1983 Maserati Merak SS Berlinetta

• Rare right-hand drive model
• Present ownership since 2008
• Extensively restored by McGrath Maserati and James E Pearce (bills available)
• Only some 700 miles since acquisition

Maserati followed-up its first mid-engined supercar - the Bora - with the similar Merak. Launched in 1972, the latter was intended as competition for Ferrari's top-selling Dino 246 and used a stretched, 3-litre, 190bhp version of the Citroen SM's four-cam V6. The French firm owned Maserati at the time, so the Merak made use of the SM's transmission and power-operated, all-disc braking. Competition from Ferrari's new Dino V8 prompted the introduction of a more powerful version - the Merak SS with 220bhp engine and revised, more conventional interior - for 1975, ZF transmission being adopted shortly after. The most successful Maserati of its day, the Merak ceased production in 1983 after 1,832 examples had been built.

This right-hand drive Merak SS was offered from a deceased's estate at Bonhams' sale at the RAF Museum, Hendon in April 2008 (Lot 544) where it was purchased by the current vendor. The deceased owner had purchased the Merak at an auction in May 1992. The recorded mileage at that time was 42,313 and in 2008 the total was 42,663, suggesting that the car had spent most of the intervening 16 years off the road. Its mechanical condition was not known.

In 2019 the Merak was sent to McGrath Maserati for various mechanical works including engine and gearbox removal; engine strip and rebuild; new clutch; carburettor rebuild; rectification of various electrical issues; repairs to steering rack; and refitting engine and gearbox. The car was sent to a bodyshop for corrosion repairs and repaint. Related bills and photographs on file total circa £25,000. In addition, the interior was re-trimmed and various fabrications carried out by James E Pearce of Wisborough Green between 2017-2019 at a cost of £30,000 (see photographs of work done).

Since its acquisition in 2008 the car has covered only some 700 miles. A replacement speedometer was fitted during the restoration (in 2011). Supplied via McGrath Maserati, the replacement odometer was showing circa 49,300 miles and the car's original broken odometer was showing circa 43,500 miles (not too far out but the actual mileage covered is circa 6,000 less than that recorded). MoTs dating back to 2009 are on file. Please note that the cherished plate '1 RJW' is being retained. It is expected that the car's original number 'PBD 391Y' will have been reinstated by time of sale.