Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Maserati Ghibli Coupe
s/n AM115.532, Engine no. AM115.532
Black with Dove Grey Leather

Ghia Coachwork, Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro.

When Giorgetto Giugiaro began his work at Ghia, it was critical for him to establish his own design language, one that would set Ghia apart from the prevailing designs of other coachbuilders. At the prestigious 1966 Turin Motor Show, Ghia debuted the Maserati Ghibli to a stunned public. The debut was all the more shocking considering the very advanced styling, particularly in comparison to the aging Ferrari 275GTB. The Daytona would not arrive for another two years, and thus the Ghibli would prevail not only with its 170mph top speed, 4 wheel disc brakes, 330 hp DOHC V8 engine, and independent front suspension; it defied traditional proportions, sitting very low (roofline measuring just under 46”) and stretching out with a commanding 71” width).

Named aptly for the warm exotic desert winds, the Ghibli engine set the performance tone in part to the race-bred dry sump oil system. The four-cam, 90-degree V8 (derived from the 450S sports racer and used in the 5000GT), allowed for a very low hood line. This further situated driver and passenger at a much lower driving position, and resulted in a narrow profile with a wind-cheating frontal cross section. At the rear of the car, Giugiaro accentuated the low profile with a fast roofline highlighted by expansive rear glass and terminating in a highly effective aerodynamic Kamm-back tail. Giugiaro leveraged these numerous technical advances to deliver a car like no other on the market. Accommodating these new proportions, the Ghibli used a Quattroporte tubular steel chassis, shortened and fitted with live rear axle and leaf springs, favoring a more reliable suspension. The substantial engine torque, coupled with reliability, smooth shifting 5 speed, and commanding presence made the Ghibli one of the finest GTs on the market.

This particular example was delivered from Maserati's Modena workshop in early 1967 as a white over black left-hand-drive equipped car with 5-speed manual ZF transmission. Although the car's early history remains unknown, in 2000 the car is said to have been restored by renowned Ferrari and Maserati restorer Bob Smith Coachworks of Gainesville, Texas, retaining the original engine per the 2016 Maserati S.p.A. certificate. The condition of the car overall is consistent with a high quality restoration which has been well-maintained and preserved over the past fifteen years.

Finished in gloss black, this handsome Ghibli is all the more visually commanding as the glass and black body surfaces blend together to form a unified composition. Finely designed chrome trim treats the eye to crisp accents at just the right points of interest throughout the exterior design. Paint is in very nice condition, in keeping with the driver quality restoration of this car. There are a few minor use marks along the rocker panels and front valence, due primarily to road use. Very minor crazing appears on the hood surface along the scoop areas. Glass is in nice condition and chrome, while exhibiting minor surface scratches presents glossy and consistent throughout the car. Wheels are very nice overall, properly finished and nicely accented with chrome-plated knock offs. The tail light lenses are crisp and color un-faded. The front bumper and surrounding bodywork is particularly well fitting and nicely shaped considering how many of these cars are often poorly repaired when even slightly damaged.

The doors, hood, and rear deck shut nicely with no resistance and release easily. Some minor rubber gasket compression is present in the rear area. The nicely finished dove grey interior is well done overall with seat piping properly contoured showing only minor surface wear and compression due to use. Seat bolsters remain full and firm. Seating position is low and arm extension ample – a highlight of the Ghibli being it can accommodate both long legs and tall bodies. The dashboard features an expansive array of instruments and wood trimmed wheel. The top dashboard surface is finished in a contrasting fabric material consistent with the original specifications. The center console houses a Blaupunkt radio playing through modern Pioneer speakers.

Under the hood, the very nicely finished 4.7 liter quad-cam engine is properly sorted and has been done with correct factory finishes including proper hosing, crackle finish cam covers, proper air cleaner paint, and correctly bundled hoses. The engine fires to life quickly, with an excellent raspy punch. Power in all gears is quite impressive, delivering on the torque promise of the race-bred engine. Gearbox is smooth and reliable, within just a few miles confidence builds to even the newest drivers as the 4 carburetors team up to deliver more and more pleasure with each accumulating mile. Suspension has been sorted out very nicely, so the car responds well to both highway driving and lower speed mountain excursions. Undercarriage shows no signs of significant damage but has been subject to general use and, while properly finished per factory build, remains as one might expect from structurally solid a driver presentation car.

This smart, beautifully restored Ghibli, with its factory 5-speed manual transmission and striking color combination, truly lives up to the fantastic reputation it set the day it debuted on the stage at the 1966 Turin Motor Show. Giugiaro created this masterpiece of design to serve both performance and beauty. 50 years later a superb example awaits its next owner eager for high-speed rallies, casual touring, or enjoyable show events.

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