maserati quattroporte catawiki
in

Maserati Quattroporte 4200 from 1966. Find in Toledo now up for auction

That France and Germany were industrial powers capable of managing themselves was a serious problem for Europe. So much so that, in just half a century, the two world wars had this as a factor to take into account. Thus, On the rubble of a continent ravaged by German nationalism, only one way appeared as possible: interdependence. Something really interesting, since if your neighbor's luck becomes your own… Then your neighbor becomes a necessary ally rather than a possible enemy.

A logic put into practice with the founding in 1951 of the Economic Community of Coal and Steel. Under this industrial entity, self-development was inseparable from that of others. For this reason, from the fifty countries such as France, Germany, Belgium or Italy they advanced along a path of integration that had its point of no return in the Treaty of Rome of 1957. An economic strategy that made Europe a smaller and smaller place thanks to the construction of large communication routes for industrial and private transport.

For this reason, and after having powered the nascent middle class with vehicles such as the FIAT 500, the VW Beetle or the Citroën 2CV, the automobile industry put the large saloon segment in its sights. Powerful and distinguished, in them prevailed the comfort that the wealthy industrial class of the postwar period demanded to move quickly on the new highways that appeared throughout the continent. As it was, 1963 saw the birth of the Maserati Quattroporte. The most successful Italian luxury saloon thanks to its six generations, of which a unit in Toledo now auctioned by Catawiki.

MASERATI QUATTROPORTE 4200. A 5000GT WITH FOUR DOORS

In the mid-fifties, no one doubted the enormous prestige of Maserati when speaking of competition. However, the truth is that the company's accounts were increasingly fragile. Used to building about three units a month, the vision of continuing to dedicate herself solely to racing was untenable. For this reason, in 1957 Maserati launched its first series-production car: the 3500GT. A six-cylinder 220CV with which production increased to about sixty vehicles per month. A true lifeline for the Modena company, which dared to launch the spectacular 5000GT two years later.

Made on the basis of the 3500, this perfect hybrid between elegance and sportiness increased the power to 340CV thanks to its five liters of displacement. However, it seemed that, at these power and mass production points, Maserati's path had to lean more towards luxury than towards extreme GT radicalism, a matter well covered in Italy by Ferrari.

And so it was, because its next serial creation was the Maserati Quattroporte. The sports saloon par excellence, which has had among its designers such celebrated names as Pietro Frua, Nuccio Bertone, Marcello Gandini Giorgetto Giugiaro or Sergio Pininfarina.

An undeniable panoply of legends responsible for the different evolutions of the model, which finds its first representation in the Maserati Quattroporte 4200. Mechanically based on the same V8 that powered the 5000GT, its displacement is here smaller to accommodate a dynamic behavior designed for long motorway trips. Something that is not a burden for the Quattroporte usually have margin in the face of a certain sportiness in curves. As long as they are treated with the same gentleness that they guarantee to their passengers.

FINDING IN TOLEDO. MASERATI QUATTROPORTE 4200 IN CATAWIKI

With some 700 units manufactured, the Maserati Quattroporte 4200 is a living witness to the beginning of the large luxury sedans. A reputed classic of which it is rare to find a unit available for sale, even more so if it is offered as a project for restoration. And it is that, found in the garage of a private collection in the province of Toledo, is this copy with code 320 registered on June 15, 1966 in Valencia. Possibly having entered Spain through an international trade fair. A Quattroporte that comes without an engine or gearbox, but with a perfect rust-free bodywork as a starting point for work.

In addition, the two axes are preserved intact. Including the rear with DeDion system, which would be replaced by an elliptical spring on the Quattroporte made from 1967. Never restored before, it preserves many disassembled chrome details. With these characteristics, we are talking about a perfect vehicle for those wanting to get into a restoration project complex but with the possibility of having high-flying results.

However, if you are also looking for a restoration project but limited to more popular classics, the same seller offers in an auction that closes the same day as that of the Maserati Quattroporte a curious Daihatsu Compagno from 1966. Much less precious than the representative Italian saloon, but loaded with curiosity due to its small number of units preserved in Europe.

Photographs: Catawiki.

What do you think?

10 Points
Upvote Downvote
avatar photo

Written by Miguel Sánchez

Through the news from La Escudería, we will travel the winding roads of Maranello listening to the roar of the Italian V12; We will travel Route66 in search of the power of the great American engines; we will get lost in the narrow English lanes tracking the elegance of their sports cars; We will speed up the braking in the curves of the Monte Carlo Rally and we will even get dusty in a garage while rescuing lost jewels.

Subscribe to the newsletter

Once a month in your mail.

Thanks a lot! Do not forget to confirm your subscription through the email that we have just sent you.

Something has gone wrong. Please try again.

60.2 kHappy fans
2.1 kFollowers
3.4 kFollowers
3.8 kFollowers