1995 Maserati Quattroporte

Imported from, we are told, Singapore in 2004 this 1995 Maserati Quattroporte is fitted with the 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 engine and rare four-speed automatic gearbox.

With 146,000 miles on the odometer and just three previous keepers, ‘P411 RBK’ has a good online MoT history with no mention of rot or corrosion, which is reassuring given the model’s (sometimes unfair) reputation for rust.

And, perhaps best of all, it’s being offered with no reserve because the owner has lost his storage space and needs to sell, so why not gird your loins, pop a cheeky bid in and keep your fingers crossed that it’s enough?

The bodywork presents very well and not just for an Italian car. With tight and consistent shutlines, ripple-free flanks, and a good overall fit ‘n’ finish, the coachwork is impressive.

The grey paintwork is in good shape, too. With a nice shine to the finish and only the odd mark, it’s survived a couple of decades of British weather with impressive aplomb.

The light lenses, window glass, and badges are all good as are the 16-inch, eight-spoke alloy wheels, which are free from any scrapes, scuffs or other signs of abuse bar a small mark on the rim of the offside front. 

There’s more good news with the fact they’re fitted with 225/50R16 Cooper tyres on the rear and a pair of slightly smaller 205/55R16 Pirelli tyres on the front, all of which have good tread.

As for flaws, there are some scuffs to the nearside corners of the front and rear bumpers but that that is the extent of your worries sets this one apart from the usual under-the-arches examples you usually see.

If the exterior is sober enough to suit even the most introverted of introverts, the interior is a riot of colour and Italian brio.

Finished in a wonderful shade of blue, the extensive leather extends past the seats and door cards and onto the dashboard, centre console, and instrument binnacle.

And that extensive leather is complemented by some beautiful wooden veneer trim on the doors, dashboard, seat controls, and centre console. 

There’s a matching wooden steering wheel as well as a wooden handbrake handle and gear knob. 

The door locks and the stalks behind the steering wheel are trimmed with wood, as are the ashtrays and some of the air vents. 

When they aren’t being used the twin rear sunblinds disappear into recesses that are trimmed with yet more wood. 

There is so much wood, in fact, that the trim probably captures enough carbon to offset a large proportion of the 146,000 miles it’s covered. 

Of course, the traditional analogue Maserati clock takes pride of place in the centre of the dashboard.

As for its overall condition, it’s really rather nice. The carpets are good and even the headlining is taut and clean. True, there is some colour loss to the outer edge of the lather of the driver’s seat but the rest of the seating is as plump and vibrant as it’s probably ever been.

The Alpine radio-cassette player, which contains a Queen Live at Wembley ‘86 cassette, is joined by a boot-mounted CD-multichanger from the same firm. 

The boot is home to a space-saver spare wheel and a spare oil filter and camshaft drive belt.

As for faults, the electrically operated windows on the nearside don’t work and the seller tells us that while the ignition switch turns okay, it can be a bit recalcitrant and could probably do with being changed.

Oh, and while the seller says the air-conditioning is cold (“I’d rate it as about 80%”) he thinks a new charge of refrigerant wouldn’t go amiss.

The invoices in the Maserati’s history file show the following work as having been carried out:

• 08.02.2007 and 11,314 miles – service by New Techniques
• 22.01.2009 – receipt from Eurospares for brake discs and pads
• 16.02.2009 – receipt from Eurospares for brake discs and pads
• 09.04.2009 and 120,315 miles – major service by Midland Sports Cars Ltd 
• 12.03.2012 – receipt from Eurospares for an oil filter, rear springs, front drop links, anti-roll bar bushes, a rear wheel, and a camshaft drive belt 
• 30.04.2015 – receipt for a new oil filter and front flexi brake pipes from McGrath Maserati
• 20.01.2021 – receipt for a new camshaft drive belt from McGrath Maserati
• 05.08.2021 – receipt for a rebuilt power-assisted steering rack from Kiley-Clinton Engineering
• 12.08.2021 – receipt for a new battery

As you can see, it starts well and idles and revs as it should. It’s a more melodious engine than most turbocharged engines too, and we’re pleased to note the oil pressure gauge shows good pressure. 

The seller tells us that it “drives really well”.

The engine bay is in a decent condition. The underbonnet soundproofing is good and the overall impression is of a workmanlike attitude towards its appearance so there is scope there for further detailing if you enjoy doing that sort of thing. 

The underside looks strong and no MoT tester has ever mentioned structural corrosion or rust, which is reassuring as this can be a weakness of the model. 

Towing electrics have been fitted.

As for faults, we did notice the power-assisted steering is variable in resistance, going from light to heavy as you turn the wheel. The power-steering pump squeals too, which might not be a coincidence.

The red warning lights on the dashboard are, the seller tells us, for the adjustable suspension. The car’s previous owner told him that they’ve been on for years and, after having the system checked and found to be in good order, he just ignored them, something the seller has continued to do.

The Maserati’s MoT certificate is valid until May 2024 and it was gained, like more than a few previous ones including the previous three, with no advisories being noted.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear apart from the marker for being an imported vehicle.

The Quattroporte comes with two keys and some recent invoices and bills.

Buying a car like the Maserati Quattroporte is easy – it’s buying the right one that takes time and commitment and effort. Because, make no mistake, the purchase price is very far from the only cost you’re likely to face in your new life with one of Italy’s most desirable super saloons, so it makes sense to buy a decent one.

And given that rust is one of the biggest problems you’ll face, buying one like this, with an untroubled MoT history, makes sense.

As for the amount of that initial investment, we estimate this one will fetch somewhere between £8,000 and £12,000 but as it is being sold without reserve, that sum might end up being even less than that.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.