1969 Maserati Ghibli

The first generation of supercars built during the 1960s was fueled by the loosely enforced speed limits and the lightly trafficked autostradas. Lamborghini introduced its Miura (as a rolling chassis) in 1965 at the Turin Auto Show with the prototype P400 following in 1966 at the Geneva Motor Show. Other European companies were quick to follow, adding supercars of their own to the portfolio, often joining a line of GT and competition models.

Both supercars and grand tourers (GT) were built for high-speed motoring with the GT favoring longer distances, combining both performance and luxury qualities. The Maserati Ghibli favored the latter, built on the company's proven tubular-steel chassis frame and wore a futuristic design penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro, then head stylist of Carozzeria Ghia. It was introduced in 1966 at the Turin Salon Show where it was joined by the Dino Berlinetta GT and the Lamborghini Flying Star II concept. Period reviews of the Maserati Ghibli praised it for its attractive styling, aerodynamic profile, stunning performance, and luxurious cockpit. It rivaled the Ferrari Daytona for straight-line performance while beating it for price. Throughout its production lifespan, the Ghibli proved itself worthy of the trident badge, known for its drivability at low and high speeds, as well as its predictable, balanced, and forgiving handling characteristics. The Ghibli outsold the Ferrari Daytona and the Lamborghini Miura.

Specification

The 100.4-inch wheelbase, tubular steel frame chassis was derived from those of the Mexico and the Quattroporte sedan. The suspension used leaf springs and a single locating arm in preference to the more complex suspension arrangements favored by its rivals. The front was independent with double wishbones, coil springs, and coaxial dampers while the rear had a live axle. The chassis carried a dry sump, 90-degree V8 engine with two chain-driven camshafts per cylinder bank mated to a standard five-speed ZF manual transmission. The front-placed quad-cam 4,719cc engine produced 306 horsepower and gave the Ghibli a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Sprinting from a standstill to sixty mph was accomplished in a mere 6.8 seconds. The engine directly descended from that fitted in the FIA World Championship contender 450S sports racer.

The Ghibli was Maserati's first 'production' V8 offering following the 31 examples of the bespoke 5000GT built from 1959 to 1964. Its performance was achieved through its near-perfect weight distribution and a low center of gravity. The styling, created by Giugiaro - then working at Ghia, was sleek, elegant, and clean, with its sweeping lines and aerodynamic features perfectly complimenting the performance of its potent powerplant. The low-mounted engine permitted a low bonnet line, while restricting suspension travel ensured that the tires would not foul the wheel arches. The steeply raked windshield connected with a roofline that fell gracefully into the chopped-off tail, resulting in a cabin that was lower than that of almost all the Ghibli's contemporaries. It had pop-up headlamps and rode on alloy wheels. The interior contained sports seats wrapped in leather along with two rear seats consisting of a cushion without a backrest - earning the Ghibli 2+2 status. A three-speed automatic gearbox was optional, as were Borrani wire wheels.

The 2+2 fastback coupe was joined by a Spyder bodystyle in 1969 with a folding top that fit under a flush-fitting body-color tonneau cover behind the front seats. A detachable hardtop was available as an option.

The Ghibli SS was introduced in 1969 carrying a larger 4,930cc engine that had a 4mm (0.16 inch) larger stroke and produced 330 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 355 lb-ft (481 Nm) of torque at 4,000 RPM. In this guise, the Ghibli was the fastest Maserati road car ever produced at the time, having a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h).

Production

Production of the Ghibli SS was exclusive with just 45 units built compared to the 425 examples of the coupe. The total Ghibli production, including the Ghibli SS, was 1,295 units with 125 of those being Spyders and 1,170 coupes. After production of the Ghibli ceased in 1973, it was succeeded the following year by the Bertone-designed Khamsin.

Named for a blisteringly hot African wind, the Ghibli was one of the most flexible and easy-to-drive GTs of its era.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Ghia

Giorgetto Giugiaro, while working at Italian coachbuilder Ghia, designed the Ghibli's steel body, with its low, shark-shaped nose. Power was from a 4.7 liter four cam 330 horsepower V8 giving it a zero-to-sixty mph time of just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 154 mph. It could be ordered with either a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Maserati fitted the car with two 13.2 gallon fuel tanks, which are filled via flaps on either side of the roof pillars. The car also featured pop-up headlamps, full leather interior and alloy wheels. Wire wheels and power steering were available as an option. Later cars had the larger 4.9 liter engine. Both used 4 double-barrel Weber Carburetors. Ghibli's went out of production in 1973.

