The greatest of all the famous Maseratis built during the 1960s was the powerful Ghibli, named after a blazing African wind descending upon the Mediterranean, designed by a rising star: Giorgetto Giugiaro at Carrozzeria Ghia.
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Underdog to Ferrari and Lamborghini no more, the Ghibli could rightfully claim to be the first of a new breed of Italian supercars. Fantastically desirable today, the Ghibli was one of those completely unattainable GT cars we used to drool over as teenagers, with its low stance reeking of genuine machismo, super long hood with fresh air scoops, magnesium wheels, and numerous other breathtaking details.
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Maserati's undisputed flagship at the time, the Ghibli is a pure 2-seater. A mere 1,149 Ghibli Coupés were built between 1967 and 1973; of those, many succumbed to the merciless rust devil or were driven into oblivion during the years when collectors hadn't yet discovered this true Milestone sportscar. Four decades later, virtually all remaining Ghiblis are tucked away in museums or collectors' climate controlled garages.
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The 1970 Maserati Ghibli presented here, VIN AM115 *446*, is a very well preserved, numbers matching example that has spent the last few decades in sunny California, accumulating a total of just 79,225 actual miles in almost 40 years. That's less than 2,000 miles driven annually!
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Well cared-for all its life, the Ghibli's coachwork survived admirably. There's no corrosion to worry about. The stunning lines are as crisp and sexy as Giugiaro intended. Thankfully, this Ghibli has remained unmodified from its original specification.
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Under the long bonnet, in a spotless engine bay, rests the famous 4.7-liter dual overhead cam V8 power plant, topped by dual banks of WEBER carburetors and good for 330 wild horses, a magical number at the time. The engine has just been tuned and serviced and runs great; it does not leak or smoke, shows great oil pressure and perfect compression. It sounds as magnificent as Toscanini's orchestra at La Scala in Milano.
Very important, instead of a timing belt, it features duplex chains for the camshafts and--believe this--a triplex chain for the crankshaft, making it virtually indestructible!
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Though being a largely original example, the Ghibli's exterior paint has been freshened recently in the original shade of Rosso Pomodoro. Finish is very smooth and glossy, with only minor imperfections that are too insignificant to be visible on photos. All the glass is intact; the chrome and stainless trim is in gorgeous condition, except for the windshield trim, which went MIA after new weatherstripping was installed.
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Bolt-on CAMPAGNOLO mag wheels are integral part of the Ghibli's awe-inspiring design. They feature UNIROYAL 225/70-15 tires with plenty of thread on all four corners.
Let's now have a look inside!
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Ghibli's cockpit exudes bona fide 1960s ultra high performance aura, delivering more masculine panache than all 2008 "Bull**itt Edition" Mustangs combined. A hundred design center alumni are desperately trying to imitate this unsurpassably potent exercise in style--alas, they'll never gonna get it this perfect!
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Aromatic black leather dominates the interior. Immaculately preserved dash top is free of hairline cracks. Factory wood-rimmed steering wheel looks fabulous.
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Aircraft-like dashboard displays rows of classic VEGLIA instruments and small black toggle switches equipped with cryptic pictograms. Amazingly, all gauges and switches work. The car's owner recently spent in excess of $25,000.00 at a San Jose specialist garage to have the car's mechanical and electrical systems fine-tuned. Now, there are no headaches anymore with any part of the original Magneti Marelli equipment.
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Comfortable leather seats look inviting. There are no splits or rips anywhere.
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Ready for a test drive?
So are we, but let's inspect trunk and undercarriage before we take off.
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Luggage compartment is luxuriously clad in soft carpeting and Italian leather.
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Battery and matching spare rest underneath a wooden partition. Tire has never been used.
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Undercarriage has never been exposed to inclement weather or--God forbid!--road salt; it is dry, clean, and free of any hidden surprises.
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Monday, October 5, was just another beautiful autumn day in San Buenaventura, and we decided to take the Ghibli for an extensive test drive, not without stopping at our favorite Espresso bar for a quick macchiato (and to give the assembled patrons a chance to admire our new steed).
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The big Maser starts instantly and idles with the characteristic V8 rumble. Ghibli is a very solidly-built car; there are no rattles or squeaks. At speed, it sounds heavenly and does not display any ill behavior at all. Manhandling the factory 5-speed transmission with its macho console shifter has to be one of the great joys of Ghibli ownership--there's just no comparison to an automatic-equipped Ghibli--the slush box being quite a popular option on U.S. spec cars. Clutch has just been replaced.
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Naturally, the Ghibli was the center of attention wherever we stopped. Once at speed, steering and handling are brilliant. Power-assisted disc brakes anchor the large car with authority. There are no ill manners to report at all; the Ghibli does not run hot, smoke, or lose appreciable amounts of fluids.
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Returning home, we are quite content with the Ghibli's prowess. Here's one Italian supercar that's built as ruggedly as a Chevy and can be used on a daily basis, if so desired. Since no dreaded timing belt change intervals have to be observed, it should live happily for hundreds of thousands of miles if treated with the respect it deserves!
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Attractive from any angle, the iconic Ghibli looks as good standing still than it does at full song on the freeway. It's the epitome of a 1960s Grand Touring car, as only the Italians could have conceived it. Imagine being behind its wheel, headed up Highway One, to Pebble's Concorso Italiano in 2010!
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A world-famous dream car, exclusively manufactured for racers, tycoons, and playboys, vastly out of reach for us mere mortals when new. A veritable icon from the heyday of unlimited high performance bravado, before faceless bureaucrats hiding behind acronyms like OPEC, EPA, and DOT started to spoil the fun. As desirable as any Lamborghini, Aston, or Ferrari of the period, this Ghibli is ready to be adopted by one lucky person and cherished like a family heirloom.
You are most welcome to inspect this fine automobile at our location in Ventura, by appointment, or have someone inspect it for you.
Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at 805-653-5551.
Take me to Californiaclassix' Home or the Showroom.