Chassis No. AM115S.1081

Engine No. AM115S.1081

Body No. 10164

Maserati's V8 powered Ghibli arrived in concept form for the 1966 Turin Motor Show, its wedge styling indicative of the future of sports car design and penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro while he was at Ghia. Initially offered with the quad cam 4.7-liter AM115 V8 coupled with either a five-speed ZF manual transmission or an optional three-speed automatic, contemporary reports considered the Ghibli very much the equal of Ferrari's 12-cylinder 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and indeed, the Ghibli's list price was only around $1,000 shy of the Daytona's.

Even more sensational than the coupe was the handsome Ghibli spyder, launched in 1969 and the direct rival of Ferrari's 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder. Giugiaro's styling for an open Ghibli was arguably even more successful than the original closed coupe and is rightly regarded as an all-time classic of sports car design. Well designed and easy to operate, the soft-top folded down beneath a lift-up panel when not required, thus preserving the Spyder's clean lines. Ghibli production ceased in 1973 after approximately 1,149 coupe and just 125 spyder models had been built. One of the most stunning sports cars ever made, the Ghibli was a worthy rival for the Ferrari Daytona and represents exceptional value today, just as it did 40 years ago.

This rare Ghibli Spyder retains its original 4.7-liter matching numbers engine and equipped as delivered from the factory with the preferred ZF five-speed manual transmission. Documentation on file from Maserati confirms that the new Ghibli Spyder was originally delivered and ordered from Maserati by Bruce McCashin from Bob Grossman's dealership, Foreign Car City in West Nyack, New York in July of 1969. A U.S.-specification example, it was specified with quad exhaust tips, bolt-on Borrani wire wheels, seat belts, a Becker Grand Prix AM/FM radio with electric antenna, and a left-hand door mirror. It was given the paint scheme of Mercedes-Benz Tobacco Brown (DB 423) over Senape (Mustard) leather interior, with matching tunnel and dashboard upholstery. Mr. McCashin planned to pick the Maserati up from the Modena-based Maserati factory, but that never came to fruition. Foreign Car City eventually took delivery of the new Maserati Spyder Stateside in March 1970 before placing it with a new owner. According to the Maserati Ghibli Registry, the rare Ghibli Spyder would later come into the ownership of East Coast-based Maserati aficionado Ivan Ruiz. A cosmetic restoration was performed about a decade ago consisting of new Argento Auteuil (Silver Metallic) paint, fitment of new deep Burgundy leather interior by Bridge of Weir Leather Co., Wilton carpeting, and correct leather on the dash fascia. A new black canvas convertible top was fitted as well. During this time, aluminum and chrome trim was replated and polished as well. Today, the original Ghia bodywork displays very good fit and finish, and optional chrome wire wheels are appropriately shod with correct Michelin XWX tires. Cosmetically, the Silver Metallic paintwork beautifully captures the essence of Giugiaro's sleek lines.

The Ghibli spyder is widely considered to be one of the finest open grand touring cars Maserati has ever constructed, fashioned in the great Italian tradition of poise, elegance, and power. A vehicle which possesses flash and dash in equal measure, with beauty, rarity, and timeless appeal. This 1970 Maserati Ghibli Spyder with factory five-speed gearbox represents a rare opportunity to own one of the finest, most beautiful road cars of the period.