Fantasy Junction

Description

1971 Maserati Ghibli SS 4.9 Coupe
s/n AM115492248 Engine no. AM115/45*2248*
Blue with Black Leather

Often cited as one of the most beautiful sports cars ever built, Maserati Ghibli designer Giorgetto Giugiaro created this design at the onset of his prodigious yet brief career with Ghia. Not content to rest on his already significant successes while at Bertone, by the time he arrived at Ghia, he was eagerly developing designs that would break away from the rounded forms of the early 50s and 60s. In 1966, one of his most prolific years, Giugiaro delivered four of the most critically acclaimed designs of the decade, the finest among them being the Maserati Ghibli. Named for the warm, high-speed exotic desert winds, the chiseled Ghibli debuted at the 1966 Turin Motor Show gaining immediate acclaim as the most refined and elegant of Giugiaro’s advanced linear and aggressive designs. The Ghibli featured a fresh, trend setting body design, brimming with some of the most advanced mechanical features available for any road car.

Maserati initially outfitted the Ghibli with their race-bred 306 hp dry-sump 4.7-liter quad-cam V8, topped by four Weber carburetors, coupled to a ZF five-speed manual transmission and limited slip differential. Capable drivers could reach 60 mph in less than seven seconds with handling reported as among the best of the period. Dramatically low and wide, the 4-wheel disc brake equipped Ghibli was further improved in 1969 with the upgraded 4.9-liter engine (as equipped on this car). Under the SS designation, power increased to 330hp, making it the fastest Maserati volume-production car ever built, capable of 170+ mph and improved 0-60 times. Production for the SS series Ghibli Coupe was limited to just 425 examples.

According to the Maserati factory certificate of authenticity (No. 30/2013) further supported by accompanying factory records, this Ghibli was built in September 1971, finished in Celeste Chiaro (metallic blue), trimmed with black leather interior, and outfitted with “Fuse” Campagnolo wheels. Documentation accompanying the car includes copies of the original Maserati Delivery Note, Internal Factory Oder, End of Line Data Sheet, and Final Tests Data Sheet with handwritten specifications for this car confirming the details and assembly for this Ghibli SS. Upon completion, the car was delivered to the first owner, Pierre Cornet, via French Maserati dealer, Etablissements Thepenier, Saint Cloud, France. Cornet, Directeur General of S.O.L.E.P. and loyal Maserati customer (including his ownership of a prior Ghibli), retained the car until 1985 when it was sold to the second owner. In 2002, the car was purchased by noted collector/enthusiast Abba Kogan who sold the car to the next owner in 2005.

By 2012, the car became the subject of a comprehensive bare metal restoration performed by Automotive Restorations of Stratford, CT documented with photographs and copious receipts detailing the metal work addressing all areas of the body including correction for minor rust which was limited to small water-prone areas as typically found on these cars. During the restoration the interior was removed entirely and retrimmed with black leather as originally delivered. The interior bright work and details were polished and refinished as needed, and new carpets and headliner installed. The car was finished in the correct light metallic blue and all chrome and polished exterior trim was refinished to a high standard. The completed car was exhibited at the 2013 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance where it earned a coveted “Amelia Award” in the Sports and GT Cars (1963-1974) class. Following the Amelia exhibit, this Ghibli went on to participate in the New England 1000 rally, completing it in May 2013. Showcasing once again both beauty and performance excellence, this Ghibli completed the 2017 Chopard Rally held in Dubai and, in 2022, completed the United Arab Emirates Mille Miglia covering 1,000 trouble-free miles in cool air-conditioned comfort.

Under current ownership, services and general maintenance have been regularly performed including 2021 and 2022 replacement of filters, gaskets, spark plugs, new oil tank hose, new AC compressor belt and condenser/compressor fan system rewiring, carburetor cleaning, selected paint touch up and blending, gauges disassembled and cleaned, new driver’s side window channel replacement, sun visor restoration, and interior switches and various buttons restored or replaced as needed.

