Sometimes cars that weren’t an instant hit when they were launched, or even those that slightly missed the mark, can make for particularly interesting classics a few decades down the road. Take the fourth-generation Maserati Quattroporte, for example. This compact high-performance saloon was priced to compete against the top executive cars from Germany and, with the company still struggling to shake off a reputation for poor build quality, unreliability and low residual values, it was a model that really struggled to find its audience. Almost 30 years on from its launch, however, this rare Maserati could make a highly stimulating classic purchase.
The Tipo AM337’s unmistakable wedgy profile came from the drawing board of Marcello Gandini, as a big brother to his similarly styled AM336 Ghibli. Despite being the first new car to be launched in the post-de Tomaso, Fiat-owned era of the company, it was based on a lengthened version of the Ghibli’s Biturbo-based platform. This made it very compact, especially compared with both its predecessor and its BMW 7-series and Mercedes S-Class luxury rivals.
Launched at the Turin motor show in 1994, this new Quattroporte was offered with a version of the Ghibli’s 2.8-litre twin-turbo V6 – as well as a downsized 2.0 version for the highly taxed Italian market. The 2.8 produced a very healthy 280bhp, and boasted a 158mph top speed when coupled to the standard six-speed Getrag manual gearbox. This was a little lower with the optional four-speed automatic. Although the styling was divisive, the extravagantly trimmed interior was undeniably a thing of beauty.
Towards the end of 1995, Maserati released its flagship version, featuring an updated version of the Shamal’s turbocharged 3.2-litre, 330bhp V8 engine. With a top speed of 168mph, the QP IV was verging on supersaloon status.
WHAT TO PAY
Thanks to horrendous depreciation when new, it didn’t take long for QPIVs to dip below the £10k mark, where all but the best remain to this day. Expect between £8000 and £12,000 for a decent example – with a low-mileage V8 Evo potentially still worth upwards of £15k.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Both the 2.8 and 3.2-litre engines are fundamentally reliable, but they need to be properly maintained. Timing belts must be replaced every 36,000 miles – or every three years. Timing chains (these engines have both) also need to be replaced after 50,000 miles, and that is an engine-out job.
Check that all of the electrics are working – especially the windows, as the regulators can fail. As with many 1990s Italian cars, structural corrosion is not uncommon on a UK car if it’s been used all year round. Later versions were better protected, but all are now of the age at which a thorough underbody inspection is essential before you buy.
