Maserati Ghibli SS

Year1973
Chassis115.49.2378
CoachworkGhia / Vignale

The car

In 1966 Maserati presented a new Gran Turismo at the Turin Motor Show, destined to become one of the most representative cars of the Trident marque. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Ghia, the Ghibli broke with the traditional conventions of Maserati Gran Turismos. The long bonnet, the low, sharp nose, the pop-up headlights and the fastback tail create an instantly recognisable line, destined to become one of the most celebrated creations of the Turin designer. The project was overseen by engineer Giulio Alfieri, while construction of the steel bodies, with aluminium bonnet, was entrusted to Vignale. The Ghibli was conceived as a large 2+2 Gran Turismo, with a front-mounted V8 derived from the Maserati engine family of the Quattroporte and the Mexico. To fit under the Ghibli’s long, low bonnet, the engine adopted dry-sump lubrication.

The Ghibli 4.9 SS

In 1969 Maserati introduced the most powerful version of the range: the Ghibli SS, identified as Tipo AM115/49. The V8 was enlarged to 4,930 cc by lengthening the stroke and reached an output of 335 hp at 5,500 rpm. The declared top speed was 285 km/h, figures that placed the Ghibli SS at the top of the road-going Gran Turismos of the period. Production of the Ghibli SS Coupé ended in 1972, with 425 cars built. Production of the Ghibli family as a whole ended in 1973.

The last cars

The car featured in this restoration belongs to the final phase of Ghibli SS production. The last Ghiblis benefited from the progressive evolution of the model over its production years. Later cars feature a number of updates and different components compared with the early examples, including Veglia instruments, new rocker switches on the dashboard, a Bonaldi brake servo, Vitaloni steering-wheel control and Campagnolo wheels secured with bolts. Power steering also became available as an option. This evolution makes the last cars particularly interesting, as they represent the most mature configuration of the Ghibli, at the end of a production run that began with the car’s presentation in 1966.

The restoration

We carried out a major restoration on this car, with the aim of achieving the best possible result both aesthetically and in terms of reliability. The chassis was repaired where necessary and the cabin floor pans were rebuilt. To make the structure more reliable, the chassis rails were also replaced. As for the body, the front and rear sections were replaced entirely using original Maserati parts, new old stock still bearing their original tags. For the doors, bonnet and boot lid, on the other hand, we made the new outer steel panels in-house, shaping and beating them entirely by hand.

Paint and interior

The car was originally finished in bronze, but the client chose to change its colour scheme. We therefore opted for a fine-grain metallic blue, paired with beige Connolly leather upholstery, creating an elegant, harmonious combination. The paintwork was carried out by Carrozzeria Europa of Carpi, while the interior was made by Interni Auto Maieli.

Other work

The mechanical work included a complete overhaul of the engine and its ancillaries, as well as an overhaul of the running gear and a new braking system. The work was carried out by Tralli Franco, in collaboration with Officina Molinari di Molinari Paolo & C. S.N.C. Finally, the car received official certification from the manufacturer.