Today this Maserati Ghibli presents in beautiful condition. The odometer indicates 67,097 kilometers which are believed to be reflective of original kilometers travelled since new. The paint is vivid and smoothly executed with excellent coverage, correct micro-metal flake, and high gloss. The condition of the paint is not only smooth, the reflection quality and detail work have been performed to a high level. The doors, hood, and trunk shut with crisp and firm latching, exhibiting excellent fit and panel match consistent if not better than original factory construction. The Campagnolo wheels are beautifully and correctly finished featuring chrome plated center hubs, wearing correct Michelin XWX 215/70 VR15 tires. Chrome plating on bumpers and various other trim is very well done with excellent contours to the elegant and thin European grille surround. Glass throughout is in excellent condition overall showing only light surface imperfections typical of original glazing, bearing the correct brand marks indicating the original factory glass.

The interior has benefited from reupholstery in high quality leather consistent with the factory materials and colors when ordered new. The seats retain good foam bolsters while the leather remains supple and smooth. The interior retains a cohesive appearance on all materials including the soft-touch padded dashboard, headliner, and recently restored sun visors. Of particular note is the excellent instrumentation with clear and consistent coloring, bright numeral indications, and crisp needles spanning the width of this impressive dashboard. Toggle switches and various knobs are also in excellent cosmetic condition as are the climate control switches which activate functional air conditioning. The wood rim steering wheel and center horn button are very fine adding confident touchpoints to the impressive driving experience. Every aspect of the interior matches perfectly with the beautifully formed Ghia body design. In the rear of the car, the expansive glass stretches out over the spare tire compartment concealing the spare wheel and battery.

The engine compartment is excellent throughout including the correct original metal-formed air cleaner complete with number tag, proper hoses and fasteners, and correct Maserati data plates with factory stampings. The matching numbers quad-cam engine features the correct black finish, correct Weber carburetors, and further details consistent with 1971 production. The rare 4.9 series engine was a landmark for Maserati and has since become the most coveted of the Ghibli production run due to their powerful output and refinement, particularly the SS series cars. Offering considerably more displacement than even a Ferrari Daytona, the 4.9 Ghibli SS commands the highest order of collector appreciation for both exceptional beauty and undisputed performance. The undercarriage is clean and tidy with finishes that appear consistent to original construction. There is no visual evidence of structural damage to the chassis, rocker panels, or suspension mounting points. The undercarriage displays honest finishes reflective of general use and proper care.

Driving this Maserati, one is immediately aware why the Ghibli was a founding member of the emergent Supercar scene. The finely tuned exhaust note suits the delightful quad cam idle as it awaits spirited engagement. The ZF 5-speed gearbox operates quite nicely as the clutch takes up and the throttle comes on strong throughout the power band. At speed, the Ghibli reveals its long legs, settling in as the speedometer needle seeks out legendary top speeds. 4-wheel disc braking responds well to the impressive power, bringing the Ghibli smoothly down from highway speeds. The comfortable driving position offers surprisingly good visibility and accommodates taller drivers with ease. Ghiblis are known for their spacious cabins, and telescopic steering columns (not found on Ferraris of this era), which greatly enhances larger driver comfort especially for longer touring events. Outfitted with power steering and cold air conditioning, this Ghibli is ideal for world class events and tours.

This car is accompanied with two large binders of documentation featuring numerous factory records including the Maserati certificate of authenticity, a scissor jack with tools and bag, wheel spanner, a set of factory tools in a tool roll, and a Maserati Ghibli Use and Maintenance book. Additional documentation includes restoration receipts, photographs of the restoration process, and assorted photos of the car at various periods of ownership including participation in the 2017 Chopard Dubai Rally.

With its refined 4.9-liter quad-cam V8, stunning looks, and Ghia/Giugiaro design provenance, this Maserati Ghibli SS presents a wonderful opportunity for a collector-enthusiast to experience one of the most important and celebrated sports cars – a legend of iconic Italian performance and unprecedented design excellence.

Please note: A recent ad in Sportscar Market Letter for this car erroneously listed an incorrect price for this offering.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608