| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1987 |
| Production Years: | 1985 - 1994 discontinued in 1994 |
The Maserati 420/430 represents a quintessential luxury sedan from the Italian automaker, produced between 1985 and 1994. This generation includes both the 420 and 430 models, continuing Maserati’s tradition of combining high performance with elegant design and comfortable interiors. Known for its classic Italian styling, the 420/430 was designed to appeal to enthusiasts of luxury sedans seeking a blend of exclusivity and driving dynamics.
As a sedan, the Maserati 420/430 fits within the full-size vehicle segment typical of the late 1980s and early 1990s, offering ample interior space and refined comfort. Though specific dimension details vary slightly between the 420 and 430, these vehicles generally exhibit balanced proportions suitable for both city driving and longer tours. The length typically hovers around the mid to large sedan category, complemented by widths and heights that provide a stable stance without excessive bulk.
Under the hood, Maserati equipped the 420/430 with powerful engines emphasizing smooth delivery and spirited driving. While exact engine specifications can differ, the vehicles often feature V8 engine options aligning with Maserati’s haute performance identity of the period. Combined with rear-wheel drive, the 420/430 delivers a driving experience that remains engaging decades after production ended.
The production span from 1985 to 1994 marks a notable era in Maserati’s history, bridging traditional craftsmanship with emerging automotive technologies of the time. Drivers of the 420/430 enjoy a sedan that reflects the heritage of Italian luxury motoring, exhibiting timeless aesthetics and underlying mechanical sophistication.
Overall, the Maserati 420/430 sedan stands out as a prestigious vehicle from the late 20th century, offering a precise combination of size, power, and Italian styling elegance. Whether considered from a collector’s perspective or as a classic example of 1980s and early 1990s automotive design, it remains a significant chapter in Maserati’s storied production history.
Discover the standout features that make the 1987 Maserati 420/430 a leader in its class
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The Maserati 420/430 Sedan from the period 1985 to 1994 features a length of approximately 4,930 mm (194.1 inches), a width of around 1,750 mm (68.9 inches), and a height near 1,390 mm (54.7 inches). These dimensions reflect its status as a mid-size luxury sedan combining Italian design flair with performance engineering. The size offered a balanced footprint for urban usability and comfortable interior space while maintaining a sporty stance characteristic of Maserati during that era.
The curb weight of the Maserati 420/430 Sedan typically ranges near 1,500 to 1,600 kg (3,307 to 3,527 lbs), depending on model variant and equipment. This moderately heavy weight for its class reflects the solid construction and inclusion of luxurious and performance components. The weight influences handling dynamics, contributing to a stable yet responsive driving experience. Cargo and passenger load considerations also account for this weight, balancing comfort with sporty performance.
Yes, the dimensions of the Maserati 420/430 Sedan allow it to fit comfortably within a standard residential garage. A typical single-car garage measures approximately 2,400 mm to 2,700 mm in width (7.9 to 8.9 feet) and about 4,800 mm to 6,000 mm in length (15.7 to 19.6 feet). With the 420/430 being about 4,930 mm (194.1 inches) long and 1,750 mm (68.9 inches) wide, it fits well within these parameters, providing enough clearance for opening doors and maneuvering without much difficulty.
When comparing the Maserati 420/430 Sedan to its predecessor—the Maserati Quattroporte III—the 420/430 generally presents a sleeker and more modern design with slightly altered dimensions. The Quattroporte III was longer and bulkier, measuring roughly 5,045 mm in length and 1,830 mm in width, which was slightly larger than the 420/430’s more compact 4,930 mm length and 1,750 mm width. This dimensional shift represented Maserati's move towards a more agile and sportier sedan while maintaining luxury. The 420/430’s reduced size helped improve maneuverability without sacrificing interior space significantly.
The Maserati 420/430 Sedan comfortably accommodates five passengers, featuring a traditional 2+3 seating layout common to luxury sedans of its era. Interior cabin space provides ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, enhanced by the car's relatively wide body of 1,750 mm (68.9 inches). The design focuses on luxury and driver engagement with high-quality materials and ergonomic controls. Though sport-oriented, the sedan maintains a balance between driving pleasure and passenger comfort for medium to long-distance travel.
In comparison to similar luxury sedans from the late 1980s and early 1990s—such as the BMW 7 Series E32 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126—the Maserati 420/430 was somewhat smaller. For example, the BMW 7 Series E32 measured approximately 4,935 mm (194.3 inches) in length and 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) in width, and the Mercedes S-Class W126 had a length up to 5,140 mm (202.4 inches). The 420/430’s more compact footprint reflected Maserati's emphasis on sportier handling characteristics while still delivering luxury, setting it apart from the heavier and larger German sedans of the time.
The Maserati 420/430 Sedan features a wheelbase of approximately 2,700 mm (106.3 inches). This wheelbase length strikes a balance between providing sufficient interior space, especially for rear passengers, and delivering responsive handling suited for performance-oriented driving. A longer wheelbase often improves ride comfort and cabin space, but the slightly moderate 2,700 mm length helps maintain nimble and sharp driving dynamics which Maserati valued. It’s a key factor in the car’s identity as both a luxury and performance sedan.
The Maserati 420/430 stands at approximately 1,390 mm (54.7 inches) tall, reflecting a low-slung and sporty silhouette. This relatively low height enhances aerodynamic efficiency and contributes to the car’s athletic stance on the road. Ground clearance for the 420/430 is generally modest, typical of sport sedans, balancing road-hugging stability with everyday usability on standard roads. This configuration supports agile handling while maintaining enough clearance to navigate urban environments without frequent scrapes.
While exact trunk capacity figures for the Maserati 420/430 are less commonly documented, luxury sedans of its class and era typically offered moderate boot space suitable for daily use and weekend luggage. The design prioritizes passenger comfort and performance, so cargo space is sufficient but not oversized—usually around 400 to 450 liters (14.1 to 15.9 cubic feet). This volume accommodates typical suitcases, groceries, or sports equipment well but is less than that in larger executive sedans, emphasizing the car’s sporty and luxurious focus rather than maximum cargo utility.
The Maserati 420/430 stands out among luxury sedans of the late 1980s and early 1990s by blending Italian design flair and sportiness with executive-level comfort. Dimensionally, it positioned itself as slightly more compact and agile than many German rivals, emphasizing performance and driving dynamics. Its lower height and moderate width contributed to a sleeker, more sculpted appearance. Unlike bulkier competitors, the 420/430 focused on a dynamic driving experience without sacrificing luxury appointments—an embodiment of Maserati’s tradition to fuse exclusivity, style, and sportiness in a sedan format.
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