Tag Archives: Maserati

Maserati, Modern Classic

1990 Chrysler TC by Maserati

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There have been many collaborations between Italian and American automobile manufacturers over the years, but possibly none as maligned as much as the Chrysler TC by Maserati. Having met Alejandro DeTomaso while at Ford, Lee Iacocca collaborated with DeTomaso to build a sports car incorporating the best of Italian and American design and engineering. What resulted was the TC, a convertible based on the Dodge Daytona chassis available with three different engines throughout the car's three year production run. On offer was a 2.2 liter turbocharged engine with a 3 speed automatic, a 3.0 liter Mitsubishi V6 with a four speed automatic. The rarest engine and drivetrain combination of all was a 2.2 liter, turbocharged 16 valve four cylinder with a Maserati designed twin came head produced by Cosworth, mated to a Japanese IHI turbocharger and hooked up to a 5 speed manual Getrag transaxle. To add further diversity, the pistons in this engine were made by Mahle in Germany. The alloy wheels, while Italian, were sourced by Fondmetal, a Formula One supplier.

This was certainly an interesting vehicle, but sadly, few took notice. It also didn't help that the motoring press derided this car as little more than a warmed over Chrysler LeBaron. Only 500 TCs were made with the 2.2 liter engine with the Cosworth/Maserati designed head. There are clean examples of TCs to be had in the market, but it's quite uncommon to stumble across a low mileage example of one with the Getrag gearbox and Maserati/Cosworth engine. Here is one for sale with just under 50,000 miles in Michigan.

1990 Chrysler TC by Maserati

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1990 Chrysler TC Convertible by Maserati. Only 49,000 original miles. Very rare TC with only 500 ever being built with a 5 speed Getrag manual transmission and a 16 valve Cosworth "Maserati" head on a 2.2L turbocharged inline 4 cylinder engine. The TC was a vehicle built in partnership with Chrysler's Lee Iacocca and Alejandro DeTomaso of Maserati. Produced to give the availability of a luxury sport coupe with both Italian and American heritage.

This low mileage TC is presented in brilliant red with plush hand stitched Italian leather seats. Equipped with a body colored hard top and tan soft top. Power windows, locks and mirrors. Infinity sound system, power driver and passenger seats. Leather dash, armrest and door trim and speciality designed aluminum wheels. This TC is in excellent condition throughout. Leather has less than average wear and exterior is free of rust or problem areas. Issues noted: passenger side hard top window is delaminating and the engine has a bad valve cover gasket, a very common problem but is able to be fixed. Runs and drives excellent. Starts right up and transmission shifts smooth through each gear. Vehicle is being sold as-is.

To be honest, I never liked the TC. And I still don't. But the TC has its loyal following and an active owners club, which will no doubt help in sourcing bespoke parts for this car's engine. For an enthusiast looking for something out of the mainstream, it is hard to beat the uniqueness of this vehicle for the price.

-Paul

Maserati

1970 Maserati Ghibli Spyder 4.7

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While we featured a Maserati Ghibli a few days ago on CICFS, it was the more common hardtop variant. Out of the 1,274 Ghiblis ever produced, only 125 had their roofs chopped off beginning with the 1969 model year. This example for sale in The Netherlands is one of the original 125 produced and has had three owners. It has benefitted from a restoration but retains its original interior.

1970 Maserati Ghibli Spyder 4.7

This is a rare and original Maserati Ghibli Spyder, chassis number 1161st (an example of only 125 cars produced). This car has had three owners and has been driven 41,000 original miles. A few years ago, the car was completely restored and technically gone over. The car has the original engine (matching numbers) and Borrani chrome wire wheels. The bodywork is immaculate, mechanically it is 100% and drives fabulous. The interior is completely original and in beautiful condition. In summary, a unique and rare vehicle in beautiful condition.

