1995 Maserati Ghibli Open Cup

Coupe
Chassis number: 361220

Maserati created the Ghibli Open Cup Series in 1995 in an attempt to increase sales of its Ghibli production model. This was a one-make series that used modified Ghibli road cars and fewer than 30 examples were built. The cars were built to competition specification, including engines prepared by Maserati and Alfa Corse, featuring larger intercoolers, modified engine management systems, and straight-through exhausts.

The 1995 Open Cup season had eight races, each split into several classes. The races were held in conjunction with the German DTM series on European circuits. Although the first season was successful, the series was canceled due to financial concerns after just two races in the 1996 season.

Amazingly, all cars completed the 1995 season without requiring an engine rebuild.

This particular example won first place in the professional class and took second place overall in the 1995 season. It was driven by Federico D'Amore.

In preparation for the 1996 season, the car was fitted with the Maserati-issued Evoluzione specification upgrade.

The current owner acquired the car in 1997 and it has not been used since that time. Power is from a 1990cc dual overhead cam Twin-Turbocharged V6 engine fitted with a Weber-Marelli Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection system and offers 330 horsepower. There is a 6-speed Getrag manual gearbox and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

In 1967 Maserati released the two-door, two-seater coupe Ghibli. The most popular Maserati vehicle since the automaker withdrew from racing in the 1950s, the V8-powered Ghibli outsold its two biggest rivals, the Lamborghini Miura and the Ferrari Daytona.

Debuting at the 1966 Turin Motor Show, the 1966 Maserati Ghibli featured a 4.7 and 4.9 liter V8. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Ghibli featured a steel body, and was famous for its low, shark-shaped nose. Giugiaro worked at coachbuilder Ghia when he designed the Ghibli.

The Ghibli was powered by a front-placed quad-cam 330 hp V8 engine and could achieve 0-60 mph in just 6.8 seconds. The Ghibli had a top speed of 154 mph and could be used with either a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. The car was fitted with two fuel tanks which could be filled through flaps on either side of the roof pillars. The Ghibli also showcased pop-up headlamps, alloy wheels and leather sport seats.

In 1969 the Ghibli Spyder convertible went into production. Quite rare, the Spyder was outnumbered by the coupes almost ten to one. In 1970 the slightly more powerful Ghibli SS (335 hp) debuted. In 1973 the Ghibli went out of production and was succeeded by the Bertone-design Khamsin. A total of 25 Spyder SS models, 1149 coupes and 125 Spyders were produced during this lifetime.

The second-generation Maserati Ghibli was introduced in 1992 until 1997. The Ghibli II featured updated Maserati Bi-turbo engines; a 2.0 liter V6 and a 2.8 liter V6. Very close in appearance to the Maserati Shamal, the two-door, for-seater coupe did not receive as much success as was hoped.

The car was revamped in 1994. The Ghibli II received an updated interior; new wheels, newly added ABS brakes and a fully adjustable electronic suspension. In 1996 other revisions were featured and included new spoked 17' wheels along with suspension and transmission modifications.

The Ghibli II was built for both luxury and performance, and showcased a Connolly Leather interior with burl elm trim. With a top speed of 155 mph, the Ghibli II could achieve 0-60 mph in barely 5.7 seconds.

1997 was the final year of production for the Maserati Ghibli II. This vehicle was replaced by the 3200 GT in 1998.

by Jessican Donaldson