Elton John’s Maserati is for sale

The one?

Yes, that’s right, the first owner of this 2005 Maserati Quattroporte V was none other than Sir Elton John.

Now it is looking for its next keeper and is being offered for no reserve in an online auction with The Market, between 18-25 February, where it is predicted to achieve £15-40,000.

We know that for some bidders a celebrity former owner is a welcome bonus, whereas others couldn’t care less. And that’s fine, but even if you fall into the latter category, there is still a lot to like about this suave modern classic.

Let’s take a closer look.

Numbers game

One of the reasons why anyone seeking a fifth-generation Quattroporte might be interested in this Verdi Deep Emerald Green example is because it has done fewer than 30,000 miles.

Yes, in 16 years, this car has covered just 28,493 miles.

Big eight

At least every one of those miles would have been accompanied by a wonderful soundtrack, thanks to this car’s Ferrari-built 4.2-litre V8.

So – apologies in advance – it goes like a rocket, man.

Swiftly moving on…

A few extras

And because this is no ordinary Maserati, it will be sold with some items of Elton John memorabilia.

There’s a V5 with the singer-songwriter’s name on it, a pair of driving gloves, some press cuttings, a letter addressed to him, a concierge service card in his name and a CD of his greatest hits.

As well as coming with a decent history file, something anyone buying this car secondhand should be reassured by.

Lying in wait

The current keeper bought it in 2016 and has covered 1000 miles since then.

And because he has used it so little during his custodianship, he has kept the Maserati dry stored and on SORN for some time.

All the kit

As you might expect, the Biscuit-leather trimmed interior of this Maserati Quattroporte is very well kitted out, those in the back seats particularly well catered for.

Being an Executive GT spec car, the rear cabin has its own air-con controls, occupants sit on ventilated, adaptive and massaging seats (which are said to be fully functioning), with veneered retractable tables ahead of them, while the rear windows have curtain shades.

Look up and the headlining is of a plush Alcantara-suede.

In control

Here are those smart, retractable tables.

Elton John also ensured those in the back could enjoy their choice of music, too. In what one can only assume was a custom spec, there is a DVD, CD and MP3 head unit for rear-seat passengers, plus two pairs of Blaupunkt headphones.

Sitting comfortably

Those in the front are well catered for, too.

Not only is there a Bose surround-sound system through which to enjoy your favourite music, there’s also sat nav, plus a fridge in the front armrest. Cool.

Wheely fine?

You’d hope that after fewer than 30,000 miles on the road, these handsome alloys haven’t had too hard a life.

The Market explains that there is ‘some bubbling here and there and a few scuffs and evidence of kerbing elsewhere’.

Sitting pretty

At least all the chromework and badging are in good condition, the body panels even and shut lines said to be consistent and tight.

And we love the hunkered-down rear view of this car with its two pairs of pipes, waiting to give Elton John a run for his money by belting out a fine tune.

You’re covered

The auction house also says that the interior is in very decent condition, but that some of the switchgear is a little sticky, something which afflicts many Ferraris and Maseratis of this age.

This can, of course, be remedied, while this car’s next keeper can protect his or her acquisition with the custom car cover stored in the boot, alongside a battery conditioner, an unused toolkit and a branded tyre inflator.

Perfect profile?

The Quattroporte V does look very fine when viewed side-on, don’t you think? And this green, no-reserve lot is definitely no different.

Well, it is a Pininfarina shape and it made its US debut in one of the most glamorous of automotive settings, the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Smooth operator

In fact, its styling performs the clever trick of making this car appear smaller than it is – and on the road it shrinks around you, too.

And then there’s that purposeful V8 that powers you along, making light work of this car’s not inconsiderable mass.

Check, check and check again

But these are also complex cars with lots to go wrong, so ensure you’re satisfied everything works before parting with your money.

Not even a low-mileage example such as this is a guarantee that gremlins won’t be lurking.

That’s not to say it won’t be worth it, but one should go in with one’s eyes open.

A breath of fresh air

Still, the sunroof works! It ‘fits snugly and forms a perfect seal’, according to The Market.

We could try and shoehorn a Candle in the Wind related pun in at this point, but we won’t…

Are you ready for love?

The metallic flake finish does give the paint a lovely shine, but there’s substance to the sparkle, too.

This car seems to have been cared for throughout its 16 years and has an MoT until January 2022, albeit with some advisories.

And because it hasn’t been used much in recent times, if its winning bidder later this month wants to drive it, it would be wise to invest in a service soon after purchase.

Buyer beware

Our expert warns that the brakes on these cars offer superb stopping power, but can wear quickly, and while good examples do give great handling and effortless performance, if anything goes wrong, it could well be expensive.

So factor this into any potential bid.

A sense of occasion

That said, the evocative styling is hard to argue with and there’s a real sense of occasion when you’re behind the wheel, piloting this glamorous four-door.

Competent and charismatic – and in this case with a rather famous former owner – this is a modern classic that can offer a lot.

Making a marque

It is also a – relatively – affordable route to owning a car from this prestigious and storied manufacturer.

Maseratis have worn the ‘Quattroporte’ name for more than half a century, after all, starting with Pietro Frua’s masterpiece, so there’s much interest for the classic car enthusiast in this fifth-gen model.

Community spirit

The good news for potential enthusiast owners is that here in the UK there is great support from specialists, as well as a good club following.

So, can you be tempted?

On your marks…

This lovely-looking 2005 Maserati Quattroporte V is being offered in a no-reserve online auction with The Market, starting on Thursday 18 February and finishing a week later.

Whether or not having Sir Elton John on the V5 bothers you, this does appear to be a well-kept example.

Find out more here.