This example has been with the current owner for nearly 3 decades. A complete restoration has just been completed and made its restoration debut at the 2012 St. Johns Concours.

Convertible
Chassis number: 115S1043

This Maserati Ghibli was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro which working for Ghia and displayed at the 1966 Turin Italy Automobile Show. It was conceived to serve the same market as the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 'Daytona' and the Lamborghini Miura. Production of the fastback coupe began in April of 1967 and was joined by a Spyder in 1969. A race-bred, mid-mounted 4,719 cc V-8 engine with dry-sump lubrication and two chain-driven camshafts per cylinder bank powered the Ghibli, producing 335 horsepower. The Ghibli could race from zero-to-sixty in just 6.8 seconds and had a top speed of 154 mph. The Ghibli could be ordered with either a five-speed ZF manual transmission or a three-speed Borg-Warner automatic. The car's tubular frame was derived from those of the Mexico and the Quattroporte sedan. The Ghibli featured disappearing headlamps, leather sport seats, and either alloy wheels or the optional and desirable Borrani wire wheels. Production ultimately totaled 1,149 coupes and only 125 spyders.

This Maserati Ghibli Spyder has recently received a thorough cosmetic restoration, including fresh paint with a correct new interior. It is a highly original car that had just emerged from its prior ownership of over 30 years. It is believed that this owner was only the cars second from the day it was delivered.

The car is finished in Graphite Metallic with black interior and features a new black convertible top. It is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission and the odometer shows just 57,000 miles. This car is fully equipped with factory Air Conditioning, Power Windows and Power Steering options.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale at RM Auction's sale in Monterey, California. The car was estimated to sell for $350,000-$450,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $407,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Ghia

The first Ghibli was a two -door, 2+2 GT released in 1967. This car was the second Maserati GT named after winds. The Ghibli is a strong, hot wind most common during spring and autumn which blows across the Sahara and Arabian deserts; it carries huge amounts of sand and very little moisture. More commonly called the Sirocco, it is called Ghibli in Libya, meaning southern. This wind is responsible for the dry and dusty conditions on the north coast of Africa.

Ghia's Giorgetto Giugiaro designed the Ghibli's steel body, characterized by its low, shark -shaped nose. The first car was powered by a front mid -engine quad-cam 4.7L 310 horsepower V8 engine, making 0-60 in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 154 mph. Buyers could choose a ZF five -speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. The car was fitted with two 13-gallon fuel tanks. The car also featured pop-up headlamps, leather sport seats and alloy wheels. The convertible Ghibli Spider was introduced in 1969. The slightly more powerful Ghibli SS (335 horsepower) was also released in 1969, with a 4.9L engine with four vertical twin Weber 42DCNF carburetors.

This particular car was first delivered new in Venezuela, and came with the optional factory fitted hard top, custom fit for each car. The present owner has owned the car for 26 years. It has placed first in several California Concours d'Elegance over the years.

Just 1,170 Coupes and 125 Spyders (including 25 Spyder SS) were produced, making this particular car quite rare.

Coupe by Ghia
Chassis number: AM115 1160
Engine number: AM115 1160

The Maserati Ghibli was introduced at the 1966 Turin Auto Show. It wore a design by Giorgetto Giugiaro, a young designer, who created the Ghibli design in just three months. The coachwork was handled by Ghia. It is believed that Henry Ford paid an astonishing $19,000 for the first Ghibli coupe imported to the United States. Impressed with the car, he even offered to buy the company. This, however, is speculation.

This Ghibli is named for the hot Sahara winds. Celebrity owners have included Jean-Paul Belmondo, Peter Sellers, and Sammy Davis Jr.

Power was from a quad-cam V8 offering 310 horsepower and gave the car a top speed of more than 150 mph. It had a tubular steel frame with a separate body. Between 1967 and 1972, a total of 1,149 units were produced, outselling the Ferrari Daytona and the Lamborghini Miura.

