cabin which can transport four people and their luggage in luxurious surroundings, and performance and handling which belied its size. The front of the car, with four headlights flanking the grille with the famous Trident symbol squarely in the center, made an intimidating sight in the rear-view mirror.

This was the third evolution of Quattroporte, although the Quattroporte II barely made it off the drawing board. Just twelve examples of the QP II were built – the project was shelved as the collaboration between Maserati and the French Citroën company drew to a close. By contrast the third iteration was a great success, the second most successful Maserati up to that time, just behind the earlier 3500 GT.

Then, as now, the reasons for its success are clear; the car had ample room for four people, and the interior was beautifully finished with the finest wood and leather. The V8 engine, developing up to 300bhp, made for spirited performance, although the top speed was limited to 135mph. From 1986 an even more luxurious variant, the Quattroporte Royale, was available. The rear cabin had elegant wooden tables stored in the doors, and rear passengers had access to a mini-bar. The entire car was thoroughly up-to-date – the quad-cam V8 engine was fed by four Weber carburettors, with independent suspension front and rear with disc brakes at all corners holding sporting tires and alloy wheels to the road.

We recently had an opportunity to drive a Quattroporte III in California. Our first impression was that the ride was wonderfully smooth, but that this had been achieved by using soft suspension. After a few miles, we realized that we were doing Maserati a disservice; on entry to a corner there was significant body roll, but once the weight had been transferred the Quattroporte had remarkable levels of grip, and could be cornered surprisingly hard for such a large car. 

Like the current Quattroporte, the Quattroporte III was as far ahead of its contemporaries, especially on a twisty road.  But twenty-five years of development have seen huge changes to car design; today’s Quattroporte, with its Skyhook suspension, manages the seemingly impossible trick of providing both a smooth ride and sporty handling without either being too soft or too firm, adapting perfectly to the prevailing conditions.  Compared to its ancestor, the current Quattroporte simply doesn’t have to compromise to achieve its more lofty performance goals. 

Even so, the Quattroporte III remains a charming and attractive car. With interior space to make drivers of competitor cars envious, a big V8 motor up front, and typically Italian styling – the car was designed by Giugiaro – even today, seeing one on the road is a special experience.