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Maserati Quattroporte II (AM123): Citroën SM-based rarity
Maserati Quattroporte II (Tipo AM123) — an extremely rare 1970s Maserati sedan built on a stretched Citroën SM chassis. We delve into its history, technology, and why it remains a rarity.
Quattroporte II in brief
The Quattroporte II was unveiled in October 1974 at the Paris and Turin motor shows. Due to the Citroën and Maserati collaboration since 1968, it differed significantly from its predecessor — it was a front-wheel-drive sedan with hydropneumatic suspension.
The body was designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone. The base was a stretched Citroën SM chassis with front and mid-engine layout.
Why so rare
The 1973 oil crisis and Citroën's financial collapse in 1974 hindered obtaining EEC type approval for the European market. Production only began in 1976, and cars were built to order and sold in the Middle East and Spain.
Only 12 series production cars were made between 1976 and 1978. It's one of the rarest Maseratis in history.
Engine and technology
The car was intended to be powered by a V8, but the Tipo 107 V8 was too large and outdated for the SM base. Therefore, the series production cars used the Citroën-Maserati V6.
The technical concept — front-wheel drive, hydropneumatic suspension, four fixed and two swiveling headlights — was very advanced for its time.
What to check when buying a Quattroporte II
It's rarely up for sale and only at specialist auctions. The key is authenticity, documentation, chassis number, and history.
The hydro-pneumatic system and engine require a specialist familiar with the Citroën SM. Pre-purchase inspection recommended.
Trim levels
The Quattroporte II doesn't have conventional trim levels; we'll describe it generally.
Serijinė versija
1976–1978 model yearsFront-wheel drive, Citroën SM underpinnings and a V6 engine; only 12 units produced.
- Hydro-pneumatic suspension
- Ghia design
- Only 12 units produced
Comparison with other generations
| Quattroporte I | Quattroporte II | Quattroporte III | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Rear wheels | Front wheels | Rear wheels |
| Engine | V8 | V6 | V8 |
| Designer | Frua | Gandini (Bertone) | Giugiaro |
| Rear-wheel drive | Large | Very large | Large |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ | €€€ |
Quattroporte II — a collector's dream due to its rarity and engineering uniqueness, but a practical choice for another time.
Pros
- Very rare, only 12 series-produced
- Ghia design
- Hydro-pneumatic suspension
- Historical value
Cons
- Almost impossible to find
- Very complex and expensive maintenance
- There aren't many specialists
Frequently asked questions
How many Quattroporte IIs were made?
12 series cars from 1976–1978.
Did the Quattroporte II have a V8?
A V8 was planned, but the project was cancelled — series cars had a V6.
Why was it sold in the Middle East and Spain?
Because the car didn't receive type approval for the European market, but it wasn't needed in those markets.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
