Fantasy Junction

Description

1969 Maserati Ghibli Coupe
s/n AM 115786, Engine no. AM 115*786*
Dark Blue Metallic with Red Leather Interior

Penned by the famous and very talented Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Ghibli was one of his earliest designs. Featuring Maserati’s wonderful quad-cam alloy V8 deirived from Maserati’s famous 450S racing car, the Ghibli had excellent performance, but was also well-appointed and comfortable. While in production, it was Maserati’s flagship, and represented the last of the traditional front-engined cars before the mid-engined phase began. With just over 1,100 coupes constructed, they are rarer than Ferrari’s Daytona, and at a fraction of the cost, represent strong value Italian thoroughbreds in today’s marketplace.

This particular car was imported from Italy by its Californian owner in 1986. He retained the car in Downey, California until 2001, before passing it on to its next keeper, also in California. That owner fastidiously maintained and considerably improved the car during his 13 year ownership, during which he covered 25,000 kilometers.

In addition to performing regular fluid changes, valve adjustments, and tune-ups, he also significantly improved the car. In 2004, the engine was removed from the car and resealed as needed, and also fitted with new main bearings, water pump bearing and seal, and miscellaneous other items. The clutch was replaced and the flywheel resurfaced, and the braking system rebuilt with new rotors, pads, new caliper pistons and seals, in addition to front brake lines. The car was also stripped and repainted at this time, and the owner reports that no rust or filler of significance was noted in the body. The chrome was also renewed at this time, and the fuel tanks removed, cleaned, and reinstalled along with new fuel pumps. Over the years, service work also included redoing the AC system, including evaporator, drier, condenser, compressor, fans, and ducting. The rear springs were redone in 2008, and new Koni shock absorbers fitted as well. A compression check performed 11,000km (6800 miles ago) indicated compression figures of 155-165 psi on all eight cylinders. The car was serviced most recently in August 2014, which included oil and filter change, valve adjustment, chassis lubrication, differential oil, new fuel lines from the filter to the carburetors, recharged air conditioning, new tires, and redyed interior.

Cosmetically, the car is an attractive driver level car with an excellent body. The panels are straight with good fit and operation. The paintwork is glossy and was done to nice driver standards and appears to be a bit thick with some orange peel and a handful of surface cracks at complex body contours such as the base of the windscreen and near the C-pillar vents. The chrome and brightwork are in very good to excellent shape and were done to very good standards. The glass is also in very good shape and the wheels are excellent.

The interior is striking in its shade of bright red leather. The recently redyed seats are excellent, as are the door panels and dashboard. The carpets are also in excellent shape, as are the instruments, switches, and controls. The original steering wheel is fundamentally sound although the finish on the rim has worn in some places. The overall presentation is correct, although the car is fitted with a modern stereo.

The engine compartment presents correctly overall and appears well-maintained rather than freshly restored. There is some soiling present, but no signs of neglect, and the engine compartment would respond well to an afternoon spent cleaning and detailing. A pair of electric fans has been added to assist with cooling. The trunk is surprisingly capacious and connects to the passenger compartment in the style of a hatchback, which enhances the practicality of the car. It is trimmed in red to match the interior and is in excellent shape.

The car runs and drives very well. The engine starts easily and is well-tuned, making good power and a wonderful exhaust note. The car keeps up with modern traffic handily and the performance remains exciting even today. The transmission shifts beautifully, with a slickness that is generally uncommon in Italian cars of this vintage. The brakes work well and the suspension works effectively, providing sure-footed handling and good body control, particularly once at speed.

Maserati’s flagship during one of the golden ages of motoring, the car has all the ingredients for greatness and collectability, including purposeful styling by one of the great Italian designers, sophisticated quad cam powerplant, and impressive performance. This particular example is an excellent opportunity to acquire a fastidiously maintained and very attractive driver level Ghibli in a striking color combination. Having been driven 25,000 km in the last 13 years, the car has been continuously improved and is relatively dialed in, as opposed to a car which suffers from years disuse and the accompanying deferred maintenance punch-list. This car comes with a detailed maintenance log from this period, as well as some invoices, a reprinted manual (uso e manutenzione), and parts bulletin book.

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