Maserati’s revered Quattroporte perfectly dovetails with the Italian spirit of everyday indulgence – an effortlessly stylish and sumptuously equipped luxury saloon; part-limousine, part-sports car, oozing style and ever-so aspirational.
 
The first-generation Quattroporte launched back in 1963, fusing the flair of a well-cut suit with the drama of a quad-cam V8, and the desirable formula has endured across the generations. The example we have here is a Quattroporte V, the M139 model built from 2003-2012; using an all-new platform, power came from an evolution of the V8 in the Maserati Coupe – a dry-sumped 4.2-litre unit sourced from Ferrari. In cavallino rampante spec you’ll find close relatives of this engine in the F430 and the 458; in the Quattroporte it delivers an always-impressive 395bhp.

A very high spec comes as standard, and the model has mellowed into a highly celebrated modern classic; representing surprising value for money to buy, this is the most affordable way to acquire a usable car with a Ferrari engine – and it comes with space to accommodate the family in sumptuous luxury.

There’s a clear difference between a Quattroporte that’s been looked after and one that hasn’t, and the evidence is always apparent in the interior. This example has evidently been loved, as it doesn’t suffer from the two key issues often found with these cars: worn leather trim and gummy switch surrounds.

No, this cabin is delightful throughout, with comfortable seats trimmed in Nero hide with very little wear – as you’d hope for a car of such low mileage. The front seats are electrically adjustable with a massage function, and the rear seats are electric too. The switchgear is far above average – there’s a little wear evident to the switch panel for the climate control, but overall the switches and surrounds are much better than you’d usually find in a Maserati of this era.

The doorcards are all complete, so is the headlining, and the electric windows all work correctly. The car is fitted with premium Bose audio. The wood trim is in beautiful condition and complements the black leather very well.

Inside the boot it’s all tidy, with the correct removable panels in place for the dual-layer hidden storage beneath the boot floor.

This dramatic shade of Nero Carbonio suits the Quattroporte’s lines so well, the deep black accentuating the tasteful chrome accents. Overall the paint and body are in lovely condition, with even panel gaps and no visible dents or surface corrosion; the only (very minor) blemishes are a smattering of stone-chips to the nose, an incomplete trident badge on the front grille, and imperfect fitment of the front bumper around the nearside headlight that perhaps suggests a small parking ding.

The 19” alloy wheels are an attractive design that suit the car extremely well. There’s a little kerbing here and there, although it’s nothing an easy refurb wouldn’t remedy. They wear Nankang tyres on the front and Continentals on the rear.

The deep-lunged V8 is a fabulously muscular unit, making all the right noises when the throttle’s planted, and yet the soundproofing within the cabin combined with the double-glazing ensures that the experience is always civilised, never raucous.

The engine fires on the first turn of the key, idling evenly and providing the trademark ‘woofle’ sound on up- and down-shifts. The gearbox shifts smoothly, and there are no evident no issues with the brakes, steering or suspension. Indeed, it’s a wonderfully relaxing thing to waft around in, with hair-raising performance merely a throttle-blip away. A thoroughly pleasing Quattroporte to drive.

Life just feels that little bit more stylish in a Maserati, doesn’t it? Even the name is delectable; it may literally translate as ‘four-door’, which is hardly an exciting name for a car, but the ‘Quattroporte’ moniker has so much class and panache to it. 

These cars make for truly impressive value today too. A striking presence on the road is backed up by a luxurious premium interior and a truly delightful engine. You’d never tire of the sound and the playfulness of that iconic V8 – and you can enjoy it with the family on board as well. If a Ferrari F430 may be way out of financial reach, the Quattroporte is here to tick the box… and it’s also practical for the weekly shop and the school run.

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