Hardtop Ghiblis in good nick usually hover around the $100,000 mark, but the Spyder is an altogether different proposition. This is one of the nicest Ghiblis I’ve seen on the market as of late, and its price reflects that. I’m not certain how fast this car will move at over $400,000 USD, as recent auctions have set the bar for the Ghibli Spyder around $275,000 to $350,000. Even though some hardtops were converted to Spyders over the years, as in most cases, the originals will always command more money than the copies. In this stunning shade of blue, this Ghibli is a triumph of Italian design and engineering in one arrested package.

-Paul

Maserati

1972 Maserati Ghibli SS

The Maserati Ghibli is one of those grand touring cars that epitomizes everything that was great about Italian design in the 1960s and 1970s. Long, flowing lines and sumptuous details are the hallmarks of this machine. This particular Ghibli is a desirable one. Not only is it the later, higher horsepower SS model, but with the 5 speed manual, black paintwork and Borrani wire wheels, it certainly looks the part.

1972 Maserati Ghibli SS

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Designed by a young Giorgetto Giugiaro while at Carrozzeria Ghia, the Maserati Ghibli has been referred by some as the most beautiful sports/GT car of all times. Even if you do not agree with that strong of a statement, there is no denying the Ghibli is certainly a very striking and handsome car whose timeless design has aged very well. Even today, when driving a Ghibli, people stop and stare at the car's beautiful lines.

Powered by a dry sump V8 engine and fed by four Weber carbs, the Ghibli delivers the performance you would expect from an Italian exotic. Its closest competitor, and the car it is most often compared to, is the Ferrari 365 GTB4 Daytona. Both are large front engine cars. Both were for 2 people and were built in the similar years (1967 - 1973). Both were priced about the same (the Ghibli was a little more expensive) and built in similar numbers (about 1150 each). Where the cars differ is in their character. The Daytona was optimized for performance while the Ghibli towards being a “gentleman’s GT cruiser”. People that own both cars generally agree that the Ghibli is the better car for regular driving and rallies. If going around the race track is your thing, go for the Daytona. Of course there is also the matter of price, as today the Ferrari Daytona is MUCH more expensive; both to purchase and maintain.

The exterior styling of the Ghibli is equally matched by a gorgeous interior. The Ghibli all leather interior is quite spacious and can easily accommodate tall drivers. One famous Ghibli owner was basketball star Wilt Chamberlain. This particular 1972 Ghibli SS is a three owner car with only 33K miles. Sold new in Los Angeles and had always been there until I purchased the car 4 years ago from the second owner. I then sold it to its third owner. The car is currently in at my house near Atlanta, Georgia area. Has all the desirable features you normally would want on a Ghibli SS; the larger 4.9 liter engine, Borrani wire wheels, power steering, 5-speed, AC and rare quad exhaust. Ghiblis look very good in black, and this car is no exception!

The interior is very nice and mostly unmolested. It still has the original front carpets with the logoed heel pads. Luckily nobody ever installed a modern radio nor were extra speakers cut into the door panels. No signs of accidents or rust. Paint is good but not show quality. Mechanically this car is sweet! Engine was recently rebuilt by Terry Girone; who use to work for the Maserati imported in the Northeast and also was the service manager of the Atlanta Ferrari/Maserati dealer. I have owned about 15 Ghiblis and I must say this is one of the best running one I've driven. Oil pressure is great. Coolant temperature stays constant, gearbox shifts well, brakes work as expected. Engine compression is between 150 and 160 psi across all cylinders, which is excellent. Gauges, switches, lights, clock in working order. AC was recently serviced. Between the engine rebuilt, the AC work and a few other items the previous owner spent over $44,000 in the last 3 years. Receipts come with the car.

Ghiblis are great rally cars as they are comfortable for long drives and quite reliable for an exotic. Included is the original jack with bag, receipts, and factory supplied owner’s manual. The owner’s manual is the rare 4.9 liter version in English and Italian. Note: State of Alabama does not issue titles for cars build prior to 1974. Car is sold with Bill of Sale and a certified letter from Licensing Director which explains the State law.

