The first Quattroporte models were made from 1964 to 1971; only 700 were produced, with the engine based on that of the 450S sports racer.

Citroën had gained control of the company in 1969, but had to pull out in 1975 due to financial problems.

Alessandro de Tomaso came to the rescue, with a certain amount of government backing, the Kyalami being the first result of this, followed by the new Quattroporte, both cars having similar mechanical specifications.

The engine had double overhead camshafts for each bank of cylinders, with power claimed to be 255bhp at 6,000rpm.

A three speed General Motors Hydramatic automatic transmission was fitted, as was independent suspension all round.

The Quattroporte was actually based on an earlier de Tomaso design called the Deauville, fitted with a 351 cubic inch Ford V8 engine and a body created by Giugiaro; this was modified for the new car, which had a top speed of around 140mph and was priced to sell in America at a massive $50,000.

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