1970 Maserati Ghibli Spider
HIGHLIGHTS
1 of 125 Ghibli Spiders Produced & 1 Of Just 20 Delivered With Factory Hardtop
Maserati Classiche Certified
Wonderful Restoration and Major Recent Servicing Yield An Event Ready Example
Wonderful Color Combination
Includes Boranni Wheels, Luggage, Spares, Documents
SPECIFICATIONS
VIN - AM115S1185
Engine – 4.7L, 8 Cylinder
Gearbox – 5-Speed Manual
Drivetrain - Front Engine, RWD
PRICING INFORMATION
Price - SOLD
OVERVIEW
The Maserati Ghibli arrived on the sports car scene in 1966. A brilliant vision of advanced design by Giorgetto Giugiaro while at Ghia, the Ghibli redefined sports car design with crisp lines, wide stance, and aggressive styling far ahead of the competition. Named for the exotic desert winds, the chiseled Ghibli debuted at the 1966 Turin Motor Show earning immediate praise as a progressive design conceived as a production model boasting impressive mechanicals and legendary performance.
Outfitted with Maserati’s race-bred 306 hp dry-sump 4.7-liter quad-cam V8 with four Weber carburetors and a ZF five-speed manual transmission coupled to a limited slip differential, drivers could achieve 0-60 mph times of less than seven seconds, with handling reported as the best of that period. Dramatically low and wide, the disc brake equipped Ghibli delivered comfort and performance Including a 170 mph top speed. Today the Ghibli continues to attract ongoing attention from collectors and enthusiasts who eagerly seek the most desirable of these cars - the coveted Sypder, of which just 125 examples were build.
For anyone seeking a Ghibli Spider it is critical to know the history supported by factory records confirming the rare Spider configuration including important Maserati Classiche Certification. Factory records accompanying this Ghibli Spider support the original Spider designation and construction, matching numbers engine, and factory options including the impossibly rare factory hardtop, a mere 20 of which were hand crafted and delivered new. Adding further to the rarity of this example, this Ghibli was also delivered from the factory with air conditioning, power steering, and retractable antenna. Assembled in April 1970 and completed in July 1970, the car was delivered to US East Coast Maserati importers, Foreign Car City, West Nyack, New York. Ownership continued through North America with regular services and mechanical preparation and restoration including a comprehensive repaint in the current light metallic blue trimmed with black leather interior. Recent mechanical services in 2021 and 2022 further improved mechanical operation supported by continued services under current ownership.
Finished in metallic blue, the paint is smooth and glossy, executed with excellent coverage and correct metallic flake. The doors, hood, and trunk open and close with crisp and firm latching exhibiting excellent panel fit including nicely finished inner door jambs and underside hood and trunk finishes. The factory Campagnolo wheels are beautifully refinished, with correct chrome plated center pieces. Chrome plating on the front and rear bumpers is also excellent, impressively so in the European style trim bumper design. Glass throughout is in excellent condition overall with no notable chips visible in the windscreen. A stunning addition to the Spider design, the rare factory hardtop is finished in matching metallic blue with excellent finishes including correct headliner, clear glass, and proper latching mechanisms.
The interior is wonderfully finished and cohesively presented in correct factory black leather. The original seats are comfortable, retain comfortable bolster and structural support and supple material feel. The door panels and various matching interior finishes reflect correct factory features, trim, and stitching. The center console and dashboard are nicely finished, displaying excellent instrumentation with clear and consistent coloring, bright numbers, and crisp needles. Toggle switches and control knobs are also in excellent condition overall including the correct radio and perfectly perched 5-speed manual gear selector. The wood rim steering wheel and center horn button are in excellent condition as are the various accessory features throughout the interior. The trunk is finished in black carpeting with a pivoting floor panel which can be lifted to reveal a spare Borrani wire wheel and tire stowed safely beneath the trunk floor. Though not currently housed in the trunk, a set of matching leather luggage (a rare option on any Maserati) is included with the car.
The engine compartment and matching numbers engine have been restored to correct factory appearance including the beautiful and correct textured black crinkle finish on the quad cam head castings, proper hardware and fasteners, correct data plates, and correct metal air intake housing for the Weber carburetors. The quality of the finishes reflects regular services and detailing to a high standard. The matching numbers engine has recently benefited from top tier service performed by Maserati experts. The undercarriage is clean and tidy with no visible evidence of structural compromise, displaying honest finishes reflective of enthusiast care and preservation.
Driving this Ghibli Spider is a wonderful experience. The engine is smooth, and acceleration is progressive with all systems performing as expected. The ZF 5-speed transmission operates very nicely with smooth action and a predictable clutch pedal. At speed, the Ghibli reveals its confident touring nature but is just as manageable in modern traffic or enjoyably carving mountain roads. Disc brakes all around bring the Ghibli down evenly without pulsing in a steady smooth track. Larger frame drivers should also note that unlike many cars of this period, driving ease is further enhanced by comfortable accommodations without compromising desirable performance traits.
Masterfully designed and hand crafted by dedicated artisans, few cars deliver on so many levels as the Maserati Ghibli Spider. Offered with Maserati Classiche Certification, and finished in stunning colors, this beautifully prepared Spider is accompanied by the rare factory hardtop, owner’s manual, a spare set of Borrani wire wheels, numerous spares, and assorted service invoices. Sure to delight future generations of sports car enthusiasts for decades to come, this desirable Ghibli Spider is ready for concours events, touring, and enjoyable leisurely drives just as intended when originally crafted to meet the joys of performance driving.
Please contact Jason at +1-206-355-7727 for more information on this vehicle.
