2004 Maserati Quattroporte - Destined to Disrupt Germanic Loyalties
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| The 1964 Quattroporte opened up new opportunities for the traditionally GT and convertible focused Italian marque. (Photo: Maserati) |
How many Canadians actually know what a Quattroporte is, let alone have heard of the automotive term cum model name? If you're in the dark don't be too concerned, you'd need to be a serious Italian car fanatic to conger up images of the various Maserati sedans in question.
That's right. Maserati, Italy's legendary sports car manufacturer actually makes 4-door variants. First introduced at the 1963 Turin auto show as a practical alternative to the brand's sport/luxury GTs, the Frua designed 1964 Quattroporte (translated: four-door) offered all the power and sophistication available in the automaker's sporty coupes and convertibles with seating for four full size adults.
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| Very few 1974 through 1975 Quattroporte's were produced, making this the rarest of Maserati sedans. (Photo: Maserati) |
After a seven year production run, and two additional years of sales, the exclusive model's availability - only 675 to 759 versions were sold depending on various reports - came to an end. An even rarer (13 built) Nuccio Bertone designed 190-hp V6 Quattroporte appeared in 1974 and 1975 prior to the 1976 presentation of newly empowered Maserati chief, Alejandro de Tomaso's Quattroporte III.