Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 46
1970 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Spider Coachwork by Ghia Chassis no. AM115/S/1185 Engine no. AM115/S/1185
Sold for US$596,250 inc. premium
Lot 46
1970 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Spider
1970 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Spider
Coachwork by Ghia
Chassis no. AM115/S/1185
Engine no. AM115/S/1185
Coachwork by Ghia
Chassis no. AM115/S/1185
Engine no. AM115/S/1185
4,719cc DOHC V-8 Engine
4 Weber 42 DCNF/9 Downdraft Carburetors
310bhp at 5,500 rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Coil Spring Suspension, Live Rear Axle with Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Ventilated Disc Brakes
*One of 82 4.7-liter Ghibli Spiders produced
*Matching-numbers engine, documented with Maserati Classiche Certificate
*Desirable 5-speed manual, air conditioning, and power steering
*Beautifully presented in light metallic blue over black Connolly hides
*Includes factory hard top, sets Campagnolo alloy and Borranis wire wheels, original books, and numerous spares
THE MASERATI GHIBLI
At the 1966 edition of the annual Turin Motor Show, Maserati unveiled their striking new flagship grand tourer set to replace both the Mistral and boutique-spec 5000 GT. Staying on theme from Mistral before it, the Ghibli got its name from a hot Saharan wind. The imposing V8-powered two-seater was easily one of the stars of the show, graced with enormous presence thanks to taut, purposeful styling by the maestro, Giorgetto Giugiaro working for Ghia. Notably removed from the curvaceous designs of the early 60s, the new Ghibli signaled a significant shift in design language with its crisp lines, wedge-shaped profiles, and hidden headlights showing the way of the future.
Maserati was still an independent firm, and to kept costs in check, engineers utilized the Quattroporte and Mexico's architecture with the Ghibli, altering the wheelbase and tuning to suit. Power came from Maserati's superb 4.7-liter four-cam V8, derived from the fearsome 450S sports racer, first seen in road-going guise in the exclusive 5000 GT. In the Ghibli, the V8 utilized dry-sump lubrication and four downdraft Weber DCNL (later, DCNF) carburetors, producing 310-335 horsepower depending on specification. With its torque rich V8 and available options such as air conditioning, power steering, and even an automatic gearbox, the Ghibli was a sophisticated, high-performance Gran Turismo with performance on par with the Ferrari Daytona and De Tomaso Pantera, but with welcome levels of refinement and practicality.
Those who experienced the Ghibli were immediately struck by its exceptional performance. Henry Ford II was one lucky owner, and it is said that he was so taken by it that he tried to buy the company! Even the man who designed it, Giorgetto Giugiaro, was particularly fond of his creation, lamenting that the Ghibli was the only car he regretted not owning in his career.
Maserati initially set its sights at just 100 cars, but the orders kept coming. A very limited production open-topped spider was added to the range in 1969 for those wanting even greater exclusivity and a wind-in-the-hair experience. Maserati ultimately produced 1,149 coupes and 128 spiders. According to the factory archive, Spider production consisted of 82 4.7-liter cars, and 46 4.9-liter "SS" models.
THE CAR OFFERED
As one of only 128 examples produced, the Ghibli Spider is an exceptionally rare piece of Italian Gran Touring royalty. The car offered, chassis number AM115/S/1185 is an original factory-built Spider, documented with numbers-matching engine. It is one of 56 chassis built with a 4.7-liter engine and 5-speed manual gearbox. According to Maserati Classiche records, this USA-market chassis was ordered in April 1970 and completed in July 1970, finished in Argento Auteuil (metallic silver), over black Connolly leather trim. The impressive spec sheet includes desirable options including the 5-speed manual, Borrani wire wheels, Becker Grand Prix stereo, electric aerial, power steering, and a color-matched removable hardtop.
The car was delivered to the US East Coast Maserati importers, Foreign Car City, Inc of West Nyack, New York. The earliest history is not documented, although it is believed the car underwent an initial cosmetic restoration in the 1990s, where it was refinished in red over a black interior. Subsequent records pick up in the early 2000s showing ownership in Arizona and Washington State. By 2003, the car was owned by Italian car enthusiast Mr. Bob Gett of Sudbury, Massachusetts. He entrusted it to the respected team at KTR European Motorsports in nearby Ayer, Massachusetts, where it received comprehensive mechanical servicing and sorting. The owner enjoyed it at events such as the New England 1000 and Copperstate 1000, where the long-legged V8 surely excelled. The Bonhams sold the Ghibli Spider to it's next owner in 2008, remaining on the East Coast with a prominent collector from Pound Ridge, New York. Records show the car received regular care and maintenance with area specialists during that owner's tenure.
In more recent years, the Ghibli was treated to additional refurbishment work including a full repaint in a beautiful shade of light metallic blue over black Connolly leather interior and the addition of factory alloy wheels. Receipts on file show extensive service and detailing work performed in 2021 and 2022 by Team CJ Works of Austin, Texas.
As offered, this wonderful Ghibli is well-sorted and suitable for rallies, events, and regional concours events that best highlight its beauty and exceptional performance. A recent test drive by a Bonhams|Cars specialist found the Spider to be on the button, firing up immediately and accelerating away with gusto. Accompanying accessories and spares include the exceedingly rare original factory hardtop (color matched), a set of four original Borrani RW4198 15" x 6.5" wire wheels, original books and manuals, jack bag, Maserati Classiche certificates of origin, Becker stereo, and more.
This breathtaking Ghibli Spider is a poster child of 70s Italian supercars, renowned today as it was when new for effortless performance and impeccable design.
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