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December 13, 2020

1980 Maserati Quattroporte

Photos below taken in September 2020 - More Photos!

Interior Photos

Video

The video is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T93Gk8D3ikE

It was also advertised on FerrariChat & eBay

Many thanks to Kristian Stoerli of Bar Italia Classics for the improved appearance!  Rust areas on the lower doors, front fenders and elsewhere were cut out and replaced with sheet metal.  Faded paint was stripped and entire car repainted in the original Brown Metallizzato between April-August 2020.

bob@1980maserati.com

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(photos below, August 22, 2020)

"The third generation of the Maserati Quattroporte (Tipo AM 330) was developed under the Alejandro de Tomaso-GEPI ownership...the third generation went back to the classic formula of rear-wheel drive and a large Maserati V8 engine (4930cc/280hp 4x2bbl Weber carbs). The exterior design was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro."

"The Quattroporte III marked the last of the hand-built Italian cars; all exterior joints and seams were filled to give a seamless appearance."

1980 price: $65,470

Miles: 69,310

Appearance: Excellent -  rust repair and new paint completed August 2020

Transmission: Chrysler A727 Automatic

New Alpine CD/Bluetooth/USB Receiver 

Hagerty valuation guide: 1980 Quattroporte

Quattroporte Background, References to Articles

This is a summary of the work by previous owner in Honolulu, supported by a detailed $10,319, 5-page invoice.  Further service by Alfa Italia (Burbank) is also noted:

