In January, it appeared that the most debatable limousine alteration of 2020 had been witnessed when a greatly elongated Subaru Tribeca emerged for sale. However, the year was still young, and the inventory of dreadful limos out there surpassed our expectations. Available for purchase on Craigslist in Oregon is an extended Maserati Quattroporte III, with the seller imploring someone to invest $12,000 in acquiring this stunning catastrophe.
This Quattroporte III limousine was constructed in the mid-1980s by Ultra Limousine Corporation. Stretched by 63 inches using steel framework and coachwork, this Maserati was elongated significantly beyond the common 48-inch industry standard of the era, showcasing its additional length with elongated windows and a painted roof, rather than concealing poor craftsmanship with vinyl. The conversion added merely 300 pounds to the vehicle, easily offset by an optional turbo kit ramping up its 4.9-liter V8 to a remarkable 420 horsepower, leaving paparazzi in the dust.
1980s Maserati Quattroporte III Limousine by Ultra Limousine Corporation, Roger Garbow
Craigslist
It remains unknown if this Quattroporte was equipped with the optional turbo power, a factor that would bolster the Craigslist assertion that it could command $40,000 once fully restored. Having accumulated 95,000 miles before being stored “for several years,” it isn’t just a quick Italian tune-up away from becoming roadworthy. The prospective buyer might end up spending more than the $12,000 asking price solely on securing rare parts for an engine overhaul.
Craigslist
A significant amount could be expended on restoring this Maserati’s interior to its former glory, as half of it seems to have been disassembled at some point—whether by the current owner or an intoxicated passenger, the outcome remains the same.
Craigslist
While earlier Quattroporte IIIs like this one featured climate controls borrowed from Chrysler, the upholstery of this limo was lavishly covered in a leather more reminiscent of fine Italian craftsmanship than standard Rich Corinthian™ material. Assessing from the images, it’s challenging to determine the condition of the briarwood trim; however, the CRT TV (along with the accompanying antenna on the trunk lid) would need to be removed for any chance of this limo making a comeback. Unless a wealthy RADwood aficionado appears, ready to shell out 12 grand and transform this Italian steed into an adventure vehicle.
Craigslist
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h/t Barn Finds