1 week with a 2005 QP :)

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ChrisNico

Member
Messages
171
Hello guys & girls,

I have just returned from the 'dark side' (a 2003 Audi RS6 followed by a 2006 Audi S8 V10) after owning Alfas for many years! Traded the S8 for this beautiful Quattroporte, which I know will bleed me dry, but what the heck, eh?!!MQ1.jpgMQ2.jpg

She, "La Contessa" (though my kids call her Connie) is a thing of beauty. I have wanted a QP ever since I was fortunate enough to drive one around Millbrook during a Maserati event. There was a selection in various colours, and for me, it had to be in gunmetal grey with the tan interior. I'm not sure if there is a clutch issue though - it has only done 7K since it was replaced, but it appeared to 'slip' twice under acceleration in 3rd gear over the past week. Hopefully a setup or hydraulic issue rather than a worn clutch...

I'm based in Chiswick,London and I only just noticed another gunmetal grey QP about 200m from where I live. Would be a a nice coincidence if the owner was also on this forum.

I look forward to chatting with fellow Maserati owners :)

~Chris
 
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ChrisNico

Member
Messages
171
Hi Catman!

Yes, the bodywork is in exceptional condition, apparently owned by a Ferrari collector for some time before the previous owner. The drivers seat could do with re-tanning but I'm not worried for now. Still getting used to the Duo Select system after too many years with normal autos, hehehe :)

Your GT looks very nice and I see you were an Alfisti too. I had many Alfas including the SZ that was featured in the first Auto Italia magazine many years ago!

~C
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,802
I'd try some of the recommended leather cleaners and restorers on the seat first. Wouldn't surprise me if it came up lovely.

The boxes are wonderful when you get the knack. And it's fun to learn :)
I always wanted an SZ, but missed them when they were 'cheap' there's at least one owner on here, and a couple of 116 Giuliettas as well :)

C
 
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ChrisNico

Member
Messages
171
Yes, I'm enjoying being in manual/sport mode! I bought the SZ for £25K in 1992 and sold it 8 years later for £20K. Pretty good considering the fun I had in it, BUT I miss my 1983 GTV6 more than the SZ. I spent a lot of time and money on it, with a modified 3 litre and 75 Gearbox with LSD. It was actually quicker than the SZ in a straight line. Of course it didn't handle as well, but I miss the challenge it posed :)

Thanks for the tip about the leather. I'll give it a go!

~C
 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,165
Chris a big warm welcome to the forum....What a stunning QP....One of Maserati's best cars ..... Hope she lives up to all your expectations.
 
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ChrisNico

Member
Messages
171
Thank you for the warm welcome, gents!

I was warned by several friends to avoid the duo select version, but to my mind it's the way the car was conceived, and I believe that one day it will be considered the true 'classic' over the auto version. What are your thoughts?

I have to say, the Audi S8 was a fabulous all round car, but I never wanted to just look at it, or drive just for the **** of it! The QP makes every journey special :)

~Chris
 
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ChrisNico

Member
Messages
171
Thank you for the offer, Tony. I just ordered some well reviewed leather restorer. I'll let you know if it works!

Oh, I love those boomerang rear lights :)

~Chris
 
philw696

philw696

Member
Messages
25,489
ChrisNico said:
Oh, so "H E L L" is a bad word on this forum? :)
Click to expand...

Welcome Chris and nice QP just be careful in London traffic that will be the clutch killer.
As regards H e l l should be an acceptable word as a few of us on here will end up down there.
 
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ChrisNico

Member
Messages
171
Hahaha :) You reminded me of the old joke:

“There are only two things to worry about, either you are
healthy or you are sick. If you are healthy, then there is nothing
to worry about. But if you are sick there are only two things to
worry about, either you will get well or you will die. If you get
well, then there is nothing to worry about. But if you die there
are only two things to worry about, either you will go to
heaven or to ****. If you go to heaven, then there is nothing to
worry about. And if you to go ****, you'll be so darn busy
shaking hands with your friends you won't have time to worry.”

And yes, I don't plan on spending much time in London traffic - that is my definition of H E L L !!

~Chris
 
zagatoes30

zagatoes30

Member
Messages
20,955
ChrisNico said:
Yes, I'm enjoying being in manual/sport mode! I bought the SZ for £25K in 1992 and sold it 8 years later for £20K. Pretty good considering the fun I had in it, BUT I miss my 1983 GTV6 more than the SZ. I spent a lot of time and money on it, with a modified 3 litre and 75 Gearbox with LSD. It was actually quicker than the SZ in a straight line. Of course it didn't handle as well, but I miss the challenge it posed :)

~C
Click to expand...

I have an SZ but like you miss my GTV 6 which also had a 75 3.0 fitted
 
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ChrisNico

Member
Messages
171
Hi Andy,

Great minds think alike, eh?!

Yes, I sold my GTV6 and Alfasud racer (I briefly raced in the Alfa championship many years ago...) to the same chap who decided to race the GTV6. We became good friends and I did say I wanted first refusal to buy her back once he'd finished with her. Unfortunately, the GTV6 was written off at Brands Hatch so I never had the opportunity.

How's the SZ doing? Did your paintwork 'blister' and have to be resprayed under warranty too?

~Chris
 
rockits

rockits

Member
Messages
9,172
Welcome to the QP club Chris. Great choice & colour combo.

I did think about a DS but have a 4200 CC and a 4200 manual. As it was to be a daily or partial daily the ZF was the way forward for me. I don't regret it at all and think the QP suits a ZF better than a DS. However depends on your circumstances as if it is not a daily then a DS makes more sense. Also cheaper to tax but I guess that will pale into insignificance after a few hefty bills

You can't take it with you so enjoy it I say.
 
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ChrisNico

Member
Messages
171
Thank you, sir.

Seems you have a few nice toys to play with! I work from home and use the Prius for short journeys and any serious 'traffic work', so the QP will mostly be reserved for having fun :)

And let's hope those 'hefty' bills are few and far between, though I suspect otherwise. I took out a 2 year Autoguard warranty but it only covers claims up to £750. It may seem pointless but I had the same warranty on my Audi S8 (though with a £1000 claim limit) and it more than paid itself off in the 30 months I had the car. I was surprised that it even covered tyre pressure sensors and soft closing door motors!! Yes, Autoguard paid up :)

I'm hoping the Maserati 'failings' will be mostly 'small' electrical items that will at least be partially covered by the warranty. At £690 for 2 years it was well worth the outlay.

Have a good evening, and thank you all again for the very warm welcome,

~C
 
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