QP IV Evoluzione

zagatoes30

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20,932
The old girl is back from the body shop after nearly a year away - long story - but she now has had the rear subframe repaired and a little bit of rust removal from the rear arches. Whilst she was on the ramp we did the brake lines as they were looking past their best and fitted new rear disks and pads.

She now needs a really good clean but here are a few photos until I can spend some time on her

Maserati QP Sept - 2.jpg

Maserati QP Sept - 4.jpg

Maserati QP Sept - 5.jpg
 

Andyk

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61,149
Andy, I loved these when they came out and I know they are a bit of an acquired taste but I still think they look good....What are they like to drive as they are great value...
 

zagatoes30

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20,932
To drive they are really strange, in corporate saloon mode they waft along at any speed you feel like going, quiet (well normally) and super smooth a bit like the old Alfa 166 just a nice place to be. Then you stir the box and floor the throttle and the turbos spin up and the hooligan hiding under the bonnet is released :)

You first get that small delay and then the rev counter spins, the engine snarls (well mine does) and then you are launched at the horizon. They are never going to out handle a proper sports car but they don't lurch through corners on super soft suspension. The only thing to watch out for in this mode is no traction control, the engine can light up the rear tyres in an instant so you just have to beware. It once threw me sideways at nearly a ton when the tyres found a wet patch during hard acceleration in a straight line.

Personally I love it but I am sure it was designed by two teams one starting at the back and the other from the front without talking to each other. They then design dt eh middle just to join the two designs together, there is not one line the runs throughout the car without a kink or change of direction - you love it or hate it.
 

Ewan

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6,807
I'm firmly in the "love it" camp. But you need to sort that paint out. You can't have the back door grey and front door silver! Given that the car's spent so long in the body shop I'd have thought they'd have seen to that. It's a lovely car that deserves a few hundred quid of paint.
 

zagatoes30

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20,932
I'm firmly in the "love it" camp. But you need to sort that paint out. You can't have the back door grey and front door silver! Given that the car's spent so long in the body shop I'd have thought they'd have seen to that. It's a lovely car that deserves a few hundred quid of paint.

I saw that in the photo and went out and checked again, there is no colour mismatch between the panels, it must be the light. I will get it clean and take some proper photos in real light and see what that shows me.

Bodyshop were only working underneath, sorting a few Maserati build issues around the rear subframe and some minor bubbles in the rear arches. The rear subframe is a pain in the **** to sort out, it would probably have been easier to replace it, but my body shop like a challenge.
 

zagatoes30

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20,932
We have a friend betting married next week and his bride wants to arrive in something different, so muggins here has to sort the QP out. A quick initial clean, despite the weather and then out for a short run to check all is good after her spell in the workshop.

Only a couple of things to note, firstly I had forgotten how quick it can get down the road and second I had forgot how easily this turbos will spin up the rear wheels (especially on damp wet roads). You certainly get some **** twitch as even in 3rd as the turbos light up so do the wheels - love it.

Hope tomorrow is a better day as I need to get into some deep cleaning if she is going to look her best for the blushing bride.
 

Christopher

New Member
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18
Sounds fun to drive! Not some overly assisted car full of gadgets to save you, your right foot has to do the job :D

I find these are great looking cars, handsome and discreet.
Is it a manual or auto?
 

zagatoes30

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20,932
Sounds fun to drive! Not some overly assisted car full of gadgets to save you, your right foot has to do the job :D

I find these are great looking cars, handsome and discreet.
Is it a manual or auto?

6 Speed manual, very discreet as hardly anybody knows what they are
 

zagatoes30

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20,932
Bride & her father arriving in the QP and the Groom in the SZ - they should make quite a statement in the wedding photos
 

zagatoes30

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Went through her today with a fine tooth comb, surprised how many different versions of silver paint have been applied but other than than some shading issues she is in much better fettle than I expected.

She was bought to be an interesting 4 seater a role she covers perfectly but I now need to decide should I keep or move on. If she goes I would be looking for a QP V but for the difference in money I could sort all her issues, including the paint and end up with a much rarer car in the long run.
 

zagatoes30

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20,932
Just been reminded by FB that I have had the QP IV for 4 years, still love the sound it makes

[video=youtube;iO480fjtCuk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO480fjtCuk[/video]

She is scheduled for a recommission this year and will actually be moving into the garage in the next week or so for some prep & pampering
 

MrMickS

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3,959
That is a lovely sound. Nearly bought one a few years ago but family issues left me with no money.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

alfatwo

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5,517
Nice one Andy.. I nearly bought that car before you ;) I love them, especially the rare manuals

If you ever move it on...


Dave
 

ZAM400209

Member
Messages
585
well done

a terrific piece of gear- better sounding than the Ghibli, too!

Is that a standard exhaust system on it..?