1977 Maserati Merak Coupe

Maserati in the mid-1970s, under Citroen control, needed a mid-engine supercar hence the Bora with their big V8 and the Merak with a new 3-liter V6, an engine also used in Citroen's front-wheel drive 'big car', the M. Giorgetto Giugiaro, Ital Design, designed a single body for both cars. The major difference between the two was the glassed-in engine cover for the Bora versus 'flat' for the Merak, with two exposed rails. The shorter V6 allowed two 'almost' rear seats in the Merak. Citroen sold Maserati to Alejandro de Tomaso in 1975, who then upgraded the horsepower from 187 to 217 making it the SS.

Maserati Merak production started in 1972 and finished in 1982. The Merak/Bora was fundamental to the brand owner's strategy; history says that Citroen didn't do any better making Maserati a success, however. But that does not alter the success of the Merak SS as a car for serious drivers. The Merak SS has 220 horsepower from its 3-liter V6.