Description
This is lot number 106 in the Bonhams Goodwood Revival Auction on September 7th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Iconic Italian Gran Turismo
Present family ownership since the mid-1970s
Barn-stored since the mid-1980s
MoT'd in 2023 but not driven on the road
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 maestro Giorgetto Giugiaro and named after a Sahara Desert wind, the Ghibli rivalled the Ferrari Daytona for straight-line performance - its top speed was close to 170mph (275km/ h) - while beating it for price and, arguably, looks. More than 4. 5m long and 1. 8m wide, the Ghibli occupied an inordinate amount of space for a mere 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 limited suspension travel ensured that the tyres did not foul the wheelarches. The roofline fell away from the top of the steeply raked windscreen to the chopped-off tail, Giugario thus achieving a cabin lower than that of almost all the Ghibli's contemporaries.
Like the contemporary Mexico 2+2, the Ghibli used a shortened version of the Quattroporte saloon's tubular steel chassis in its live-rear-axle form. The power unit was Maserati's venerable, four-cam, 90-degree V8, an engine derived from that of the 450S sports racer and first seen in road-going guise in the legendary 5000GT. This was used in 4. 7-litre form up to 1970 when it was superseded by the 4. 9-litre 'SS' version in order to meet ever more stringent emissions laws. The gain in horsepower was minimal but in either case performance was stunning, with 100mph (160km/ h) attainable in under 16 seconds. Ghibli production ceased in 1973 after approximately 1, 149 coupé and 125 spyder models had been built. High-profile owners included Jean-Paul Belmondo, Sammy Davis Jr, Henry Ford II and Peter Sellers.
A rare right-hand drive model, chassis number 'AM. 115. 1214', was purchased by the vendor's father circa 1974 when it was registered 'FUD 270J'. The personalised plate '193 MPH' was added soon after and the car kept barn-stored from the mid-1980s onwards. Presented in unrestored condition, the Maserati was MoT'd in 2023 but has not been driven on the road and may well require additional recommissioning before further use. Our vendor describes the Ghibli as in good order mechanically, with bodywork good for its age and paintwork, interior and electrics as 'moderate'. Accompanying documentation consists of some old MoTs, and old-style logbook (1987), and a current V5C Registration Certificate. Offered from long term ownership it will be rewarding to see this Ghibli back on the roads once again.
