Beschreibung:

A strong contender for the ‘most handsome car of the 1960s’ title, Maserati’s sensational Ghibli debuted at the Turin Motor Show in November 1966. Styled at Carrozzeria Ghia by Giorgetto Giugiaro and named after a Sahara Desert wind, the Ghibli rivalled the Ferrari Daytona for straight-line performance - its top speed was close to 170mph (275km/h) - while beating it for price and - arguably - looks. More than 7 metres long and 2.8 metres wide, the Ghibli occupied an inordinate amount of space for a mere two-seater, but perhaps the most startling aspect of its appearance was the height, or rather the lack of it. Dry-sump lubrication enabled the engine to be mounted deep in the chassis, permitting a low bonnet line, while limited suspension travel ensured that the tyres did not foul the wheelarches. The roofline fell away from the top of the steeply raked windscreen to the chopped-off tail, Giugario thus achieving a cabin lower than that of almost all the Ghibli's contemporaries. The Ghibli used a tubular steel chassis featuring independent suspension at the front, while at the rear there was a leaf-sprung, live rear axle with single locating arm. The power unit was Maserati’s venerable four-cam, 90-degree V8, an engine derived from that of the 450S sports-racer and first seen in road-going guise in the 5000GT. This was used in dry-sump, 4.7-litre form up to 1970 when it was superseded by the 4.9-litre ‘SS’ version. Power rose to 355bhp and performance was stunning, with 100mph (160km/h) attainable in under 16 seconds. Even more sensational was the handsome Ghibli Spyder, launched in 1969 and the direct rival of the Ferrari Daytona Spyder. Giugiaro’s styling for an open-top Ghibli was arguably more successful than the original coupé and is regarded as a classic of sports car design. Ghibli production ended in 1973 after 1,149 coupés and only 125 Spyders had been built, and today these gorgeous motor cars are among the most sought after of Italian thoroughbreds. This beautiful Ghibli Spyder is finished in ‘triple black’ and equipped with the desirable ZF five-speed manual gearbox and period Borrani wire wheels. In average condition when purchased in Baltimore in 1995, the car was subsequently restored in Los Angeles, California by Avio Coach Cars between 1996 and 1998, and on completion took the ‘Best of Show’ award at the Concorso Italiano. Presented in optimal condition, the car comes complete with its original jack (in cover), owner’s handbook and a file of restoration invoices. Cette magnifique Ghibli Spyder est revêtue d'une peinture d'un noir profond. Elle est équipée de la désirable boîte manuelle cinq rapports ZF et des jantes à rayons Borrani d'époque. En état moyen lors de son achat à Baltimore en 1995, la voiture a ensuite bénéficié d'une restauration complète réalisée par Avio Coach, à Los Angeles, entre 1996 et 1998. Elle a alors obtenu le "Best of Show" Alfieri Maserati lors du Concours Italiano, en 1998. En état exceptionnel, cette rare Maserati est accompagnée de son cric d'origine (dans son étui), du manuel d'instruction et d'un dossier de factures de restauration.