Highlights

Superb low mileage Coupé in lovely condition
Sensational and eye-catching yellow exterior
Smart and tidy black leather interior
Less than 500 miles covered since full service completed

The Appeal

In the review of the newly launched Maserati Ghibli Road & Track reported “It differs from many cars of similar performance in that it is equally as suited to going to the opera as blasting down to Palermo on the Autostrada”

A strong contender for the 'most handsome car of the 1960s' title, Maserati's Ghibli debuted in coupé form at the Turin Motor Show in November 1966. Styled at Carrozzeria Ghia by Giorgetto Giugiaro, then in his twenties, and named after a Sahara Desert wind, the Ghibli rivalled the Ferrari Daytona for straight-line performance. Its top speed was over 150mph - while beating it for price and, arguably, looks. More than 4.5m long and 1.8m wide, the Ghibli is a large car for what is essentially a two-seater, but perhaps the most startling aspect of its appearance was the height, or rather the lack of it. Dry-sump lubrication enabled the engine to be mounted deep in the chassis, permitting a low bonnet line, while the roofline fell away from the top of the steeply raked windscreen to the chopped-off tail, thus achieving a cabin lower than that of almost all the Ghibli's contemporaries and giving it the sleekest of profiles.

Purchased by the current owner in 2008 this striking Maserati has covered less than 35,000 miles since it was first registered to Citroen Cars UK, Slough in June 1972. Recently it has spent some time in storage; driven occasionally and well cared for, it is now being offered for sale due to lack of use. One of only 13 right hand drive, 4.7 litre, fixed head coupés, registered from new in the UK, it is a late 1972 model, benefitting from several product development enhancements including highly desirable power steering and robust ZF five speed manual gearbox. The period yellow exterior is evocative of the 60’s trend for bright hues and has been retained ever since, with no tell-tale signs of a colour change.

With a good history folder including invoices back to 1999, and a selection of old MoT certificates we know that in 2003 it had covered just 31,812 miles, and only a further 2,607 since. The invoices add up to an impressive amount, with bills from various Maserati specialists. Most recently Country Classic cars performed a full service plus minor bodywork renovation at a cost of £4,395.

Remaining in exceptional condition the Ghibli is ready for a new owner to enjoy.

History and Paperwork

Manufactured and first registered in June 1972
One of just 13 right hand drive Coupés
Desirable 5 speed manual ZF gearbox and power steering
Purchased by the Seller in 2008
V5c Owner’s name
Exceptionally low mileage of 34,419 believed to be genuine
Good history file, including old MoTs
Handwritten list of previous owners by the seller
Handwritten history of all major work completed and MoT mileages
Parts and services invoices back to 1999
Recent full service costing £4,395
Original Maserati Ghibli sales brochure
Repro Parts Manual and Driver’s manual
The vendor informus us this is a matching numbers car

The Interior

Black interior complements with period yellow exterior
Black leather seats in superb condition with lightest of wear
Superb array of instruments and switchgear, all appearing to function correctly
New carpets throughout

The interior exudes late 60s cool and reflects the exceptionally low mileage. The black leather seats show no damage, and very little wear. According to notes in the history file they were refurbished in 2008. The centre console and lower dash are trimmed in the same material, and all are free of damage and scuffs. The dash top probably suffered UV damage and has been re-trimmed to a high standard in mid grey Alcantara which will help as it is non- reflective. The wood rimmed steering wheel was also refurbished in 2008 and remains in immaculate condition, with three alloy spokes and a smart Maserati horn boss. The gauges were renovated in 2008/9 and appear to work perfectly, with good oil pressure showing on tick over. The electric windows, pop up headlights, wipers and other accessories worked without hesitation, although we couldn’t get the Motorola radio to work; it may work perfectly, or it may require some attention-we couldn’t be sure.

Behind the seats are two cushions that allowed the Ghibli to be classed as a 2+2, but we don’t think anyone will want to perch in the back for any distance! The rest of the rear, below the sloping rear glass, is ready for luggage. It is a generous area, perfect for GT Continental trips with plenty of space several soft bags. The boot has matching black carpet, beneath which the full size spare is located, complete with tools.

Overall the interior is in exceptional condition. Well preserved with an acceptable level of wear, we think it’s just right and there is nothing that requires attention.

The Exterior

Gleaming yellow paintwork in great condition
Good panel fit and shutlines
Refurbished Campagnolo wheels with unworn Michelin tyres

Looking around the Maserati’s exterior reveals little that requires attention. In most areas the paintwork is in nice condition although there are a few places where the finish is not to the same level. There is a small chip on the nearside front corner that has been touched up with correct yellow, and an area on the bonnet that has slight texturing to the surface. But that is being very critical; in most respects the finish is very good. The chrome bumpers are straight and undented, with no pitting. The wheels were refurbished some time ago, and fitted with new Michelin XWX tyres that have seen little use. The glass and lenses are all undamaged, and the pop-up headlights are working correctly at a touch of the dash mounted switch.

As with the interior, the outside of the Ghibli is in excellent condition overall, with only minor blemishes, none of which require immediate attention.

The Mechanics

Superb 4.7 litre quad cam V8 starts easily and runs beautifully
Clean, tidy and original engine bay with evidence of regular maintenance
Lots of mechanical work carried out in recent years

On the day we visited the Ghibli had been sitting for several weeks with the battery disconnected. Once reconnected it started second turn of the key, with a puff of smoke and no hiccups; very impressive.

There has been plenty of mechanical re-commissioning carried out in recent years, starting with an engine overhaul and gearbox refurbishment just prior to purchase by the Seller at approximately 31,500 miles. He had the braking system rebuilt along with the prop shaft and rear axle soon after he bought it in 2008. According to invoices on file nearly everything has been refurbished or replaced at some stage with plenty of paperwork itemising each part. In 2018 Country Classic Cars of Midhurst carried out a comprehensive service, with new distributor cap, HT leads, plugs and points, plus a carburettor overhaul. The Ghibli has covered just 471 miles since.

The underside is equally impressive, with full stainless steel exhaust system and tidy underseal with minor flaking in places and very little in the way of corrosion visible. It has obviously spent its entire life in warm garages and storage.

We think there can be very few that are in such nice mechanical condition, and despite its period in storage it is, essentially as we witnessed, an “on the button” Maserati!

Summary

One of the most stunning sports cars ever made, the Ghibli is a worthy rival for the Ferrari 'Daytona' and in comparison represents exceptional value for money. With just 13 right hand drive examples built it’s a rare beauty, and in the condition offered here rarer still! An outstanding opportunity to own a real icon of the 60s.

Notice to bidders

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