Lot 213: 1971 Maserati Ghibli SS Coupé
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Ghia

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 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 matching it for price and arguably beating it for 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 wheel arches. 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, albeit one which left no room for rear passengers.
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. Perhaps surprisingly, the Ghibli set-up used leaf springs and a single locating arm in preference to the more complex suspension arrangements favoured by its rivals. 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 5000GT. This was used in 4.7-litre form up to 1970 when it was superseded by the 4.9-litre ‘SS’ version. The SS gained transistorised ignition and new Weber 42DCNF carburettors, showing a small horsepower increase but greater torque; in either case performance was stunning, with 100mph (160km/h) attainable in under 16 seconds and a claimed top speed (for the SS) of 175mph. This neck-snapping acceleration resulted from the V8’s broad power band, which made the Ghibli one of the most flexible and easy-to-drive GTs of its era. Ghibli production ceased in 1973 after approximately 1,149 coupé and 125 spyder models had been built.
Supplied new in February 1971 to a client in the wealthy shipping port of Livorno in Tuscany, Italy, this Ghibli represents the model in its ultimate form, with 4.9-litre ‘SS’ engine and five-speed manual gearbox, and has had only two recorded owners. Finished in its original Blu Pervinca Metalizzato (metallic peacock blue) with cream leather interior, the car has spent all its life in its home country and is presented in very good condition in every respect. It is offered with bills for work carried out by various well known specialists, Italian libretto and valid roadworthiness certificate (last carried out on 26/3/2007). It has air conditioning, period radio and power steering and is fitted with the correct Campagnolo alloy wheels. A complete factory tool roll sits in the boot and the car also has ASI (Italian Historic Car Club) homologation. The odometer shows 38,179km, which is commensurate with the car’s condition.
One of the most stunning Granturismo cars ever made, the Ghibli was a worthy rival for the Ferrari Daytona and represents exceptional value for money today, though values are now rising quickly. Local taxes will be liable if the car remains in Switzerland.