4,930cc DOHC V8 Engine
4 Weber Carburetors
330bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Desirable 4.9-liter SS, manual shift Ghibli
*Beautifully restored inside and out
*Extensive mechanical overhaul recently completed
*One of Maserati's most iconic designs

THE MASERATI GHIBLI

A strong contender for the "most handsome car of the 1960s" title, Maserati's Ghibli debuted in coupe form at the Turin Motor Show in November 1966. Styled at Carrozzeria Ghia by Giorgetto Giugiaro and named after a Sahara Desert wind, the Ghibli rivaled the Ferrari Daytona for straight-line performance - its top speed was close to 275km/h (170mph) - while beating it for price. More than 4.5m long and 1.8m wide, the Ghibli occupied an inordinate amount of space for a mere two-seater, but perhaps the most startling aspect of its appearance was the height, or rather the lack of it.

Dry-sump lubrication enabled the engine to be mounted deep in the chassis, permitting a low bonnet line, while limited suspension travel ensured that the tires did not foul the wheel arches. The roofline fell away from the top of the steeply raked windscreen to the chopped-off tail, Giugiaro thus achieving a cabin lower than that of almost all the Ghibli's contemporaries, albeit one with restricted headroom for rear passengers.

Like the contemporary Mexico 2+2, the Ghibli used a shortened version of the Quattroporte saloon's tubular steel chassis in its live rear axle form. In preference to the more complex suspension designs favored by its rivals, the Ghibli used leaf springs and a single locating arm, a much more easily maintained arrangement.

The power unit was Maserati's powerful, four-cam, 90-degree V8, an engine derived from that of the 450S sports racer and first seen in road-going guise in the 5000GT. This was used in 4.7-liter form up to 1970 when it was superseded by the 4.9-liter SS version in order to meet ever more stringent emission laws. The gain in horsepower was minimal, but in either case performance was stunning, with 160km/h (100mph) attainable in under 16 seconds. This neck-snapping acceleration resulted from the V8's enormous torque, which made the Ghibli one of the most flexible and easy-to-drive GTs of its era. One of the most stunning sports cars ever made, the Ghibli was a worthy rival for the Ferrari Daytona and represents exceptional value for money today, just as it did 40 years ago.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This Maserati Ghibli Coupe boasts the 330HP 4.9L V8 fed by four Weber 48 carburetors and is one of just 392 examples built with a 5-speed manual ZF transmission. Documentation shows that this car, chassis 2152, was built on April 24, 1971. The first owner is not recorded, but ultimately, the car was sent to the U.S. to be delivered to its first owner in the state of Florida. This 4.9 SS Ghibli was originally painted with the exterior color Celeste Chiaro (Light blue) over a white leather interior.

Inside of this Ghibli, remarkable visibility, fantastic seating position, and an easy entry allow for extreme driver's comfort, along with the amenities of an adjustable steering wheel, adjustable seats, air conditioning, and electric windows. Mechanically, the car features independent front suspension, coil springs, double wishbone suspension, an anti-roll bar, rigid axle with radius arms, and 4-wheel hydraulic disk brakes.

Presented today in restored condition, this Ghibli wears a beautiful red exterior over beige leather interior. It's unclear when this Ghibli was restored, but its handsome condition shows that the car has been well cared for since. More recently in 2017, the car was given a mechanical overhaul as outlined in invoices. Repairs included replacing the front control arms and ancillary suspension components, a fuel system cleaning which involved replacing the fuel lines, fuel pump, and a carburetor rebuild, new calipers and a brake system flush, and finally, an engine tuning. Although the Ghibli is propelled by a period correct 4.9 type engine just four digits off the original unit, it is not the original one to the car.

The Maserati was gifted with a beautifully iconic design that rivaled its Ferrari and Lamborghini counterparts. Its pop-up headlights were unique and in vogue while its wide grille enhanced the Ghibli's already wide look, and the Kamm tail fastback added drama to an already dramatic design. This Ghibli is a chance to own a special sports car that truly stands out among its peers as one of the finest examples of the model available today.