Prices for Ghiblis tend to range anywhere between $75,000 and $120,000 these days, and the Spider variants command much more than that, given their rarity in comparison to their hardtop sibling. Given this example’s provenance, I’d say $80,000 to $90,000 is probably in the ballpark of what this owner is looking for. With the work and money invested in it, it certainly would be worth it. This is truly an honest car for the discerning collector.

-Paul

Maserati, Modern Classic

1986 Maserati Biturbo Spyder

Italian cars are known for not being the most reliable, but the Maserati Biturbo took this known quality to new heights. TIME Magazine listed the Biturbo as the Worst Car of the Year for 1984. Noted for the bad rap it garnered over the years in the motoring press, just what is it with the Biturbo? In the 1970s, the De Tomaso ownership at Maserati sought to move away from their lineup of high priced supercars and introduce a more affordable luxury car. Offered initially with a 2.5 liter twin turbo V6, the Spyder was built on a shorter wheelbase which served as the basis for the hardtop Karif variant. The Biturbo could best be described as being developed on a shoestring budget, and it showed. Almost every piece of this car was a constant source of headaches for its owners, from it's engine to the various bits of trim. Subsequently, these Maseratis can be had for pennies on the dollar, but is it worth it? Offered for sale here is a low mileage Spyder for sale in Massachusetts that makes one ponder whether it was a collector that owned it or it was in the shop so often the owner barely got to drive it.

1986 Maserati Biturbo Spyder

No description is provided by the seller, but if the mileage is correct, from the condition it looks like it could be a decent buy, provided a thorough mechanical inspection. The silver blue color with navy top is a nice alternative to the usual red. The interior needs a little bit of attention, specifically the leather on the seats, but if the mechanicals are sound enough and the seller can knock another $2,000 to $3,000 off the price, it would be a decent value for a brave enthusiast willing to take a chance on one of the most notoriously unreliable vehicles of our time.

-Paul

Maserati, Modern Classic

1992 Maserati OPAC Spyder Prototype

Heading into the 1990s, Maserati was emerging from what could be described as an underwhelming decade. In the early 1980s, the last of their mid-engined sports cars rolled off the line and the Biturbo took over as a the mainstays of the lineup, along with the V8 engined Quattroporte III executive sedan. The Biturbos did to Maserati what the Beta did to Lancia: it soiled Maserati's reputation and labeled it as a builder of unreliable cars at a critical juncture for the company. On the cusp of Fiat's takeover in 1993, Maserati was exhausting what they could out of the Biturbo chassis with the introduction of the Shamal in 1989. This car had a 3.2 liter twin turbo V8 engine and updated styling by Marcello Gandini.

The Shamal formed the basis for the car you see here, the OPAC Spyder Prototype. OPAC is a company famous for its automotive convertible top engineering and recreational boat manufacturing. This Spyder Prototype has both a cloth top and removable hardtop, similar to the contemporary Mercedes-Benz R129 SL. First show in 1994, this car was subsequently bought by a Dutch collector and is now for sale in The Netherlands, wearing Quattroporte IV alloy wheels.

1992 Maserati OPAC Spyder Prototype

Unique and one-off prototype of the Maserati Spyder. This car was intended as a successor to the 80's Maserati Biturbo Spyder was first presented in 1994 at the motor show in Turin. In early 2000 this car is in the hands of a Dutch collector came and waited for the car perfectly, and was driven regularly. Technical features include a twin turbo V8 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. Specifications are identical to the Shamal. The manufacturer OPAC has also built a hardtop, which makes this car really complete. For collectors of this unique car is also an absolute must! Complete history and maintenance!

While this car is a mash up of Maserati and Ferrari elements, it pulls off a cohesive, wedge look. A one off prototype, no matter the marque, is a purchase that only the very serious and well informed should undertake, not only for one's sanity, but also to help preserve rare vehicles such as these. Unlike a lot of prototypes, this one is perfectly drivable, since it is based on the Shamal. Hopefully it is bought by a collector who won't lock it away, but bring it to events for other enthusiasts to observe and enjoy.

