Maserati Quattroporte III (AM330) photos

The third-generation Maserati Quattroporte (Tipo AM330), initially marketed as the 4porte, was launched in 1979 under the stewardship of Alejandro de Tomaso. Returning to traditional Maserati sports luxury values, the AM330 abandoned the front-wheel-drive concept of its predecessor in favor of a classic longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a rigid steel monocoque. Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign penned its imposing, sharply creased styling, while the passenger compartment offered opulent leather and briarwood appointments. Power was provided by Maserati's proven quad-cam V8 engines: an entry-level 4.2-liter delivering 255 hp and a larger 4.9-liter unit producing 280 hp, paired with either a 5-speed ZF manual or a Chrysler-sourced 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic gearbox. The chassis featured independent suspension on all four corners. In 1986, Maserati introduced the exclusive, ultra-luxurious Royale restyle, which featured an upgraded 300 hp 4.9-liter V8, bespoke cabin cabinetry, a telephone, and refreshed trim. The Quattroporte III became an icon of Italian state transport and enjoyed solid export sales in North America and Western Europe, with 2,155 units produced until 1990.