Air-Conditioning & Dash/Instrument Cluster

  • Dash removed for access to the A/C evaporator and to replace the sun-shrunken leather dash covering.  
  • The instrument cluster body plastic mounting lugs repaired. 
  • The instrument body was assembled and mounted into the dash leather covered pod. The leather was replaced.  Extra leather from half-hide included with sale - $700 value
  • Blend door with new foam installed.
  • Evaporator leak repaired.
  • A/C and heater unit charged with Freon and bench tested for leaks.
  • New heater valve installed 
  • After dash installed, evacuated the A/C system and charged it with Freon. Cold air!
  • Compressor clutch disconnected for shipping.  After arrival in Burbank, the circuit was re-connected, the A/C works as original.
Alternator & Voltage Regulator
  • Rebuilt and installed the alternator with new bearings. 
  • Installed a new internal regulator
  • Installed new bearings for power steering and A/C compressor
Brakes
  • Brake fluid reservoir emptied and cleaned.
  • Flushed and bled the brake system with new, clean fluid. 
  • Rear calipers (inboard discs) previously rebuilt
  • New pads for front and rear brakes.
  • All calipers checked OK; no signs of sticking or leaking
Carbs & Intake Manifold
  • Intake manifold removed; carb assembly cleaned. 
  • Cleaned head surfaces and the vee area of the block
  • Carb tops removed off, float bowls and the accelerator pump jets cleaned
  • Idle jets cleaned and new O-rings on the holders installed
  • Throttle linkage joints and bearings cleaned and lubricated 
  • Cleaned and tested the micro-switch that activates a solenoid valve in the vacuum line to the distributor for emission control - retards ignition timing when the throttles are closed.
  • The air box flapper valves now working as expected. 
  • Cleaned the connector plug and checked continuity to the solenoid valve. 
  • Cleaned the connector plug to the switch for the "choke on" warning light.
  • Air cleaner electric pumps installed for "snorkel" vacuum operated flapper valves to trap evaporative emissions when the engine is off.
  • Wiring and vacuum lines to the ignition retard solenoid checked and working.
  • Timing for advance and retard checked within spec. 
  • Engine started March, 2018 and reported running very well.
  • Cruise control assembly removed, included with sale.
  • Weber carburetor diaphragms replaced by Alfa Italia (Burbank), May 2019.  
Dash & Console
  • A/C controls installed to the console. Tested and working.  The panel push buttons control all the vacuum operated blend doors for A/C, heat, and defrost, a lever that operates the heater water valve, and the switch for the four speed fan - checked and working properly. 
  • Fused voltage supply and an additional relay added for all three interior lights working. "On" when a door is opened and "Off" when the door is closed. All three lights can be turned on independently from inside the car.
  • "Bulb failure device" warning light diagnosed; partially repaired.
  • Radio and powered antenna installed and working (Radio/cassette player replaced with new Alpine CD/USB/Bluetooth receiver, November, 2020)
  • All windows operate from console switches.
  • Interior lights operate when doors open or are closed 
  • Switch to control interior lights when the doors are closed checked OK
  • Door buttons lock and unlock when opened with key or from console.
Engine
  • Checked and adjusted the cam chain tension
  • Checked cam valve clearances.
  • Thermostat cover and water outlet on the manifold repaired to cure a water leak.
  • Engine oil changed
  • Oil and fuel filters changed.
  • Engine cleaned and detailed for car shows (Burbank).
Exhaust & Headers
  • Both headers ceramic coated.
  • New exhaust rubber hangers installed for the mid-section exhausts
Fuel System
  • New after market fuel pump and fabricated bracket installed.  Both original fuel pumps included with the car
  • Gas tank removed and cleaned (Alfa Italia, Burbank)
  • Gas gauge - intermittent, likely caused by tank sediment. Techron added during several Burbank tank fills, the gauge shows a fluctuating but mostly correct level (Burbank).
Ignition 
  • New distributor pickup/sensor wires installed
  • New spark plugs.
Interior
  • Original owner's manual and its leather pouch in glove box
  • Trunk - re-assembled; carpeted box at the right, front, top of the trunk covers the radio antenna motor. Original bag, jack, lug wrench, and handle checked as complete.  No tool roll.
  • Used, "as-new" console cover replaced the worn/torn original (Burbank).
  • Seats and all leather surfaces treated with Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil, cleaned with Prestine Clean (Burbank).
  • Sheepskin covers protected front seats for many years were replaced with "Kool Kooshion Faux Leather Full Seat Cushions".  Easily removed for car shows or leather maintenance (Burbank).
  • Carpets - original insulation was hard, brittle and flaking off. Ensolite foam (1/8") from the Foam Mart, Burbank was glued to the four carpet sections.
  • Headliner cleaned (Burbank).
Radiator/Cooling
  • Radiator cooling fan motors disassembled, bearings lubricated.  Brushes, armature, and commutator checked OK
  • Area of the cooling system header tank and the transmission oil cooler (in the left front fender well) cleaned and rust- proofed
  • Radiator removed, fins straightened, pressure tested, painted, replaced
  • Low coolant warning light sending unit cleaned and checked
  • New thermostatic switch for the radiator fans installed.
  • Two new relays and heavy duty blade type fuse holders for the radiator cooling fans installed. Both fans also come on when the A/C is operating so that the A/C condenser in front of the radiator is cooled
Suspension
  • One tie rod boot replaced; internal plastic socket replaced
Tires
  • Four new Kumho Solus 225/70/15 tires installed and balanced (2 in Burbank).
  • Wheels cleaned before tire installation inside and out
  • Spare tire (replaced Pirelli) cleaned and in the well in the trunk.
Transmission
  • Installed new transmission oil cooler lines. 
  • New oil filter installed.
  • Fluid drained and new filter installed
  • Kick-down throttle rod adjusted
  • New gearbox mount installed
Body/Chassis
  • Removable inner fender splash shield where air horn, windscreen washer pump, headlight washer pump, and the washer reservoir are located (right front fender area was  sand blasted, primed, and painted. All wiring was cleaned and repaired. Brake lights wiring was check and confirmed all working.
  • "C" pillar repair  - sand blasted the rust areas at the rear quarter trident emblem. Surface filled, rust-proofed and primed.
  • "Brown Metallizzato" paint matched by Master Auto Parts (Sun Valley) and sprayed on the "C" pillar on October 22, 2018.  Remaining paint, reducer and hardener included with the car for touch-ups.
  • Gas support struts for hood and trunk replaced with new Sachs and StrongArm parts. Trunk opens with the console button, as designed (current owner replaced).
  • Original paint on all horizontal surfaces was severely weathered/ sun-burned.  After arrival in Burbank, faded surfaces were sanded with 1600 paper, smoothed with rubbing compound, polished and waxed.  Video of partly polished roof.  
  • The Quattroporte appearance is "as found, original" until April 2020.  
  • April-August 2020 - rust areas on the lower doors, front fenders and elsewhere were cut out and replaced with sheet metal to preserve originality.  Paint was stripped and entire car repainted in the original color.
Windows
  • All window motors cleaned, checked and operate
  • Aluminum panel barriers installed to close up the access openings on both front doors between the inside of the door and the interior trim panel. Provides a good seal and stiffens the door.
  • Window tint film - old film was removed and all windows cleaned with ammonia (current owner work, Burbank).
Hawaii Safety Check, Registration & Shipping
  • Maserati insured to qualify for a Hawaii safety check and historical vehicle registration.
  • First stage of the Hawaii safety check was completed on April 13, 2018.  
  • The safety check was completed on April 20, 2018
  • Maserati was then State of Hawaii road-legal for the first time since March, 2011!
  • May 10, 2018 - Maserati taken to the Pasha depot in Honolulu.
  • May 30, 2018 - Maserati picked up in Buena Park; then to Burbank

All re-commissioning work by the former owner, a professional mechanic in Honolulu, is fully described and documented in 57 emails,  with photos, from November 27, 2016 through May 10, 2018.

