Fabulously Presented 1971 Maserati Ghibli Joins the Ever Growing Line Up of Incredible Offerings at Russo and Steele's 3rd Annual Newport Beach Collector Automobile Auction

May 13, 2015 by Russo and Steele

Scottsdale, Arizona (May 12, 2015) – Launched at Turin in 1966, Maserati's Ghibli was appropriately named after the hot, dust-blowing wind currents of North Africa and featured handsomely tailored bodylines penned by a brilliant young Giorgetto Giugiaro for Ghia. The Ghibli's V-8 engine was a race-bred masterpiece initially displacing 4.7 liters, featuring dual-overhead camshaft and delivering 330 horsepower. Its tubular-frame chassis was derived from that of the Mexico and Quattroporte sedan. Other Ghibli features included retractable headlamps, leather sport seats, and alloy wheels, with Borrani wire-spoke wheels optional. Offered with a choice of a ZF five-speed manual or Borg-Warner automatic gearbox, the Ghibli delivered exceptional performance with acceleration from rest to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds en route to a top-end charge approaching 160 miles per hour.

Although capable of performance comparable to the spectacularly impractical Lamborghini Miura, the Ghibli was renowned for its all-around drivability and its balanced and forgiving handling, thanks to its excellent weight distribution and low center of gravity. As stated in a recent Classic & Sports Car road test, '…the truth is, you could learn to drive in this car or you could learn your racing lines in it.' Just 1,274 Ghiblis were produced and all are sought-after today.

This 1971 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Coupe has enjoyed a well-traveled life, starting in Germany and ending in Southern California. Finished in Celeste Chiaro over black Connolly leather, it is simply handsome and beautifully complemented by a set of iconic Borrani (RW-4198) wire wheels. Having enjoyed nearly $100,000 worth of restoration work during the past few years, including a recent repaint, the Ghibli's rust-free bodywork shows most admirably. All chrome trim and bright work were refinished to match, with the rubber trim and weather-stripping replaced as well. With correct finishes everywhere, it's immediately evident that marque specialists have been at work. It's more of the same inside this 4.7 Coupe, with the interior having undergone a sympathetic restoration as required. The 'mouse hair' upper-dash trim and the headliner were replaced, the sun visors were re-upholstered, and the carpeting was replaced. The seats retain perfectly mellowed Connolly leather, showing just the right amount of patina. A period-correct Becker 'Europa' radio and beautiful wood-rimmed steering wheel further this Ghibli's fabulous presentation.

The beauty is more than skin deep with this Maserati, as it has been the recipient of considerable mechanical work, including a rebuild of its matching-numbers, four-cam V8 only 3500 miles ago. The engine bay is very clean and impressively detailed. Its Borg Warner transmission is said to operate smoothly and was also rebuilt in 2008, its suspension was completely rebuilt and it has been finished off with a new Ansa exhaust. The air conditioning system has been rebuilt as well, blowing very cold for those warmer months. With extensive documentation, this Ghibli's restoration work for the past decade is catalogued and the sale of the car includes a jack with leather carrying case, a toolkit with leather carrying case, spare Borrani wire wheel, the Owner's Manual and books, as well a Certificate of Authenticity from Maserati Classiche. A truly wonderful automobile, this 1971 Maserati Ghibli exemplifies the term 'Gran Turismo' on all levels

Experience this exotic and beautiful 1971 Maserati Ghibli and the refreshing Russo and Steele difference for yourself! Our Newport Beach '15 auction takes place June 5-6-7 at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Auction previews run daily from 9:00 AM Tuesday June 3 through Sunday June 7, and be sure to contact us for advance bidder registration and accommodations. For updated information regarding our Newport Beach '15 auction and the exciting selection of featured collector automobiles we are busy assembling, visit our website at www.russoandsteele.com. For further supporting documentation, high-resolution images, or more advance information, please contact Darin Roberge at darin@russoandsteele.com.

About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions

For Enthusiasts by Enthusiasts™. It's not just a tagline – it's our lifestyle! As one of the nation's premier collector-car auction houses, Russo and Steele celebrates its 15th Anniversary in 2015 and continues to innovate, set new records, and attract clients worldwide. In addition to offering stellar collector automobiles, our thrilling 'auction in the round' experience and passion are simply not unattainable anywhere else. Auctions include our signature event in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, followed by Newport Beach, California in June, and Monterey, California in August.