Value change over time 1982 Maserati QP III

            The average value for a 1982 Maserati Quattroporte III is: $10,782.

Condition #1 vehicles are the best in the world. The visual image is of the best car, in the right colors, driving onto the lawn at the finest concours. Perfectly clean, the car 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 cars is "concours."

#2 cars could win a local or regional show. They can be former #1 cars 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 interior will all appear as excellent. No excessive smoke will be seen on startup, no unusual noises will emanate from the engine compartment. The vehicle will drive as a new car of its era would. The one word description for #2 cars is "excellent."

#3 cars could possess some, but not all of the issues of a #4 car, but they will be balanced by other factors such as a fresh paint job or a new, correct interior. #3 cars drive and run well, but might have some incorrect parts. These cars are not used for daily transportation but are ready for a long tour without excuses, and the casual passerby will not find any visual flaws. "Good" is the one word description of a #3 car.

#4 cars are daily drivers, with flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome might have pitting or scratches, the windshield might be chipped. Paintwork is imperfect, and perhaps the fender has a minor dent. The interior could have split seams or a cracked dash. No major parts are missing, but the wheels could differ from the originals, or the interior might not be stock. A #4 car can also be a deteriorated restoration. "Fair" is the one word that describes a #4 car.

History of the 1979-1990 Maserati Quattroporte III

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.

Searching for a QP III
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.
Taken on: August 14, 2013
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