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Maserati Quattroporte I (AM107): first generation, V8 and buying
Maserati Quattroporte I (Tipo AM107) — the first Maserati four-door with a V8 engine, introduced in 1963. We look at two series, engines, and what collectors need to know.
Quattroporte I briefly
The first Quattroporte (AM107) was produced from 1963 to 1969. It was a large sedan with a V8 engine — both were novelties for Maserati at the time. The name translates to 'four doors'.
The styling was crafted by Turin coachbuilder Pietro Frua, inspired by the special 5000 GT created for Prince Aga Khan. The body was built by the Vignale company.
Series — what's different
The first series (1963–1966) had a 4.1-litre V8 engine, 260 hp, and 230 units were produced. The gearbox was a 5-speed ZF manual or a 3-speed 'Borg Warner' automatic. The rear axle was of the 'De Dion' type, and the brakes were inboard at the rear.
The second series (1966–1969) featured dual headlights (already present in the US version), a rear axle with coil springs, and a redesigned interior with wood trim. In 1968, a 4.7-litre version (290 hp) was introduced — the fastest four-door in the world at the time. A total of 776 units were produced.
Engine and technology
This car debuted the long-lived Maserati V8 with four aluminium alloy cylinder heads: two heads per cylinder bank, 16 valves, and four 'Weber' carburetors.
The body was steel, with a front subframe. The front suspension was independent, and the rear varied by series. Brakes were disc on all wheels.
What to check when buying a Quattroporte I
This is a very rare collector's car, so authenticity is paramount: check the chassis number, engine number, and documents to ensure the car's specification matches the series.
Inspect the body for corrosion and poor repairs, and check the condition of the V8 engine (oil pressure, clearances, carburetor adjustment). It's recommended to consult a Maserati classic specialist.
Trim levels
The Quattroporte I doesn't have standard trim levels; below we list versions by series and engine.
I serija
1963–1969The first series features a 4.1-litre V8 engine and a 'De Dion' rear axle.
- 4.1-litre V8, 260 hp
- 5-speed ZF manual or 3-speed automatic
- Square headlights in Europe, dual round headlights in the USA
II serija 4,1
1966–1969The revised series comes with dual headlights and a redesigned interior.
- Dual headlights
- Coil-sprung rear axle
- Wood-trimmed dashboard
II serija 4,7
1968–1969A more powerful version with a 4.7-litre V8 engine.
- 4.7-litre V8, 290 hp
- Higher top speed
- Same body and interior
Comparing versions
| I serija 4,1 | II serija 4,1 | II serija 4,7 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For the purist | For collectors seeking a more comfortable interior | The most powerful variant |
| Engine | 4.1-litre V8, 260 hp | 4.1-litre V8, 260 hp | 4.7-litre V8, 290 hp |
| Rear-wheel drive | De Dion | Leaf springs | Leaf springs |
| Rarity | Larger (230 units) | Large | Large |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ | €€€ |
The fastest — 4.7 l, and the I series is praised for its purity and low production run.
Pros
- Historical significance — the first Quattroporte
- Frua design and Maserati V8
- A very rare collector's car
- Luxurious interior
Cons
- Very expensive to buy and maintain
- Parts need to be sourced from specialists
- Complex carburetor adjustments
Frequently asked questions
How many Quattroporte I were produced?
In total, 776 units: around 230 of the first series and around 500 of the second.
Who designed the Quattroporte I?
Pietro Frua. The body was manufactured by Vignale.
Which engine does the Quattroporte I have?
4.1-litre V8 with 260 hp, from 1968 — 4.7-litre V8 with 290 hp.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