California Registration and Smog Certificate
  • Smog certificate - Alfa Italia (Burbank) checked the timing and the carbs before a smog test at the In and Out test center. Maserati passed on August 22, 2018
  • California registration - completed at AAA on August 23, 2018
  • Personalized "MASERQ" Veterans plate added January, 2019
  • California registration - completed on August 6, 2020
  • Smog certificate - Alfa Italia (Burbank) checked the timing and the carbs for California smog test; passed on August 14, 2020

 

References

This Quattroporte is an impressive Italian classic which runs and drives very well.

Petrolicious agrees - "The Maserati Quattroporte is Brutally Beautiful"!

From a recent Vintage Roadcars:

"Presidential Limousine Italian Style" (and an Italian Video)

Maserati S.p.A.

Collectors Guide

Motor Trend

Enrico's Maserati Page - Quattroporte III

Enrico's Maserati Page - Quattroporte III Articles

"The Maserati Quattroporte is Brutally Beautiful" (Petrolicious)

De Tomaso's Most Successful Saloon Was – a Maserati (Classic Driver)

Road & Track, January 1980

Road & Track, July 1981

Quattroporte III by Ermanno Cozza

Quattroporte III Photo Gallery and Sales Brochures from Quattroporte.Info/Andreas Rief

Quattroporte III Forum - FerrariChat

History of the 1979-1990 Maserati Quattroporte III

(from the Hagerty Valuation Guide)

Maserati revived the Quattroporte name at the 1977 Turin auto show with a radically new Quattroporte III. Unlike the Citroen-based Quattroporte II of the mid-1970s, the stately Quattroporte III sedan carried attractive bodywork by Giugiaro and Italdesign, had an absolutely opulent interior that featured loosely tucked leather throughout, and used a powerful motor to drive the car's rear wheels.

Production of the Quattroporte III began in 1979 with a 255-hp, four-cam, 4.2-liter V-8, with a 280-hp 4.9-liter version of this motor being available shortly thereafter. These engines sent their power to the rear wheels through either a ZF five-speed transmission, or a Borg Warner automatic that quickly gave way to a Chrysler Torqueflite box early in production. Otherwise, the Quattroporte III saw minimal changes throughout its 11-year production run, and by 1990 just over 2,100 examples of this imposing, 140-mph executive express were produced. Most of the models had been made by 1987, with approximately 55 revised "Royale" versions completed thereafter. A few examples of a stretched limousine version were built as well.

When searching for a Maserati Quattroporte III today, buyers should remember that the models are complex cars that sell at a relatively low price, with rust and electrical gremlins being the two areas that can swallow up cash very quickly. If a QPorte is needy in these two areas, an owner can easily surpass the value of the car in repair and restoration bills--examples such as this are better off as parts cars. The suspension can wear quickly as well, however replacement pieces are readily available with Pantera front suspension parts being an exact match for most of the front suspension. With this in mind, healthy Maserati Quattroporte IIIs are powerful, imposing, and comfortable four-door touring cars. The model also enjoys a vibrant online support network that is rabidly enthusiastic about this Italian exotic that exists in a class of one.

Hagerty Price Guide August 2020

#1 vehicles are the best in the world. The visual image is of the best vehicle, in the right colors, driving onto the lawn at the finest concours. Perfectly clean, the vehicle has been groomed down to the tire treads. Painted and chromed surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and dirt are banned, and materials used are correct and superbly fitted. The one word description for #1 vehicles is "concours."

#2 vehicles could win a local or regional show. They can be former #1 vehicles that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws, but will be able to find some not seen by the general public. The paint, chrome, glass and finishes will all appear as excellent. No excessive smoke will be seen on startup, no unusual noises will emanate from the engine. The vehicle will drive as a new vehicle of its era would. The one word description for #2 vehicles is "excellent."

Condition

#4 #3 #2 #1
1980 Maserati Quattroporte III $7,700 $12,000 $23,700 $42,000

1980 Maserati Quattroporte III Info

Body Styles: 4dr Sedan

Engine Types: 8-cyl. 4930cc/280hp 4x2bbl

VIN DECODER

Example:"ZAMBC1100E0300000"

Z - COUNTRY:Italy

A - MAKE:Maserati

M - VEHICLE TYPE: Passenger Car

B - BODY STYLE: Sedan

C - ENGINE:8-cyl.4930cc/288hp 4x2bbl

1 - PRICE CLASS: data not available

1 - RESTRAINT SYSTEM: Active Belts

0 - SERIES: Quattroporte III

0 - CHECK DIGIT: data not available

E - YEAR:1984

0 - ASSEMBLY PLANT:Maranello, Italy

3 0 - CHASSIS DESIGNATION: Quattroporte

0 0 0 0 - SERIAL NUMBER: data not available

An example when new:

This video is a Brown Metallizzato Quattroporte for sale in June 2017: https://youtu.be/swQpyBSCAgE

Updated: January 16, 2021