Vehicle Description
In November of 1966, at the annual Turin Motor Show, Maserati
unveiled their striking new flagship grand tourer to replace the
aging Mistral and low-production 5000GT. NamedGhibliafter a hot
Saharan wind, this V8-powered two-seater was easily one of the
stars of the show, graced with enormous presence from its taut,
purposeful styling by the maestro, Giorgetto Giugiaro working for
Ghia. A far cry from the curvaceous designs of the early 60s, the
Ghibli signaled a significant shift in design language, with sharp
lines, wedge-shaped profiles, and pop-up headlights showing the way
of the future. Maserati was still a boutique manufacturer at this
stage, so to keep costs under control, they utilized the same
underlying architecture as the Quattroporte Sedan and Mexico
four-seater, altering the wheelbase to suit the Ghibli. Maserati's
4.7-liter four-cam V8 powered the Ghibli, derived from the fearsome
450S sports racer, and was first seen in road-going guise in the
exclusive 5000 GT. In the Ghibli, the V8 featured dry-sump
lubrication and four downdraft Weber DCNL (later, DCNF)
carburetors, producing 310-335 horsepower depending on
specification. With its torque-laden V8 and available options such
as air conditioning, power steering, and even an automatic gearbox,
the Ghibli was aimed at buyers seeking a sophisticated,
high-performanceGran Turismowith similar performance to its
competitors at Ferrari, Lamborghini, and De Tomaso, but with
considerably more refinement, comfort, and practicality.
Celebrities and business moguls alike fell for the Ghibli
immediately, and it is said that Henry Ford II was so taken by it
that he tried to buy the company! Initially, Maserati hoped to sell
just 100 Ghiblis, but it was so well received that they ultimately
produced 1170 coupes and 125 spiders. It remains a poster-child
among 70s Italian supercars, renowned today as it was when new for
its effortless performance and glamorous style. Offered here is a
low-mileage, exceptionally well-preserved 1970 Ghibli Coupe,
chassis number AM115.1148. According to information provided by the
Ghibli Registry, this coupe was sold new to a New York resident,
who equipped the car for relaxed Grand Touring with a host of
factory options, including Borrani wheels, power steering, electric
windows, air conditioning, Becker Grand Prix radio, and an
automatic gearbox. After less than a year of ownership and 8,150
miles, the first owner traded 1148 to dealer T.N.M. Lathrop of New
London, Connecticut. The second owner purchased the Ghibli from
Lathrop and cherished it as part of his private collection for 43
years until his passing in 2014. That same year, the most recent
owner acquired it through the estate, and a copy of the title lists
the actual mileage as 19,250. Now showing just over 20,000 miles,
this marvelous Ghibli Coupe remains in remarkable condition, with
mostly original red paint, original leather upholstery, and
factory-correct details throughout. The Ghia coachwork is
beautifully crisp and straight, with doors that open and close with
satisfying precision and well-defined lines and panel gaps. A light
patina is evident in the paint finish, which appears to be
primarily original, with some spots resprayed as needed over the
years. The bright trim is straight and properly aligned with
preserved original plating. The Borrani wheels are tidy, with some
light corrosion noted on a few spokes, and they are shod with rare,
possibly original Pirelli Cinturato CN73 radials. In a world of
over-restored show cars, the careworn cosmetics of this Ghibli are
refreshingly appealing. The cabin features well-preserved
factory-fitted cream leather seats, door panels, and carpets. Black
leather covers the center console and instrument panel, with the
correct suede-effect "mouse hair" on the dash top, still in good
order. While some seams have split on the seats, the upholstery is
generally in fine original condition and is still amazingly pliable
and presentable. Factory-correct features include a full array of
Veglia Borletti instruments, Becker Grand Prix, and a lovely
three-spoke wood-rimmed wheel. A factory jack and knock-off tool
are included. This Ghibli retains its original, matching-numbers
4.7-liter V8, topped with Weber carburetors and a correct
low-profile air cleaner, with authentic detailing and a light
patina to the cam covers and painted accessories. It runs and
drives beautifully, with a cohesive quality that only low-mileage
original cars seem to possess. The automatic gearbox, power
steering, and A/C make it ideal for relaxed high-speed cruising,
though we recommend fresh tires before embarking on long runs.
Unrestored original Ghiblis are a rare sight, and this superb
example would undoubtedly be a top contender for preservation class
honors at premier concours events worldwide. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7334-1970-maserati-ghibli-coupe/
