• Iconic Italian Gran Turismo
• Maserati Classiche certified
• Bodywork restored 1999-2003
• Restoration invoices available

Unquestionably one of the most beautiful cars of the 1960s, Maserati's sensational Ghibli debuted in coupé form at the Turin Motor Show in November 1966. Styled at Carrozzeria Ghia by maestro Giorgetto Giugiaro and named after a Sahara Desert wind, the Ghibli rivalled the Ferrari Daytona for straight-line performance - its top speed was close to 170mph (275km/h) - while beating it for price and, arguably, looks. More than 4.5m long and 1.8m wide, the Ghibli occupied an inordinate amount of space for a mere two-seater. 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 tyres did not foul the wheelarches. The roofline fell away from the top of the steeply raked windscreen to the chopped-off tail, Giugario thus achieving a cabin lower than that of almost all the Ghibli's contemporaries.

The Ghibli used a shortened version of the Quattroporte saloon's tubular steel chassis in its live-rear-axle form, while the power unit was Maserati's venerable, four-cam, 90-degree V8, an engine derived from that of the 450S sports-racer and first seen in road-going guise in the legendary 5000GT. This was used in 4.7-litre form up to 1970 when it was superseded by the 4.9-litre 'SS' version in order to meet ever more stringent emissions laws. The gain in horsepower was minimal but in either case performance was stunning, with 100mph (160km/h) attainable in under 16 seconds. Ghibli production ceased in 1973 after approximately 1,149 coupé and 125 spyder models had been built.

This example comes with the full Maserati Classiche box containing original specifications; copy of the user's manual; spare parts list; and a guide of the differences between the different models. Also on file are numerous bills dating from 1999-2003 issued by European Classic and Sports Cars in Richmond, Virginia, USA for dismantling most of the car; some corrosion repairs; welding and sanding; paint preparation and respray; and reassembly of the dismantled items. Refinished in yellow with black interior, the Maserati was then imported into Germany and registered a resident of Hannover.

Used infrequently since its acquisition by the Keller Brothers' Collection, the Ghibli has not been driven for the best part of seven years. It has now been run by our mechanic but will need thorough mechanical recommissioning following a period of static display before returning to the road. The car comes with cancelled German registration documents; old TüV reports; copies of the aforementioned invoices; and confirmation of Swiss taxes paid.

Please note that, subject to acceptance by Belgian Customs as a qualifying collector's vehicle, if this vehicle is imported and remains in Belgium it will benefit from 0% Import Duty and the reduced Belgian Import VAT rate of 6%. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, import rates and VAT treatment may vary if the vehicle is imported into another EU Member State. An administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Car Department or our recommended shippers.