Our last Rare Ride was a true bespoke vehicle — a one-of-one Rolls-Royce coupe which drew mixed opinions from our readers. But we’ll have none of that today, as I expect only passionate and flair-y discussion once you’ve reviewed this beautiful Maserati Touring Bellagio Fastback.
Prepare yourselves.
The elegantly named Bellagio Fastback was constructed from a standard 2009 Maserati Quattroporte sedan, with design and construction executed by Superleggera Touring.
The company decided to make four examples of the shooting brake, breaking from the Italian tradition of completely ignoring British people and the wagon-type things they create from their inferior British-Leyland vehicles or whatever. The vehicle was ordered by Italian financier and ex-Ducati president Dr. Carlo Bonomi for use around his Italian estate.
And might I say, Dr. Bonomi has excellent taste. Finished in a dark metallic green, the overall look here is one of style and substance. While the standard Quattroporte in its first generation was quite a looker, surely this wagon will get gawks of admiration from the plebs as you growl past.
And growl you will, because the 4.2-liter V8 engine familiar to many other Maserati models is still present.
Another vehicle highlight is the sexy wheels: color-matched Borrani Bimetals. I can’t think of a more suitable wheel choice for this vehicle.
Interior accommodations have received an upgrade here as well. The rear seats recline due to the available space in the luggage area, and there is a champagne cooler back there as well.
Sticking to functionality concerns, there’s a removable dog barrier and a concealed compartment to house a pair of shotguns. In summation: this Italian custom-built V8 wagon is for drinking, shotguns, and your dog. Are you on board yet?
This example is not currently for sale, so you’ll have to track down one of the other three. RM Sotheby’s (do I know someone who works there now?) auctioned the car in 2013 for just over $131,000 USD.
[Images: RM Sotheby’s via Classic Driver]
“Finished in a dark metallic green”
“there’s a removable dog barrier and a concealed compartment to house a pair of shotguns”
Too British-y!
4.5/10
It should be red, have a political party and communism barrier, and a compartment for spaghetti. You’re right.
Italian elites have a reputation for being Anglophiles, so that is not particularly surprising.
I use to take my A3 on hunting trips, much to the enjoyment of my pickup and Jeep driving buddies. If only I could of had this “shooting brake.”
It is ugly!!!
Get some glasses!!!
I like this; it reminds me of a Jensen Interceptor.
My lord, this a thousand times.
Despite having a larger than it should grille, it still manages to avoid looking like Moby Dick (unlike everything else these days).
I dunno, right over the rear wheels it looks bulkier than it needs to be The should have tried to maintain about the same proportions as the front fender tops and wheel openings. It just adds to much bulk like they really wanted to emphasize the hips.
How do you say five door butt plug in Italian? Not because of this car mind you, I’m just curious how you say it.
Sughero nel culo con cinque porte.
Drool, drool.
I can picture you in this!
Good, because some buddies and I are planning a heist. I’ll be driving it by tomorrow.
That’s so Italian of you. An Italian job, as it were.
I think the small white heritage I have in my family is Italian and Irish, and neither country is known for its scruples or decorum. So that makes sense, then.
I dunno. As a Buick, this would be awesome. As a Maserati, I just can’t get myself to like it as much as I should.
Whenever I see a Quattroporte the side view port holes and front view grill I think top of the line Buick. A new Park Avenue.
This wagon looks much better than the seemingly too long, somewhat sausage shaped, sedan ever did. Heck, it even has bling-rims that manage to look classy. I’d feel mighty dapper tearing around Piemonte, filling the boot with Barolo, in this thing…
Worlds most expensive hatchback.
I think the Panamera beats it.
Ferrari FF/GTC4 Lusso disagrees….
I kind of like it in a weird way. However, the green color and the those dreadful wheels have to go. Silver, and standard wheels would have really made this beauty stand out.
That leather upholstery is luscious.
The rest? Uh…
Hideous.
All right Corey. Excommunicate me.
Did I mention hideous?
I think I saw this unit on the latest episode of “River Monsters”
Religious jail! For thou has had words against the Italian rear-drive V8 wagon!
That would make a fine outdoor paperweight
I kind of agree. It needs more lift. And 4wd. Unless you are so rich your estate has a paved roads and very even gradients.
Also the bar fridge looks like a leather clad Coleman.
Overfinch, the Land Rover outfitters do it better as far as shotguns, fine woodwork, leather and liquor goes…
It is a silly car. I love it.
Oh god that is gorgeous. The first gen Quattroporte is a stunning car. Today’s still looks good, but its not as much of an exotic now that Ghibli’s are running around everywhere.
Clearly this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I love it!