1970 Maserati Ghibli 4.7-Litre Coupé
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Ghia
Registration no. KRX 742H
Chassis no. AM115 1730
Engine no. AM115 1730

'It differs from many cars of similar performance in that it is equally as suited to going to the opera as blasting down to Palermo on the Autostrada.' – Road & Track.

A strong contender for the 'most handsome car of the 1960s' title, Maserati's Ghibli debuted in coupé form 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. Its styling made such an impression that it effectively provided the foundation for Giugiaro's career as an independent designer, making the Ghibli a landmark supercar in more ways than one.

More than 4.5m long and 1.8m 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.

Like the contemporary Mexico 2+2, the Ghibli used a shortened version of the Quattroporte saloon's tubular steel chassis in its live rear axle form. Perhaps surprisingly, the Ghibli set-up used leaf springs and a single locating arm in preference to the more complex suspension arrangements favoured by its rivals. The power unit was Maserati's proven, four-cam, 90-degree V8 - designed by chief engineer Giulio Alfieri - an engine derived from that of the 450S sports racer and first seen in road-going guise in the 5000GT. This was used in 4.7-litre form up to 1970 when it was superseded by the 4.9-litre 'SS' version in order to meet ever more stringent emission laws. The gain in horsepower was minimal but in either case performance was stunning, with 100mph (160km/h) attainable in under 16 seconds. This neck-snapping acceleration resulted from the V8's enormous torque, which made the Ghibli one of the most flexible and easy-to-drive GTs of its era. Ghibli production ceased in 1973 after approximately 1,149 coupé and 125 spyder models had been built.

Manufactured in July 1970, this 4.7-litre Ghibli was purchased by its current owner from marque specialist, Mistral Motors in Bussolengo, Italy in 2005. The car had been subject to restoration prior to the new owner registering the car in the UK. In 2007 the owner decided to repaint the Maserati to match his Light Car Company Rocket, whereupon a bare-metal body restoration was undertaken, removing any corrosion then present. The cream leather interior has recently been cleaned and renovated and, as the car has been used sparingly and professionally stored in the interim, both the body and interior remain in very good condition. Mechanically, the car has been maintained by several well known independent specialists with an extensive service having been completed recently, and now benefits from new tyres to original specification. Accompanying paperwork consists of sundry restoration invoices, a V5C registration document and a freshly issued MoT certificate.

One of the most stunning motor cars ever made, the Ghibli was a worthy rival for the Ferrari 'Daytona' and represents exceptional value for money today, just as it did 40 years ago.