-Paul

Maserati

1974 Maserati Bora

The 1970s were a time of upheaval at Maserati. The decade began with the automaker under Citroën's control, and ownership being handed over to Alessandro de Tomaso in 1975. Under Citroën's guidance, the company introduced it's first mid-engined vehicle, the Bora. Powered by the familiar 4.7 liter twin cam Maserati V8, this engine was mounted north/south in the chassis and produced 310 horsepower. This was the first Maserati with four-wheel independent suspension, and was an interesting car, with its stainless steel roof and adjustable brake, clutch and accelerator pedals, as the driver's seat was only height adjustable. All US market cars had an emissions equipped 4.9 liter V8. In total, 289 Boras were built with the 4.7 liter V8, 235 with the 4.9 liter engine. This example for sale in New York by way of Arizona is a low mileage original.

1974 Maserati Bora

1974 Maserati Bora Royal Blue with Tan leather interior. Car has been owned by the same elderly gentleman since 1976. 27K original miles. Extremely original Arizona car. Absolutely rust free. It has spent all its life in Arizona. Good original Bora with such a low mileage is almost impossible to find. Interior of the car looks almost brand new but its all original. For only $67,500.

Supercars from the seventies are an interesting breed, as ever tightening emissions controls and crash standards compromised these vehicles in the US market. The Bora, while down 30 horsepower from its European brethern, escaped rather unscathed, with exception of larger bumperettes. The Merak, sibling of the Bora, got a bit of a rap on Top Gear's Supercar Challenge for its unreliability and inadequate performance. With it's V8 engine, the Bora has power befitting a wedge shaped classic such as this.

-Paul

Maserati, Modern Classic

1989 Maserati 430

With two extra doors and a longer wheelbase, the Maserati 430 was the . Similar in size (and appearance) to the BMW 3 series, it cost a whopping $16,000 more than the 325i sedan. With two IHI turbochargers and twin intercoolers, the 2.8 liter V6 was good for 225 horsepower and a 0-60 time of around six seconds. This example for sale outside of Richmond, VA is equipped with an automatic transmission and has 61,000 miles on the clock.

1989 Maserati 430

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Nice one owner example of Maserati 430. Runs and drives excellent. Everything works from seats to power antenna, no leaks. No rust, If you are looking at it you probably know everything about it. If properly maintained these late model Biturbos are solid and dependable like Mercedes. Car is located in Richmond Virginia. Reserve is $5,900.

I wouldn't fully agree with the seller with regards to the late model Biturbo reliability, but by the time the 430 came around, the Biturbo had been around for eight years. By then, at least, a few of the issues had been worked out. This 430 appears to be straight and the interior is in decent shape, so I'd wager to believe the mechanicals have been kept up in a similar fashion. It's not the most desirable Italian classic, but with 995 examples built between 1987 through 1994, this is an affordable way to sidle into exclusive and exotic motoring.

-Paul

Maserati

1971 Maserati Ghibli SS

In the 1960s Ferrari had the Daytona. Lamborghini had the Miura. And Maserati had the Ghibli. This was the most celebrated Maserati yet, and in 1970, they turned up the heat with the Ghibli SS, bumping capacity of the quad cam V8 to 4.9 liters with horsepower increasing from 335 to 350. These are sleek cars and with the extra horsepower, few vehicles of the time could match its performance. This particular Ghibli SS is for sale by the owner of the Lamborghini Islero we featured last month, as you can see from the pictures.

1971 Maserati Ghibli SS

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1971 Maserati Ghibli SS - Eurospec, (French Market)

This is a Real Eurospec SS, the rarest and most desirable of all classic Maserati V8 GT coupes only around 100 were ever made. #2110 was a Special Order for a long time Maserati customer, the President of the Société Marseillaise de Credit, Edouard de Cazalet. The car was ordered in Black with Wild Boar Skin Interior including headliner. It features a unique full width storage bin behind the seats with straps to secure additional luggage. The odometer indicates 60,000 kilometers (37,000 miles).

