Quattroporte I
Index Quattroporte I Quattroporte II Quattroporte III Quattroporte IV Quattroporte V Other 4 doors Useful Legal

 

 

 

Picture Gallery
QP I leaflet
Road Test
QP I Handbook

Copyright ©  2005, Quattroporte.info 

Last update: 11/20/05

Summary: Big, elegant Italian GT with no direct competitor....rather dated engine and suspension...excellent handling on smooth roads, excellent emergency braking....precision controls.

Section 1: Picture and History

Maserati made about 675 Quattroporte from 1963-71 (first introduced at the Turin Show in 1963 designed by Frua). The QP I was part of the following portfolio: 3500 GT (Touring 2+2 and spyder from Vignale), the 3500 GTI Coupé Touring also known as the Vignale Sebring, the 5000 GT 2+2 from Allemano for a total of height models when Ferrari at that time use to have only four...

Also known as tipo 107 (Am 107) all the first generation of the Quattroporte (four doors) had the famous DOHC V-8 engine which was derived from the last great Maserati sports racing car in the late 1950s, the 450S. In fact the Q-Porte is the first production Maserati to use the detuned race engine (which made 400 HP at 7000 RPM). Originally it was a 4.2 liter making 260 HP with a surprisingly low redline of 5000 (or 5500, depending on who you believe) V8 @ 90°,  88x85 / 4135.8 with a compression ratio @ 8.5:1. The layout and appearance of the engine are in the best Italian racing tradition. It is tuned more for torque than peak power, and the low redline seems to be related to the limitations of the air conditioner compressor (American-made, by York) which was a standard fitment—it simply couldn't handle higher revs. They bored it to 4.7 liters (290 HP) in about 1965, but the 4.2 engine was still available as an option. It is fed by four dual-choke down-draft Weber carburetors. Early models can be identified by the rectangular headlights, later models had quad headlights. Also later models were upgraded to 4.7 liter engines.


 

Two series: Quattroporte 1a (Two single headlights) and 2a (4 headlights and different interior, many more wood !).

Equipped with ZF 5-speed transmission, although a 3-speed automatic was also available. Also optional high final drive ratio (4.09:1 vs. the standard 3.54:1) which substantially reduces the ultra-high-speed capabilities of the car. 

There's a long option list for the Quattroporte. And the options are expensive ! Limited-slip, $275 (1963); power steering $400; automatic transmission (borg-warner 3-speed), $550; signal-seeking AM radio with electric antenna, $300, and minor items listed in the data panel. The wire wheels of the car, $375, and although they are beautiful and oh-so-appropriate they're not considered strong enough by the Maserati people and hence not recommended for any vigorous driving.

Section 2:

Production Period:

1963-69 a few in 70 and 71

Engine Type:

4136cc

Engine Output:

280 bhp @ 5200 rpm

Max speed

230 Km/h

0-100 Km/h

9 sec

Number built 675 to 759

Production stopped in 1969 but a few where manufactured until 1971 (special orders) in order to reach a grand total of 759 units.

Section 3: Tips and Tricks

bulletPerformance: There is an optional high final drive ratio (4.09:1 vs the standard 3.54:1) which substantially reduces the ultra-high-speed capabilities of the car, but it definitely has more urge for the twisty mountain roads of the Rockies, so maybe it will be a blessing.
bulletI happened to be looking at a 1967 250se Mercedes sedan today and I noticed that the door lock mechanism and chrome piece are exactly the same as on the series one/two sebring and quattroporte. Jacques

How to...

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