The Quattroporte has long expressed Maserati’s belief that sporting performance and four-door practicality should be natural companions.

By its third generation, that philosophy had developed into a substantial luxury saloon with unmistakable Italian character.

Introduced in 1979, the Series III was the first entirely new model developed during Alejandro de Tomaso’s stewardship of Maserati, with Giorgetto Giugiaro responsible for its distinctive, formal styling. Its crisp lines, broad proportions and restrained detailing gave the Quattroporte considerable presence without relying on elaborate ornamentation.

Steel body shells were produced at Innocenti near Milan before the cars were assembled in Modena, bringing together coachbuilt character and the engineering traditions of one of Italy’s most individual manufacturers.

Production continued until 1990. Beneath the bonnet, the 4.9-litre quad-cam V8 provides the central attraction.

Its combination of substantial capacity, carburetto...