This particular Ghibli 4.7 examples was originally delivered to Tullio Gregoratti of Udine, Italy on July 14th of 1969. It later made its way to the United States in 1990. In 1993, it was acquired by an enthusiast in Utah, who kept it for nearly a decade. The car was then acquired by the previous owner of Las Vegas, Nevada, who commenced restoration of the car. The current caretaker acquired it several years ago, who completed the extensive and meticulous restoration. The interior was refurbished with white leather seating; the exterior was done in metallic Verde Pinto, bright chrome, and Maserati badging. The restoration totalled approximately $115,000.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Ghia
Chassis number: AM115 744

This Maserati Ghibli 4.7-liter coupe retains its original matching numbers engine and ZF five-speed manual gearbox. There is power steering and air conditioning.

This Maserati was originally delivered in the Munich, Germany area, and a German ID tag remains affixed in the engine bay to this day. It was in Saudi Arabia by the late 1980s when it was discovered by J. Ferrell Carraway. A restoration began in 1989 and was conducted by Carrozzeria Autosport srl in Bologna, Italy. When the work was completed in 1990, it wore a Midnight Blue paint scheme.

The car was subsequently sent to the United States and was put on display in 1995 at the Concorso Italiano. Over the next twenty-five years, it would be driven approximately 5,000 miles. In 2017, it was entrusted to Vantage Motors of Stamford, CT for mechanical freshening to the tune of $10,000. It returned in 2022 to Vantage Motors for additional servicing.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: AM115*804
Engine number: AM115*804

The wedge-shaped Maserati Ghibli wore styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro and was introduced in 1966 at the Torino Auto Show. Beneath its sloping hood was a 4.7-liter V8 engine with four Weber 40 DCNL carburetors and delivering over 300 horsepower. Most examples were coupes with just 125 spiders. During the 1970s, several companies offered conversions of the coupe bodywork into spiders, including Campana in Italy and J/P Limited in Delaware.

This example was delivered new to Beverly Hills, California, in July 1969 and, around the 1980s, was converted to a spider. It was imported to Australia in 2006 by the current caretaker, where it was given a 10-year restoration with most of the work performed by Re-Creation Automotive Pty Ltd., near Melbourne. Over 6,600 hours were consumed at costs that exceeded $615,000 (AUD).

This Maserati has a five-speed ZF gearbox, four-wheel ventilated hydraulic disc brakes, a liver rear axle and an independent front suspension.

The Ghibli was shown at the Motorclassica 2018 in Melbourne where it won Best in Class and Restoration of the Year. This was its third Restoration of the Year award in a row.

by Dan Vaughan

The Maserati Ghibli was put into production in 1967 but it was the prior year at the Turin Auto Show where it made its debut. The 2+2 coupe body was designed by Giugiaro, an employee for the Ghia design studio. The headlights were pop-up configuration adding to the sleek and aerodynamic design. Powered by a 4.7-liter eight-cylinder engine, the vehicle produced 340 horsepower. The rear suspension was comprised of a live axle with leaf springs and an anti-roll bar while the front used an independent suspension with double wishbones and coil springs plus an anti-roll bar. The Ghibli sat atop a Mexico chassis that had been shortened and received increased stiffness and rigidity. Ventilated disc brakes were placed on all four corners and a five-speed manual gearbox helped send power to the rear wheels. In 1968 a three-speed automatic was offered as optional equipment.

In 1968 a convertible was offered, also designed by Ghia. To add to the versatility, a hard-top was offered on the convertible, making the vehicle suitable in all types of weather and driving conditions.

In 1970 the Ghbli SS was introduced featuring a 4.9-liter engine capable of producing nearly 360 horsepower.

During the production lifespan, ending in 1973, 1149 Coupes were produced. Only a very small number of convertibles were created, adding to the exclusivity. 125 Spyders and 25 Spyder SS models were created.

by Dan Vaughan

Maserati has lately reinvented its presence in the U.S. market. After being driven out in the very early 1990's by pitifully slow sales of the underappreciated Biturbo, Maserati made a return to the U.S. for 2003. It brought with it an entirely revamped product line consisting of some phenomenal cars. Fast forward to now, and Maserati had just released a beautiful new coupe, the GranTurismo. Its name may not be the most creative or interesting label for what is, after all, a grand touring car, but its message is clear: Maserati is back, and it hasn't forgotten its roots.

