LOT 133
1972 Maserati Ghibli SS 4.9 Coupe Coachwork by Ghia Chassis no. AM115/49/2338
Estimate: US$140,000 - US$180,000
Lot 133
1972 Maserati Ghibli SS 4.9 Coupe
1972 Maserati Ghibli SS 4.9 Coupe
Coachwork by Ghia
Chassis no. AM115/49/2338
Coachwork by Ghia
Chassis no. AM115/49/2338
4,930cc DOHC V-8 Engine
4 Weber 42DCNF/11 Downdraft Carburetors
330bhp 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 425 Ghibli SS Coupes produced
*Attractive metallic burgundy over tan leather
*Desirable 4.9-liter, manual gearbox specification
*Equipped with air conditioning, power steering, and Becker Europa
*Borrani wire wheels
*Honest and well-preserved condition
*Previously in long-term ownership
*Original owner's manual included
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 the 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 Carrozzeria 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 adding additional bracing to suit the big GT car. 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, initially producing 310 horsepower. After 1970, Maserati bumped displacement to 4.9-liters for the Ghibli SS, which upped output to a healthy 330bhp to overcome stricter emissions requirements. With its sonorous, 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 and ultimately 1,149 coupes and 128 spiders were sold, and they are among the most eminently desirable production Maseratis.
THE CAR OFFERED
Chassis number AM115/49/2338 is one of 425 coupes built to the improved 4.9-liter SS specifications. An honest and well-preserved car, it is very well equipped with desirable features including power steering, air conditioning, Becker radio, Borrani wire wheels, and the all-important 5-speed manual gearbox, ensuring maximum driving enjoyment. A registration slip on file shows it was owned by Mr. Ronald Gifford of Norwalk, California in 1983. Notes in the Maserati Ghibli Registry reveal a subsequent owner acquired it in the early 1990s from Don Williams of the Imperial Palace Collection in Las Vegas. The owner, a young man at the time, had perhaps bitten off more than he could chew with his exotic Italian GT, and was forced to sell it when it came due for service. The car was reportedly sold to Texas and was reportedly in long-term ownership before being acquired by the consignor.
Finished in metallic burgundy and fitted with factory-type wire wheels, this Ghibli SS is an honest, attractive, and well-preserved car that invites regular driving. The cabin, trimmed in tan leather and accented with deep maroon carpets is particularly inviting, displaying a pleasant patina earned through care and use. Electric windows, air conditioning, power steering, and a Becker Europa ensure you arrive at your destination unfussed and in impeccable style.
The Maserati Ghibli is renowned for its long-legged, mile crushing performance, and this ultimate-spec 4.9-liter SS is a great example that will have you reaching for the keys at every opportunity to crack open the throttles on its sonorous quad-cam V8.
Additional information
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