1969 Maserati Ghibli

This 1969 Maserati Ghibli SS is one of 1,170 coupes manufactured during six years of production and is among approximately 425 examples built with power from a 4.9-liter quad-cam V8. Chassis 1142 is said to have been ordered new in July 1969 by Count Franco Grandi, son of the former Italian minister of foreign affairs known for his role in the overthrow of Mussolini, Dino Grandi. A replacement engine was reportedly installed via Maserati in the 1970s before the car was purchased out of the US in 1989 by a UK collector who initiated a refurbishment and retained the car until 2015. It was then sold to a Belgian owner who completed the project, which included a repaint in the original shade of Blu Medio, a re-trim of the interior in red leather, and an engine overhaul. The car was purchased by its current owner in 2017 and was later shipped to Modena, Italy, for Maserati Classiche certification, which was awarded in March 2022. The car is also equipped with a ZF five-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential, servo-assisted disc brakes, 15” Campagnolo alloy wheels, a Ferrero steering wheel, power steering, and air conditioning. This Tipo AM115/49 is now offered by its owner in Roeselare, Belgium, with Maserati Classiche certification documents and badges, a copy of its factory build sheet, invoices from current ownership, and Belgian registration. The Ghibli debuted at the 1966 Turin Motor Show featuring steel bodywork styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro during his time with Carrozzeria Ghia and was joined for 1969 by a higher-displacement SS variant. Design features of this example include dual hood vents, a low-profile trunk lip, round-edge headlight covers, chromed bumpers free of overriders, a driver-side mirror, small round side indicator lights up front, clear front turn signals mounted low in the grille, and a rear fog light. The refurbishment performed between 2015 and 2016 is said to have included a repaint in the original shade of Blu Medio (20A173) after repairs to the bodywork. Additional work during the project included re-chroming of the brightwork and the installation of a replacement windshield. One of the headlight motors was replaced in 2021, at which time various wiring repairs were made. An imperfection is visible on the right A-pillar. The Campagnolo bolt-on alloy wheels are said to have been refinished during the refurbishment and are wrapped in 215/70VR15 Michelin XWX tires. A matching spare is secured in the rear compartment. A refresh of the four-wheel disc brakes during the project reportedly included rebuilds of the calipers with stainless-steel pistons, replacement of the lines, installation of a rebuilt vacuum booster, and nickel-plating of the components. The cabin was re-trimmed during the refurbishment and features red Connolly leather over the seats, console, door panels, and lower dash, while dark blue carpeting was fitted over the floors and rear cargo area. The off-white headliner and black “mouse hair” dash trim were also replaced. Additional features include headrests, rear storage compartments beneath red-trimmed cushions, a lockable glovebox, power windows, and air conditioning. The Ferrero steering wheel sits ahead of Veglia Borletti instrumentation including a 300-km/h speedometer, a tachometer with a 5,500-rpm redline, and an oil pressure gauge. The five-digit odometer shows 59k kilometers (~37k miles). Instruments situated at center dash beneath toggle switchgear include a clock, an ammeter, and gauges monitoring coolant temperature, oil temperature, and fuel level. The SS variant’s 4.9-liter V8 is a higher-displacement evolution of the standard Ghibli’s powerplant and was factory rated at 335 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 355 lb-ft of torque at 4k rpm. Features include an aluminum block, aluminum cylinder heads with dual overhead camshafts on each cylinder bank, dry-sump lubrication, and quadruple Weber 42 DCNF carburetors. This example’s replacement engine is said to have been installed in the 1970s and later overhauled during the 2015-2016 refurbishment, with work reportedly including grinding and balancing of the crankshaft and replacement of the cylinder liners, timing chains, bearings, and valves. The starter and alternator are also said to have been rebuilt, while the radiator was re-cored and the fuel system was freshened with replacement pumps and lines. The water pump and oil pump were rebuilt in 2020, at which time the carburetors were resealed. Service in 2023 included adjustment of the carburetors and replacement of the water-pump cable and valve-cover seals. The five-speed manual transmission is also said to have been overhauled during the refurbishment, at which time the clutch assembly was replaced. The rear axle was rebuilt and fitted with a limited-slip differential, and the driveshaft U-joints were replaced. The suspension is said to have been refreshed with the installation of replacement Koni shock absorbers, rebuilds of the leaf springs, and refinishing of the control arms and other components. Additional work is said to have included a rebuild of the power steering pump, replacement of steering linkage components, and the installation of a black-painted stainless-steel exhaust system. The rear axle limiting straps were replaced in 2023. A Maserati Classiche badge engraved with the chassis number is riveted to the door jamb and declares the car’s certification, and an enamel plaque engraved with the chassis number is shown in the photo gallery below. Documentation from the Maserati Classiche Certification process includes a Certificazione di Authentica, a Technical and Aesthetic Characteristics sheet, and results of a compression test from the Classiche certification inspection. The factory build sheet lists the original components and equipment as well as the original color combination of Blu Medio over white leather. The build sheet lists internal engine number 1241, while number OASS3524 is shown stamped on the replacement engine block in the gallery below. The car does not have a title, as it is registered in a country that does not issue titles. It is being sold on its registration.