One to Buy: First Owner for 39 years 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS (SOLD)
Launched at the Turin Motor Show in October 1966, the Maserati Tipo 115 Ghibli was a rakish two-seat Coupe styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Ghia.
Under the skin it was very much in the traditional Maserati mould with a steel monocoque construction, double wishbone suspension up front, a live axle at the rear and disc brakes all round. In the engine bay was the latest iteration of Maserati’s legendary dual overhead camshaft all-alloy V8; for this application it initially displaced 4.7-litres was equipped with a new dry-sump lubrication system.
Peak output was 310bhp at 5000rpm and 290lb-ft at 4000rpm.
Thanks to Giugiaro’s avant-garde all-steel bodywork with its air-piercing nose and retractable headlights, the Ghibli made Pininfarina’s traditionally-styled Ferraris of the time looked positively old hat.
Towards the end of 1970, an even more powerful 4.9-litre Ghibli was introduced. Dubbed the SS, it produced an additional 25bhp for a peak output of 335bhp at 5500rpm. There was also a good deal more torque on offer: 354lb-ft instead of 290lb-ft at an identical 4000rpm.
Currently on offer at the Fantasy Junction showroom in Emeryville, California, is one of those extremely desirable SS variants.
Presented in its original colour scheme of Oro Metallizzato with beige upholstery, this 1970 European specification example was supplied to its first owner in Milan who subsequently exported it to the USA the following year.
Remarkably, the SS (chassis 1786) was retained by its first owner until 2009. Since that time it has gone through the hands of a further three owners and been subjected to some sympathetic restoration.
Reprinted below is Fantasy Junction’s description for this superbly configured Ghibli SS:
Chassis no. AM115491786
Engine no. AM115/49 *1786*
Mileage: 85,133km
Price: $239,500
This beautiful Ghibli was originally delivered from the factory finished in Oro Metallizzato with beige leather interior and tan carpeting. Purchased new in Milan, Italy and imported to the US in 1971 by Mr. A Bio, New Jersey, the car remained under his ownership for a remarkable 38 years. In 2009, the car was sold to the second owner. As it had been essentially serviced and maintained to a high level by the original owner, the second owner performed sensitive cosmetic refurbishment including a high quality repaint in the original color, and reupholstery of the interior. A major service was performed on the engine and a new factory exhaust was installed. In 2014 the car was sold to the third owner, a prominent New York vintage car collector. The car has subsequently changed hands in recent years, allowing for availability through the current consigning owner.
Today this Maserati Ghibli presents in beautiful condition.The paint is bright and smoothly executed with excellent coverage, correct 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 with original factory construction. The wheels are beautifully and correctly finished, shod with correctly sized Pirelli Cinturato tires. Chrome plating on bumpers and various other trim is very well done with excellent contours to the elegant and thin grille opening 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 colors when ordered new. The seats retain good foam bolsters while the leather remains supple and smooth. The interior retains a satisfying combination of very nicely preserved original materials and properly selected leather for the seating. 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. The steering wheel and center horn button are particularly nice and add a confident touchpoint to the power and performance lurking under 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 displays a very nice collection of original components including the correct original metal-formed air cleaner complete with number tag, proper hoses and fasteners, and correct Maserati data plates with factory stampings, and what appear to be largely original finishes throughout the engine compartment. Though not detailed for show, the integrity of the finishes reveals the car has been serviced and maintained with preservation in mind, thoughtfully expressed by the long-term ownership and care delivered by the first owner. 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. Offering considerably more displacement than even a Daytona, the 4.9 Ghiblis occupy a top tier position in both beauty and performance. The undercarriage of this car 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. A correct factory type exhaust has been installed and braided stainless steel brake lines have been refitted.
The car starts easily, releasing a finely tuned exhaust note as the engine settles into a gentle but eager quad cam idle. The 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 opens up and reveals its true touring nature, settling in as the speedometer needle heads for historic Joe Walsh territory. 4-wheel disc braking is very efficient given the weight of the car, bringing the Ghibli down from highway speeds smoothly and evenly. Even under leisurely driving, the gently wrapped windscreen, sweeping rear glass, and comfortable driving position offer surprisingly good visibility – yet another remarkable feature of the innovative Giugiaro design. 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. The car is accompanied by a tool roll, a spare set of keys, and a loose-page owner’s manual.
With its refined 4.9 liter quad-cam V8, stunning looks, and coachbuilt Ghia and Giugiaro provenance, this Maserati Ghibli SS presents a wonderful opportunity for a collector or enthusiast to drive, refine, and enjoy one of the most important and celebrated sports cars of the Golden Era of Italian design.
