Highlights
- Acquired from a deceased estate
- Only 40,671 miles from new
- One of approximately 230 RHD examples produced
- One keeper from new
The Appeal
The Merak offers the best of the Maserati-Citroen collaboration by utilising their gutsy V6 engine housed in an able and talented chassis. The 2+2 Giugiaro-styled compact sports car was created to offer a cut-price solution to the Maserati Bora. Benefiting from weight and space savings, it also provided an element of practicality thanks to its comfort, decent-sized luggage areas and the provision of rear seats. Born during an era of daring sport-car design creativity, the Merak, with its distinctive buttresses, sweeping door posts and poised stance is everything you'd want in an Italian sports car.
This early RHD UK import has several important details, including the aluminium buttresses, Bora-style dashboard and unusually, a cloth interior. Originally purchased new by its owner in 1974, the car had been on his estate for an astonishing 49 years, until it was pulled out of its garage by former Maserati specialists and given a detailed inspection. After reassembling the car, they confirmed that the car was not only complete but a viable restoration project.
With just 40,671 recorded miles, the car will retain its original dateless plate which is believed to be valued in excess of £10,000. Shortly after coming from the deceased estate via probate, the car is now in the hands of a reputable classic car restoration company, who are presenting you with this unique opportunity to obtain what has to be considered one of the most exotic, yet underrated sports of the era.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in June 1974
- Bought new by its original owner, and then re-registered to their business in 1979
- Believed to have been laid up in 1999, due to exhaust fault
- Placed into dry storage ever since then
- Partially dismantled in 2008
- Recently acquired by a classic car restoration specialist who resembled the car
- Former Maserati specialists have checked over the car and given a positive assessment of its overall condition
- The dateless 4-digit plate included in the sale
- Mileage appears to be genuine
- V5c present
- MOT and Tax exempt
The Interior
- Everything is believed to be present and correct for the model year
- Much of the interior is in remarkably good condition
- Cloth seats and door card upholstery will need refurbishment, although the actual seats sponges appear to be intact
- The carpets are all dry and in acceptable condition
- Luggage storage carpets are intact
- Tunnel padding and the centre console are cleanly presented
- The Alcantara dashboard top appears intact
- Facia is neatly presented, with some signs of age
- The instrument binnacle is in good shape
- Non-Citroen Dials and switches are very presentable with intact glass and bezels
- Not all switchgear was tested but the blower, wipers and a few other auxiliary controls are believed to function
- The 3-spoke steering wheel is in good condition with the lightest wear
- The gear lever is in good shape, the gaiter will need to be replaced
- Unique and eye-catching seatbelt buckles
- Headlining in excellent shape
The Exterior
- Structurally presentable, with its floor pan and jacking points appearing to be solid
- Sill covers have been removed for inspection and sills have been confirmed to be in good shape
- The box section around the fuel bins will need attention
- Corrosion was noted on the offside lower rear wheel well and rear lower body quarter
- Body presentation is generally positive
- Minor patches of surface corrosion are evident across the body
- Panel work is largely free of damage, with damage noted close to the bonnet aperture
- Red paint has even coverage, with an acceptable lustre
- Minor marks and chips commensurate with the circumstances of the car's storage
- Aluminium buttresses in good shape, with minor paint chips
- Minor paint chips were observed on light covers and doors
- All doors open and close freely and has decent and original rubber seals
- Engine and luggage lids stays not currently functional
- Glass intact, with decent lights and lenses
- Chrome in good shape, with no significant damage in terms of corrosion
- Pop-up lights can be manually operated
- Plastic trim in good shape
- 15-inch Campagnolo cast magnesium alloy wheels retain their original satin finish, all have age-related wear
- Dunlop SP Tyres still retain air
The Mechanics
- Low-mileage engine requires recommissioning
- 3-litre V6 engine does turn but has not fired up
- 5-speed gearbox
- Triple webber-carburettor setup
- The engine appears to be complete with natural oxidation evident
- The Marmitte Ansa exhausts pipes appear to be in presentable condition with light pitting on the chrome
- Suspension, steering and braking components show a typical age-related sheen but appear solid
- The car sits level, LHM appears to be intact but will need investigation due to lack of use
- It rolls freely with no brake bind
- Steering works
- Hand break operational
Summary
A complete and evidently solid example of a stunning-looking machine, this Merak has clearly had the benefit of a cherished lifestyle before it was laid up. With the added bonus of low mileage and a convincingly acceptable presentation, this genuine ‘barn-find’ has been cleaned up and given a check-over by experts who are now presenting you with a very appealing project.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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