1970 Maserati Ghibli Convertible

The 1960s saw the introduction of several important, trend-setting supercars including the Miura, introduced at Geneva in 1966; the Ghibli, introduced at the Turin Motor show in late 1966 and the Daytona, introduced at the Paris Auto Salon in 1968.

The Maserati Ghibli wore a design courtesy of Giorgetto Giugiaro while working for Ghia. Production began with a fastback coupe in April of 1967 and was joined by a spyder in 1969. It was named after a Sahara Desert wind and featured a long and sleek hood line, a compact cabin and a cut-off Kamm tail rear. Its height was just five inches taller than a Ford GT40. The dry-sump lubrication system enabled the engine to be mounted deep in the chassis, allowing the low hood line. The race-bred, 4719-cubic centimeter V8 engine featured two chain-driven camshafts per cylinder bank and offered 330 horsepower. The ZF five-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential helped deliver that power to the rear wheels.

1,149 coupes and just 125 Spyders were built. When new, the Ghibli outsold both the Daytona and the Miura.

This particular car wears an older restoration with a known history from new. It was first sold in Atlanta, GA by Baker Motor Cars. It was later owned by collector Gene Ponder, who comprehensively restored the car in brilliant red with a black leather interior and cloth top. It rides on four authentic Borrani wire wheels. It has a five-speed manual transmission, electric windows, air conditioning, power steering, original radio, and there are just over 41,560 miles on the odometer.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2014