Lot 006: 1977 MASERATI MERAK SS

Introduced at the October 1972 Paris Motor Show, the Maserati Merak (Tipo 122) was intended to rival the Ferrari Dino 246 and Lamborghini Urraco. Named after a star from the Ursa Major constellation, the compact 2+2 sportscar's styling deliberately aped that of its Bora supercar sibling (both models being penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro). Based around a steel monocoque chassis equipped with all-round independent double-wishbone suspension, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes and rack and pinion steering, the Merak was powered by a longitudinally-mounted 'quad-cam' 2965cc V6 engine allied to a five-speed transaxle gearbox. Fed by triple Weber carburettors, the powerplant (a smaller capacity version of which had already seen service in the Citroen SM) was credited with 190bhp and 188lbft of torque. Reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds and 140mph in standard tune, an even quicker Merak - the SS - made its debut at the March 1975 Geneva Motor Show. Notably more powerful (220bhp / 199lbft), the revised variant was held to be a 150mph machine. Always something of a rarity in the UK, just 231 Meraks are thought to have been officially imported between 1973 and 1982. While, total Merak SS production is generally put at less than a thousand units. Finished in red with black upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its 2965cc engine, five-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork and wheels / tyres (while, he considers the paintwork to be "good / average"). Said to have been in the current ownership for an impressive twenty-one years, 'UPC 691S' rides on alloy wheels. PLEASE NOTE: The photograph used is of a similar vehicle. PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has a tendency to jump out of reverse gear.