The original QP1 blew my mind. A Jag 3.8 Mk2 could do 125mph – for most folk, the ultimate performance saloon – but the original QP could top 140mph! And it looked so good. It was the start of a dynasty which has had its ups and downs, and was gradually subsumed within a plethora of (mainly German) über-saloons which had the outright oomph to match it – but never, ever the style.
I’ve driven them all, from 1 to V1, thanks largely to Auto Italia, for whom I did a series of test/features about them all. But I’ve only just acquired my first – a pristine, RHD, 17k-mile 1V V8 Evo with manual Getrag gearbox. I would suggest that this remains the ‘ultimate’ Quattroporte. ‘Vs’ and ‘V1s’ are better in many respects, of course. But something has been lost.
They are a distinctive, and very important, part of the Trident’s history; and I’m interested to hear other enthusiasts’ views and reminiscences.
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