Description
For sale in our forthcoming auction during our sale Automobiles sur les Champs, on 22 October 2023:
From an important Italian collection
Italian title
Chassis n° AM33049M005966
Engine n° AM107/ 23/ 49 * 5966*
- Design by Giugiaro
- Only 53 produced!
- Rare model with manual gearbox
In the 1960s, when Enzo Ferrari absolutely refused to produce a single saloon, Maserati took the plunge. The first generation, designed by Pietro Frua, dates back to 1963. This was followed ten years later by the Quattroporte II of the Citroën period, whose success - and engine - were limited in relation to the brand's ambitions for this model. The situation was remedied in 1979, with the third series designed by Giugiaro. It featured the historic V8 engine and a finish in line with the expectations of traditional customers. This was all it took for the crowned heads to take a renewed interest in the brand. It was nicknamed the 'Presidenziale' because of its popularity with the Italian authorities, and in particular with the Presidents of the Italian Republic, Sandro Pertini and Francesco Cossiga. In 1987, Maserati presented the Royale, offering a significant improvement in finish and equipment for twice the price of a standard Quattroporte. For example, the interior was entirely upholstered in top-quality leather, the woodwork was in walnut and the 4. 9-litre V8 engine's power was increased to 300 bhp.
As Fabio Collina, manager of Maserati's historical archives, confirms, this late 1989 Royale was delivered new to Montelabbate in Italy, and is one of the rare examples to be fitted with the five-speed ZF manual gearbox. Its name is well deserved when it comes to sitting aboard. The interior, trimmed in 'Cuio Naturale' brown leather, is sumptuous, and the range of options is generous: Momo three-spoke wooden sports steering wheel, electrically adjustable seats, electric sunroof, Pioneer radio with wireless remote control, two Nokia telephone holders and retractable walnut shelves concealed in the rear doors. It is now part of an important Italian collection, certainly one of the rarest in the collection. This luxurious Royale in dark Rifle grey metallic, with 112, 500 km on the clock, has been at a standstill for many years and is in need of a complete overhaul.
Photos © Alexis Ruben
Estimation 15 000 - 25 000 ?
