Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS

Details

The late sixties was arguably one of the greatest times for sports cars manufacturers, and particularly those based in Italy. Whilst Lamborghini had its sensational mid engine Miura as its flagship, its front engine V12 cars such as the under rated Islero were also headline acts. Ferrari had its 275 series cars and then released its 365 GTB/4 Daytona in 1968. Across town Maserati was also making people stand up and take notice, particularly when its front engined flagship GT, the Ghibli, debuted at the 1966 Turin Motor Show.

The Ghibli entered production in 1967 and was a smash outselling its rivals from Ferrari and Lamborghini. In total 1,299 Ghiblis were built (1149 coupes and 150 spyders) between 1967 and 1973. The car was powered by Maseratis V8 engine available in either a 4.7 litre or 4.9 litre configuration.

The Ghibli’s steel body, renowned for its low, shark-shaped nose, was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro who was working for Ghia at the time. Today it is considered one of his greatest designs and by many one of the most beautiful cars ever built.

Over the years the comparisons in classic car magazines across the globe with the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona are ubiquitous and always make fascinating reading. Whether the comparison is by design, looks, performance, road holding or any other measure pinion is always divided. What is always unanimously agreed is that the Maserati Ghibli is fantastic value when compared to the Daytona.

We are pleased to offer a lovely 1972 Maserati Ghibli, that is a rare factory right hand drive car that has spent majority of its life in Australia. Interestingly the car is also fitted with the rare automatic transmission. This car is matching numbers and finished in its original colour scheme as confirmed by Maserati Classiche.

From Maserati Classsiche . . . “The Maserati Ghibli chassis # AM115*2496* was originally produced with 4.7 litres / carburettors engine, automatic gearbox, rhd version (it is not the last produced, but one of the last), external colour “Celeste Chiaro” (light blue), interior in blue leather. It was delivered to Maserati Importer in UK. The vehicle was produced on March 1972.”

The car is air-conditioned (and it blows cold air) and there is documentation on file noting the engine in the car is fitted with sprint camshafts.

The car has a thick history file and it was sold and first registered in the UK on 12^th May 1972. Its third owner was a Mr Peter Boyd who purchased the car in late 1976. He immigrated to Australia in 1977 bringing the car with him and selling it soon after to a Mr John Petrie in Sydney. In Mr Petrie’s ownership there is documentation on file noting the mileage as 44,000 miles (genuine). Its next owner is understood to have been a Mr Luciano in Melbourne who had the car for a number of years before it was acquired by Terry Healy from Oldtimer Australia. Terry regularly used the car, and for some time as a daily driver before selling it to its current owner in early 1998. At that time the odometer was showing ~ 62,000 miles.

The current owner has continued to improve the condition of the car during his ownership. The engine was rebuilt back in 1999 and subsequently the transmission, differential and suspension have also been rebuilt in recent years.

Back in June 2011 the car had a major service including the top end and carburettors and within the last six months the front of the car has essentially been rewired.

Today the odometer reads 66,808 miles.

This is a great car to drive. It’s tight on the road with no rattles or squeaks and everything works as it should. Mechanically everything has been rebuilt or refurbished within the last 6,000 miles. The car presents beautifully and is ready for its new owner to enjoy.

 

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