While many would argue that Maserati's real roots were in racing cars, the fact is that the company never achieved real success as a production car manufacturer until it turned its efforts toward producing stunning GT automobiles. The Ghibli was one of those spectacular machines.

That's not to say that the Ghibli was a mere gentleman's luxury car as some GT vehicles were. For as superb and smooth a GT as it was, the Ghibli's design was teeming with racing heritage. Its engine was a perfect example. Derived from the V8 powering the successful 450 S racecar, the 4.7L V8 in the Ghibli had a good compression ratio of 8.5:1 and was fed by a quartet of Weber carbs. Its most impressive feature had nothing to do with compression or carburetion, though, but with its advanced lubricating system.

The Ghibli's V8 employed dry-sump lubrication. As opposed to the traditional wet sump that stores oil in a pan beneath the engine, dry-sump systems use a separate reservoir to hold oil, from where it is pumped into the engine for lubrication and then recirculated back into the reservoir. This design, popular on racing cars of the era and even today used almost exclusively in high-performance applications, gave many advantages. First, and perhaps most important to the Ghibli's menacing shape, was its allowance for an engine with as little vertical height as possible. With no need for an oil sump beneath the engine, the Ghibli's motor could be lowered in the car's frame to allow for a low center of gravity and, of course, the car's mean, low hoodline. Dry-sump lubrication also prevented oil starvation and provided better oil cooling, making the Ghibli's engine comfortable on any track.

The impressive V8 coupled to a ZF five-speed gearbox of equal quality. This team fed a limited-slip differential, which supplied power to the rear Campagnolo mags with ferocity. Though wire wheels were also available, the Campagnolos seemed a better choice with their light weight and nice design that complemented the Ghibli‘s shape.

Performance figures were staggering. From a standstill, the Ghibli could achieve 60mph in a scant 6.4 seconds. The quarter mile passed in 14.5 seconds. When the Ghibli SS was introduced in 1970 with an updated 4.9L V8 producing 335hp, this Maserati became capable of reaching incredible speeds. The Ghibli SS could reportedly exceed 280 kilometers per hour. Converted to a measurement we can fathom, that meant over 170mph. That type of speed was unreal in 1970, and it turned the Ghibli, which was named after a rapid wind, into a legend more than capable of living up to its label.

The Ghibli's imposing posture was the work of one of Italy's most prolific car designers, Giorgetto Giugiaro. The Ghia badge adorning the Ghibli's body designated the design house for which Giugiaro was then working, Carrozzeria Ghia. Giugiaro had a hand in styling some of history's best remembered cars, and the Ghibli's shape continues to impress today.

Pop-up lights and the dry-sump allowed for a low hood and an imposing frontal aspect featuring a wide grille of black mesh with the trident standing proudly at its center. The windshield's aggressive rake continued the theme, and it swept up to a low roof (the Ghibli stood just 45 inches tall). That roof was tilted towards the rear of the car, and it met the backlight seamlessly where it continued its downward slope to endow the car with a clean fastback shape. The rear was finished with a tight Kamm tail.

A convertible version of the Ghibli was also produced. Called the Spyder, it was made in much smaller numbers. With its sloping trunk lid, the Spyder was able to carry on the theme of the Ghibli's design successfully without the use of a fastback.

Not to leave anyone fooled by the sweeping lines and motorsport-inspired powertrain and drivetrain, the Ghibli's sumptuous interior reminded that this really was a GT car. With a generous trunk and comfortable seats, the Ghibli was set to erase miles quickly on the open road.

Throughout its production run from 1967 to 1973, the Ghibli proved itself worthy of the trident badge. It was a well-engineered machine clothed in fine Italian style, and it is remembered today as one of the finest road-going Maseratis ever produced. A success for its parent company, 1,149 Ghibli coupes were produced along with 125 Spyders. The relatively high production numbers once made Ghiblis easy to pick up for reasonable prices. Collectors are catching on, though, and values are on the rise. These stunning Maseratis are sure to be remembered as one of the company's greatest achievements.

Factual information in this article supplied by http://www.thecarnut.com/ and http://www.qv500.com/. The site http://www.maserati-alfieri.co.uk/ also supplied helpful information, and is an excellent source for the histories of all Maserati models.

by Evan Acuña