The Maserati company needs no introduction among car enthusiasts. Founded in 1914 in Bologna by the six brothers Binda, Ernesto, Alfieri, Mario, Ettore and Carlo Maserati. Initially producers of batteries and spark plugs, the company became a constructor of racing cars in 1926. Numerous successes were soon achieved at local and international events.
Even before WW2, the company was increasingly in financial trouble, and in 1937 Maserati was sold to industrialist and visionary Adolfo Orsi, whose son Omar took a seat on the board. About four of the brothers stayed on as consultants for 10 years, and afterwards became active in motorsport with their own brand OSCA. By the 1950s, Maserati had already built a modest number of sports cars, but that was not enough to keep the factory profitable.
Orsi tackled things thoroughly with the introduction of the 3500GT model in 1957, a successful sports car that would remain in production for 7 years and of which more than 2,000 were sold in coupé and convertible form. This was followed by the 2-seater Mistral model, designed and built by Pietro Frua. Models with more interior space were also developed, such as the Sebring, the Mexico and the 4-door Quattroporte. Also in 1959, the very exclusive 5000GT model saw the light of day, which featured a V8 engine with DNA from its illustrious racing history.
In 1966, the end of the Mistral model was in sight, and Maserati had to look around for a worthy successor. The international sports car market was booming, and competitor Ferrari, which was playing an increasingly dominant role, was watched with suspicion. At the 1966 Turin Motor Show, a spectacular new two-seater coupé Maserati, the Ghibli, was presented at Carrozzeria Ghia's stand. The stunning design was by then only 28-year-old Turin-based designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who made his first sketches for the model back in 1965.
The Ghibli was an international sensation. The extremely sleek and modern-lined, 2-volume coupé body was and is considered a milestone and a masterpiece when it comes to modern sports car design. Along with it was a potent engine developed, a 4700cc V8 with 330HP. Equipped with so-called dry-sump (dry sump) with separate oil tank, allowing it to be placed as low as possible, and behind the front axle. The body design was turned into a driving car at breakneck speed, in less than eight months, preserving the pure shapes and proportions almost without compromise.
The Ghibli at the Collectables auction chassis no. AM115*1426*
Today still in exceptionally good condition, this classic Maserati had only 3 owners until today. New, the car was delivered in late 1969 to the textile firm Oscar Loupart in Ensival, Belgium. This retained the car for almost 20 years, when well-known Maserati racing driver and collector Edmond Pery from Blegny near Liège bought the car in 1988. After 16 years, in 2004 the car became the property of another Belgian collector. This one commissioned a professional restoration of the bodywork and interior in Italy at Carrozzeria Granturismo (now Carrozzeria Touring) in Milan. In the process, the car kept its original colours Celeste chiaro, light blue metallic with a beige interior. Engine & driveline were also taken care of at a specialist.
In 2021, the final service was performed at MV Classic cars in Belgium. The mileage since restoration is only 1528km. This Ghibli is further equipped with the famous aluminium Borrani wire wheels; in 1969, and still an expensive factory option today.
All in all, this Ghibli offers the chance to acquire an icon. In optimal condition, with original engine and drivetrain, and with full history. Equipped with Belgian registration, but can also be delivered with Dutch registration.
By appointment, the car can be viewed in Heteren. A lifting bridge is possibly available. All inspections are allowed.
Our opinion
A Supersport car from the late sixties-early seventies. Still a mighty machine to drive and all the more special because of its perfect condition. Originally delivered in the Benelux and a clear history. The estimate may seem hefty, but a pittance compared to the work and money that has gone into it. Therefore, it cannot be compared to an average car of American or Middle Eastern origin.
Equipment
This Maserati Ghibli is equipped with, among other things:
Borrani spoke wheels 15-inch
Leather interior
Original toolkit
Voxson stereo radio
Modifications
This Ghibli is completely original
Recent maintenance history
After purchase in 2004 full restoration by Carrozzeria Touring among others
Last service in 2021 by MV Classic Cars at an estimated 1400km.
Included in the sale
The following items are included with this Ghibli
4 keys
Original toolkit
If desired, this Maserati can also be delivered on Dutch registration. Ask for the conditions.
About the seller
The Maserati is being sold on behalf of a Belgian collector who entrusted us with several cars. The collection includes many Italian and German thoroughbreds and is partly sold due to fleet revision
Summary
Seller type - Private
Location - Belgium
Chassis number - AM115*1426*
Year of construction/date - 1970
Mileage - 1,528 kilometres
Demonstrable - Yes
Warranty - No
Margin/VAT - Margin car
Bodywork - Coupé
Engine - 4.7 litre six-cylinder boxer engine with 330 hp
Drive system - Rear-wheel drive
Transmission - Manual
Exterior - Celeste chiaro
Interior - Creme
Upholstery - Leather
Smoking car - No
Owners - 3 (including current one)
Tyres - Michelin Radial X 225-70VR15
The description of this Collectable has been prepared with the utmost care, based on information provided by and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre)selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. However, bidders should ascertain for themselves the accuracy of the description and may, if they wish, conduct (or have conducted) personal research. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, examination or valuation in advance by buyers, in consultation with the seller, of course. Consult our General Terms and Conditions for more details.
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