Lot 605: 1967 Maserati Ghibli 4.7-Litre Spyder

A strong contender for the ‘most handsome car of the 1960s’ title, Maserati’s sensational Ghibli debuted at the Turin Motor Show in November 1966. Styled at Ghia by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Ghibli rivalled the Ferrari Daytona for straight-line performance - its top speed was close to 170mph - while beating it for price and, arguably, looks. Its power unit was Maserati’s proven four-cam V8, an engine derived from that of the 450S sportscar 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 This was used in 4.7-litre form up to 1970 when it was superseded by the 4.9-litre version in order to meet ever more stringent emission laws. The gain in horsepower was minimal, but in either case performance was stunning, with 100mph attainable in under 16 seconds.
Even more sensational was the handsome Ghibli Spyder, launched in 1969 and the direct rival of Ferrari’s Daytona Spyder. Giugiaro’s styling for an open-top Ghibli was arguably more successful than the original coupé and is regarded as a classic of sports car design.
Originally a coupé, this left-hand drive Ghibli was converted to factory Spyder specification for the vendor by marque experts Vale Cottage Motors in 1996 at a cost exceeding £25,000. The car has been in the current ownership for the past ten years and comes with an extensive service record at recognised Maserati specialist Bill McGrath, work undertaken including an engine rebuild at a cost of more than £10,000. Well known in international Maserati circles and a rally prize-winner, ‘GIB 5000’ has been used mainly on the Continent where it has been stored for the past 12 months. The vehicle is finished in black with matching leather interior, the latter equipped with £2,000 CD stereo system, and is reluctantly sold as part of a divorce settlement. Offered without reserve, it comes with sundry invoices, road fund licence to March 2006 and Swansea V5 registration document.