Maserati Madness

Ferrari Maserati North America (Englewood Cliffs, N.J.) has announced it quickly sold out all 60 Neiman Marcus Limited-Edition 2005 Quattroporte luxury sedans — the ones that appeared in Neiman’s Christmas Book — after going on sale via telephone on Oct. 14, 2004.

The luxury carmaker said calls began immediately at noon, and the requests for the 60 available cars were completed within three minutes. In 36 minutes, all orders were finalized.

According to Maurizio Parlato, president and ceo of Ferrari Maserati North America, the synergy between Maserati and Neiman Marcus goes well beyond the sale of its newest luxury item. “We are extremely pleased with the response of the NM Quattroporte.” he said. “Based on our experience with the Neiman Marcus ‘In Circle Rewards Program,’ we felt confident the car would be well-received, but the overwhelming demand emphasizes the bond between the Neiman Marcus customer and the Maserati driver.”

The all-new NM Maserati Quattroporte, priced at $125,000 each, was regarded as one of the more exotic fantasy gifts within Neiman’s 97-year tradition.

Each car will bear the signature of designer Sergio Pininfarina’s signature alongside its owner’s name on an individually numbered nameplate. Each one will also feature a new Bordeaux Pontevecchio metallic paint finish, unique chromed mesh-front grill and side vents and 19-inch polished wheels. Inside, the custom handcrafted interior surrounds occupants in luxurious ivory Poltrona Frau leather with bordeaux piping and mahogany wood accents.