1971 Maserati Ghibli Coupe

Maserati introduced their Ghibli at the 1966 Turin Motor Show. When it entered production, it soon outsold its two biggest rivals, the Ferrari Daytona and the Lamborghini Miura. The Ghibli wore a design courtesy of Giorgetto Giugiaro, who was working at Ghia. It was low, with a tubular steel chassis and measured 6 feet wide and 15 feet long. The back swept back form a low full-width grille with pop-headlights to a steeply angled windshield and fastback roof with a Kamm tail. The GT was given a five-speed ZF manual gearbox, twin 13-gallon fuel tanks (good for 300 mile range), leather upholstery, electric windows, reclining seats with head rests, a heated rear windscreen, air conditioning, and an adjustable steering column.

An updated model known as the SS was offered from 1969 to 1973. Power came from an engine with a new dry sump design, which had been devised in order to accommodate the low hood line of the sleek coupe. The 4.9-liter V8 engine offered 335 horsepower and could carry the car to a top speed of 170 mph. Braking was managed by two twin-servo assisted ventilated disc brakes with three pistons per caliper.

The current owner has owned this example for 38 years. He acquired it through a broker in Orlando, Florida in 1976. At the time, the odometer showed 35,000 miles. The new owner drove it regularly for about 12,000 miles until 1979. After that it was put into storage prior to being given a lengthy restoration. The car was completely rebuilt mechanically, with the engine and transmission overhauled by an Italian automobile specialist in the late 1980s. Work was done to the suspension, brakes, and steering. A new exhaust was fitted, and the Campagnolo alloy wheels were polished around that time as well.

The silver blue exterior color was changed to Maserati Red. The white leather interior was reupholstered in a saddle tan color, with Connolly hides shipped from London. The car was re-wired, and the original Blaupunkt radio was rebuilt.

The car rides on the correct Michelin XWX tires. The restoration work was completed in 2011 and since that time the car has been driven about 600 miles.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2013