1977 Maserati Merak pictures and wallpaper

1977 Maserati Merak news, pictures, and information

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SS Coupe
Chassis Num: AM122US2238

Alessandro DeTomaso, with assistance from the Italian Government, purchased the Maserati Automobile Company from Citroen in 1975. This purchase made the Maserati company an Italian company once again. With the purchase, several changes were made to the cars that were already in production. For the Merak, this meant that the complex hydraulic suspension and brake system was eliminated and switched with a more reliable setup consisting of conventional coil-over shock and A-frames. A ZF transmission, also found in the Ford GT, was added.

The continued development throughout the years to the Merak resulted in the SS version. Improvements throughout the vehicle, both mechanically and aesthetically, resulted in a weight reduction of over 300 pounds. The hydraulic headlight door servos were replaced with simple electric motors, aiding in reducing the overall weight. Mounted mid-ship was a more potent three-liter engine which now offered 220 horsepower. Top speed was around 140 mph and this was with reasonable fuel consumption at any speed.

This example has traveled less than 25,000 miles since new. It spent most of its earlier life in Texas and as such, is fitted with air conditioning. The interior is original and features tobacco leather. It has been given a bare-metal re-spay to Concours standards in the original Bright White livery.

In 2008, this Merak SS 2+2 Coupe was offered for sale at the Hilton Head Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. It had an estimated value of $35,000 - $45,000. As the gavel fell for the third and final time, bidding had reached $31,900 including buyer's premium. Since there was no reserve on the vehicle, the lot was sold.

The Maserati Merak was essential a study in the art of producing a super-car on a budget. The Merak shared many design similarities to the Bora, Maserati's other super-car during this time. The engine and gearbox were supplied by Citroen, a French automobile manufacturer and major stakeholder of Maserati.

The interior of the car was also influenced by Citroen. However, in 1975 the interior dash was redesigned to eliminate some of the frustations caused by the hard-to-read gauges and too many warning lights. A new engine was introduced which increased the displacement to 3.0 liters. Weber 44DCNF were now used.

In 1977 the Bora production ceased. The Merak was now the only super-car being produced by Maserati. The interior was once again updated and a new badge, the Merak SS, adorned the car. Due to US introduction of the Merak, an electric motor was used in-place of the hydraulic system that controled the headlight raising.

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