PAPUA New Guinea is under increasing fire after spending $9.2 million on 43 luxury cars to transport international government leaders last weekend at its Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

The expense is part of the estimated $500 million allocated by the PNG government to host the summit.

In addition to the price paid to private contractors for the cars, PNG air freighted the vehicles – 40 Maserati Quattroportes and three Bentley Flying Spurs – into the country direct from the factories, which is believed to have added about $500,000 to the bill.

Maserati in Australia had no comment on the use of the Maserati cars other than it did not involve the Australian distributor or dealers.

The Maseratis are right-hand-drive Quattroporte GranLusso turbo-diesel sedans but do not have Australian compliance.

The price for the Maseratis is about $200,000 each with the Bentleys at $400,000 each. PNG is now looking to sell the cars to recoup the cost, offering them free of tax to PNG residents.

The take-up is not expected to be instant. PNG is the poorest of the 21-member APEC countries and has reportedly been seeking foreign aid, including for medical equipment to combat a polio outbreak.

Bad news for interested Australian buyers is that the cars cannot be sold into Australia but may be able to be placed on the New Zealand used-car market.

A one-year-old Quattroporte diesel on the New Zealand classified market this week was advertised for $NZ92,990 ($A87,250).

By Neil Dowling