"Jagvar" (Jagvar)
05/27/2016 at 10:38 • Filed to: None
4
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"Jagvar" (Jagvar)
05/27/2016 at 10:38 • Filed to: None | 4
| 8 |
It started off as a pipe dream. But after awhile, it evolved from a “what if” into “I could actually do this.” I’ve been researching import costs, trim levels, and common maintenance issues, and I’m feeling a little more sure of myself. I want to import a 1995/1996 Maserati Quattroporte 2.8 Turbo.
I’ve loved this car and its distinctive Gandini styling ever since it was revealed in 1994. It’s an elegant wedge of imported Pecorino, but on wheels.
The baby’s also got back. And you know what? I like it.
And look at those sumptuous thrones! It makes the Cadillacs of the era look like Nissan Sentras by comparison.
My research is nowhere near complete, but the 2.8 appears to be the model least prone to catastrophe. It seems like the right compromise: not as anemic as the 2.0, and not as finicky as the 3.2.
Thanks to the passage of time, prices have reached rock-bottom for these cars. Based on mileage and condition, they’re changing hands for anywhere between 6K and 12K Euros (roughly $7-13K). Not bad when you consider they originally sold for the equivalent of $145K in today’s US dollars. That’s a whopping 95% depreciation!
There are a few examples for sale all over Europe, and also a few in Japan. Occasionally, one sneaks into Canada via the grey market. It’s too early for me to look, since I’d need to wait until the car is 25 years old, but this
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in Belgium is particularly enchanting. Right now, I’m getting a feel for what’s in the market.
One of the reasons that I bought my Phaeton back in 2009 is because Jeremy Clarkson absolutely loved it and gave it a raving review on Top Gear. So naturally, I set out to see what ol’ Jezza thought of the Quattroporte IV. He didn’t care for it. I remain undaunted.
Does anyone in the Oppoverse know anything about these cars? Has anyone driven one, or know someone who has? I’d love to gain an insider’s perspective, which is the one area where I’m really lacking right now.
My other big question is who in the US would potentially be able to work on this car? Would a good independent mechanic who specializes in Euro/Italian motors have the knowledge and skills? Parts would need to come from a world away, but I’m prepared to face that reality. I feel like the Phaeton has prepared me well for obscure, expensive European cars for which parts are all but unobtainable.
415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
> Jagvar
05/27/2016 at 10:47 |
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Plenty of older and newer 4portes here but Ive never seen one of those in person.
Nibby
> Jagvar
05/27/2016 at 10:47 |
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Man, that rear wheel well arch...
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Jagvar
> Nibby
05/27/2016 at 10:48 |
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So kinky.
BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
> Jagvar
05/27/2016 at 10:48 |
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Hell yeah! The 2.8 is definitely the engine to go for. Last of the line of the previous V6 engines so all the bugs should be sorted out, whereas the 3.2s were all-new for these cars so I’d expect some teething problems.
I can’t help with who would do maintenance in the States, but if you'd like some advice from specialists then I can recommend Bill McGrath Maserati over here in the UK. Helpful place :)
deprecated account
> Jagvar
05/27/2016 at 10:53 |
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If something goes awry just LS swap it. ;)
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BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
> Jagvar
05/27/2016 at 10:56 |
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Oh, and if you need someone to look after one til 2020 I'd be happy to provide that service ;)
duurtlang
> Jagvar
05/27/2016 at 11:30 |
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You’re a braver man than I am. Having said that, if you’re going to do this do it well. Make sure you pick the car up in Europe yourself in 2020 or 2021. A Euro delivery if you will.
dsgolson
> Jagvar
05/27/2016 at 11:53 |
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This generation of Quattroporte is so damn cool