Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2024 - Cars on Saturday the 9th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. Arguably the most civilised, not to mention usable, of the 1970s crop of Italian supercars, Maserati’s stunning mid-engined Merak combined a powerful V6 engine with the practicality of occasional rear seats and a decently sized boot. Sharing its basic architecture and floorpan with the V8-powered Bora, the Merak was similarly penned by the talented Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Ital Design studio in Turin, but instead of the Bora’s rear clamshell, there was a flat decklid and novel flying buttress arrangement.
In a break with tradition, the new Merak was named after a star in the Plough constellation and saw the greatest influence of the Modenese firm’s new relationship with Citroën yet, particularly the 90° V6 engine, a unit Maserati originally engineered for the SM. As used in the Merak, the Tipo C114 V6 was bored out from 2, 670cc to 2, 965cc greatly improving both torque and flexibility. With twin overhead camshafts per bank and fed by triple Weber 42 DCNF carburettors, the alloy V6’s 190 horses were delivered to the rear wheels through the SM’s 5-speed transaxle, while the brakes (discs all round) also used an adaptation of Citroën’s patented hydraulic power-operated system. The interior was typical of Italian exotics from the era, with low-slung seats and plenty of luxury features, while the compact V6 engine allowed a surprising amount of rear passenger space - even the usual Italian offset driving position was largely overcome thanks to a fully adjustable steering wheel and decent seat travel.
Competition from Ferrari's new Dino V8 prompted the introduction of a more powerful and lightweight version - the Merak SS (Tipo AM122/ A) with 220bhp engine and revised interior - for 1975, ZF transmission being adopted shortly after. The SS was distinguished by a black grille between the pop-up headlights, a Maserati-designed upper fascia with round instruments and a 4-spoke steering wheel replaced the previous SM-derived interior. Later cars (and right-hand drive examples) were bestowed with the full driver-oriented dashboard and 3-spoke padded steering wheel from the Bora.
On offer here is a fabulous, UK-supplied, right-hand drive SS that’s been the lucky recipient of a £60, 000-plus restoration to the highest of standards. The current owner bought the Merak in 2016 to join his significant private Collection and whilst it was fundamentally a good car, he decided to fully restore it in order to bring it up to his own fastidious standards. Over £60, 000 was spent on parts alone even before labour and the invoices for this work are in the accompanying history file.
Finished in Rosso Mars, this car really does need to be seen in the metal as this is definitely one of the very best that we have ever offered. Pleasingly, the appropriate Cherished Registration Number, MER 44K, is also included in the sale. It's just been issued a fresh MOT ('No Advisories') and will be serviced prior to the sale ready for its new owner. Offered at what we believe to be incredible value when you consider our vendor's recent investment, this is certainly an opportunity not to be missed and we welcome your inspection at the NEC.
Revered in period for excellent performance and decent handling, today the Merak remains highly sought after, especially in right-hand drive form and, with a very short production run of just 300 right-hand drive cars, this stunning example is a very special offering indeed.
