Lot 231: 1971 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 Litre SS

Maserati needs no introduction. Already a legendary racing marque before the war, the company turned to the limited production of sports cars for the road in the 1950s. These proved to be highly successful, and manufacture continued throughout the '60s with the company taking credit for some of the most potent and luxurious cars of the era. None upheld this great tradition better than the magnificent Ghibli. Introduced to an enthusiastic public at the Turin show of 1966 the Ghibli broke with the recent Maserati tradition for conservative designs, instead displaying dramatic, purposeful lines, drawn by none other than Giorgietto Giugiaro whilst still at Ghia's design studio. Under the bonnet was Maserati's magnificent all alloy 4.7 litre four cam V8, derived from the company's sports racing car power plants and mated to a five speed gearbox. Claimed top speed was a not inconsiderable 174mph! At the car's launch in 1966 its competitors were Ferrari's also new 275GTB and Lamborghini's 400GT. The Ghibli was highly acclaimed, enjoying glowing praise from motoring journalists of the time, a fact not lost on collectors today, with whom the model has become one of Maserati's most sought after road cars, combining stunning looks and towering performance. It is a unique privilege for us to offer this virtual one owner from new Maserati Ghibli Coupe, one of two exceptional Maseratis entered into this sale from the same private collection. Originally the property of a prominent Italian industrialist the car was driven sparingly during its early life and then for many years was carefully stored by his sons and exercised gently when necessary. This explains how almost 35 years later the car still wears its original paintwork and its interior is in perfectly preserved condition. It is understood the car has never been exposed to rain or accident damage. The mileage of approximately 60,000 Km is believed genuine and is reflected in the stunning original condition of the car. Finished in a fetching shade of 'rame metalizzato' or copper metallic the car is to the ultimate 4.9 litre SS specification and features a manual gearbox and air conditioning. Recently checked over mechanically this is without doubt the most authentic Ghibli Coupe's we have encountered and surely a collector's delight. At now one quarter of the value of a Ferrari Daytona and arguably better looking and more pleasant to drive this carmakes a seriously tempting proposition.A peu pres a un quart du prix d'un Ferrari Daytona et probablement plus belle, cette Ghibli SS porte toujours sa peinture d'origine en couleur 'rame metalizzato', cuivre metalisee. D'une collection privee, cette voiture de sport est vraiment une tentation.