The pictures speak for themselves. First the color itself:
After a few coats, a clear top coat is applied, rubbed down and polished:
As is probably apparent from the pictures, the color is quite different from what she came in with, which was a purplish blue from a respray in the USA many years ago. This is the 1980 model year correct Maserati “Blu Sera metalizzato” that the car came with originally. It’s quite close to the 5000GT color, although the metallic flakes appear a bit larger, giving a livelier impression. On a car this size, that’s a good thing.
I’d love to hear what you think of the color – thumbs up? Thumbs down? What’s your opinion of the color? Does it suit the car? What color do you think works best on this car, and why? Comments are open!
Awesome pics. Congrats on getting that far. They look so different after paint.
The color certainly does change the entire look of the car, I agree. Her lines looked very crisp and clean in primer, and became much more flowing and organic after the color went on. I can’t wait to see the results after all the trim is back on the car, it too makes quite a difference.
I would bet she looks epic with the trim on n lots of chrome.
I hope that I can take my QPIII even close to this far in terms of restoration. Its great to see
one restored and not sent to the crusher like so many…….Tom
I think this color perfectly suits the car, and as good as a “tuxedo” QP looks (and there are many), this one tops it. Nice work.
Thanks Chad,
I was really doing a lot of research to see if the color would work with the car and interior, I wanted a combination that would “pop”. It seems I got a good match!
This is by far the best color for a QP3.
Thanks! I like it too (obviously). There is a dark bronze that looks really sharp, as well as a medium dark grey. The burgundy red looks good on this car too, but in the end I stuck with the original, which I think really contrasts nicely with the interior and brightwork.
Hey. Looking good. Both my cars are still there! Need to renew some funds and get a move on. Yours is looking good though. I want the lights….. Also what parts did you need for the Euro bumper conversion. Basically you need the entire front light set up from a wrecked euro car right?
Hi William,
great to hear from you, thanks for your comment.
The Euro bumper conversion requires the front mounting posts cut down, the side “bumperette” mounting points on the body moved back by 25mm (1″), and the US bumper slightly modified (it has a rubber flap molded into the upper part that extends past the top chrome trim, in order to visually cover the gap that would otherwise be there. The flap needs to be removed for the Euro treatment). The rear mounting posts also need cutting down, but not the side mounting points on the body, as the rear side bumperettes have added mounting points to allow for US/EU adjustment.
As far as the lights go, to convert to the Euro lights you need the entire front light panel including mounting templates (metal squares that bolt onto the body and to which the lights are attached), bezels, headlamps with bulb holders and chrome trim. The front panel on the car is almost the same between US/EU versions, but there was a little bit of fettling needed to get it all to fit.
Obviously since you’re in the UK, you’ll need headlamps that are focused the “other” way compared to the rest of the world, to avoid blinding oncoming motorists. The rest should be the same.
The higher output lighting system is a combination of better bulbs along with a relay kit, both sold by Daniel Stern Lighting. It’s priced quite reasonably and is all of high quality.
My lights on the 86 and 81 are Euro already so just need the lighting improvement. But I would be tempted to do the 85 if I keep it and can find a wrecked Euro version…..