1982 Maserati Quattroporte

Series III Sedan

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

ZAMBC1101CA302086

Gasoline

This Maserati was one of the most expensive cars of its era (see window sticker) and was a one owner California car (this means NO RUST). It is a low mileage car with good original paint, very clean body with hardly any dings (and of course no accidents or body repairs). The upholstery is in nice condition - see for yourself in the photos that all seats are in excellent shape (no tares). Just drove it for two 60 mile roundtrips and the car starts and drives smoothly. I have 100% feedback and want to keep it that way, therefore, here is a summary of my observations (recall this is a 29 year old car). 1) Mechanical: Compression test (accelerator closed) shows 135-140psi in all cylinders – so engine appears healthy. Transmission was rebuilt recently (only a few miles ago) and it shifts smoothly. All four tires are brand new! All gauges work apart from the odometer (I think it quit while I was driving – look at the vehicle history report which shows the correct miles + it was in storage the last year). Engine runs a bit rich (based on the gauge) and it may not pass the smog test – although it has current registration till Aug. 2011. So local buyers must pay for the smog test themselves. Needs fresh air filter and ignition wires (which are very old). Suspension bushings are original and dry (and make noise on rough roads). Now that I drive it I noticed a mechanical noise during idle when the engine is cold (it disappears when shifting to drive). After asking a few opinions, some thought that this is something loose in the large air box or the airpump/ac pulleys, or no grease on the idler shaft? Again, when engine warms up and when driving, the sound is gone. 2) Cosmetics: All seats are OK apart from the upper portion of the rear seat back-support where the seams separated. The plastic cover under the rear window is cracked from the sunshine (easy fix). Paint is good and hardly any dings. Power mirrors work but not all seat switches. Rear doors, for some reason, open from inside only? Original carpets are good (no tares). Overall, this particular Quattroporte is one of the nicest remaining examples of these great cars. Someone told me that it has the same engine as the Bora and Khamsin and the engine alone worth about $20K. In conclusion, it needs little attention but can easily become a collector’s jewel.