Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
The ultra-rare Maserati Quattroporte Coupé by Carrozzeria Pavesi.
The Maserati Quattroporte Coupé by Carrozzeria Pavesi is an ultra-rare, coachbuilt two-door version of the third-generation Maserati Quattroporte (Tipo AM330), conceived and executed by the Milanese coachbuilder Carrozzeria Pavesi between 1980 and 1983. Based on the Italdesign-designed Quattroporte introduced in 1979 under Alejandro de Tomaso’s direction, this exclusive variant was created in a very limited run of just five specimens, making it one of the rarest production-related Maseratis ever made. The Quattroporte Coupé retained the original four-door model’s 4.9-liter all-aluminum V8 engine, chassis, and mechanical layout, but featured a radically altered bodywork. The rear doors were eliminated, and the B-pillars repositioned to accommodate elongated front doors, allowing access to the rear seats in grand touring style. The transformation preserved the sedan’s long 2,800 mm wheelbase, resulting in an unusually stretched coupé profile, reminiscent of a personal luxury car more than a traditional GT. Pavesi’s craftsmanship ensured that the Coupé maintained the Quattroporte’s elegance while infusing it with bespoke flair. Interior appointments remained lavish, with extensive use of leather and wood trim, while some examples were customized further with features such as sunroofs or armored reinforcement. The car’s performance mirrored that of the standard Quattroporte III, with outputs of up to 280 hp and a top speed exceeding 220 km/h, depending on the configuration. Intended for a select clientele—often high-net-worth individuals seeking exclusivity and prestige—the Quattroporte Coupé never entered official Maserati catalogs and was only available through direct commission. Today, surviving examples are coveted by collectors for their rarity, hand-built quality, and eccentric blend of limousine proportions with coupé form. The model stands as a unique chapter in Maserati’s history, reflecting the era’s fascination with personal luxury vehicles and the enduring creativity of Italian coachbuilding.
Explore the full history of the Maserati Quattroporte: from Frua’s royal prototypes to modern luxury icons. Discover the designers, coachbuilders, and unique models that shaped Italy’s legendary sports sedan.
The beginning In the first post-war period, Ernesto Pavesi (1901-1974), a young carpenter specialized in bodywork, opened a small business: a craft workshop for…