When the Bank was Nationalized, de Cazalet joined the World Bank in Washington DC bringing Ghibli SS #2110 with him. It was sold to an Airline Pilot that owned the car for 17 years restoring it, including rebuilding the engine. (Photo of bare metal restoration included) In 1996 it was sold to an attorney that kept the car for 10 years until I purchased it in 2006. The car was featured in Autoweek's Escape Roads - May 21, 2010.

Includes copies of the original Factory Build Sheets and extensive records dating back over 20 years including those related to the engine rebuild. Service performed by former National Technical Director of Maserati North America (from the 70's thru early 90s) during my ownership, previous work performed by the well respected Grand Touring, Inc of Laurel, MD (now Dew Motorcars) for the previous owner.

The car is good driver quality, it is very reliable with a strong engine. I have owned 11 Maseratis and driven many more. This is without a doubt the most powerful classic GT V8 I've ever driven. I was told by the previous service shop that the engine was rebuilt during restoration by Holman Moody which is located in the home town of the previous owner. I don't have documentation to verify it. The car has 5 relatively new correct Michelin XWXs tires. Books and Tools. 1968 Lamborghini Islero in last picture is also for sale on ebay.

With its history and documentation, this Ghibli should garner its fair share of interest, as we can already see with the amount of bids. Even though it is not an original, it wears an older restoration that presents well and comes with a history that is as interesting as the company that built it.

-Paul

Maserati

1967 Maserati Mexico

3 Comments

The 1960s were exciting times for Italian sports cars. The decade saw the birth of such icons as the Lamborghini Miura, Alfa Romeo Spider and Ferrari Daytona. We also saw the introduction of some fantastic touring vehicles, such as the Maserati Mexico. This car came about in a roundabout fashion. Upon crashing their 5000GT, a Mexican customer shipped their car back to Italy where it was given a special Vignale penned body, and was called the Mexico. Exhibited at the Turin Salon in 1965, the car was later seen coincidentally as a celebration of Maserati's Formula One victory at the Mexican Grand Prix the following season. Available with either a 4.2 liter or 4.9 liter V8, this four seater could reach over 150 mph. This Maserati also had the distinction of being their first car fitted with factory four wheel ventilated disc brakes, an amazing advancement for the time. This particular Mexico, for sale in the outskirts of Berlin, Germany, could be described as a driver with freshening throughout the years.

1967 Maserati Mexico

A highly elegant 4-seater GT coupe and should V8 engine to the upper class in the splendor of the Maserati brand shine even more. A total of 482 vehicles of this type were produced. The Maserati Mexico on offer is it is one of the vehicles that were equipped with the 4.2 liter engine. For years, the car has been lovingly cared for and maintained. In 1999 the vehicle got a new motor and in 2006 a further restoration. A few years ago the paint was renewed. The leather has a fine patina and still seems to be entirely original. Key to start the rotation, and a powerful V8? The car sounds perfect. Electric windows, classic vehicle.

The asking price of €59,750 (~ $75,800) is about in line with lesser known Italian classics from Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati itself. I really admire this car because it has a nice patina, inviting a new owner to use this car as it was intended, rather than simply hide it away for investment purposes. Whether it is blasting down an Autobahn or going for a jaunt down Rt. 1 on the California coast, it would be nice to see such a nicely preserved, but used, example go to a loving home.

-Paul

Maserati

1980 Maserati Quattroporte

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Since it's introduction in 2004, the fifth generation Maserati Quattroporte has been a great success for the company, blending the renowned 4.2 liter Ferrari sourced V8 in an executive sedan wrapper that has been the go to choice for those seeking more flair than what the average German executive sedan can offer. Previous generations of the Quattroporte were more obscure, mainly because their sales were paltry in comparison to the current model. Possibly the most well known out of the previous generations is the Quattroporte III, manufactured from 1979 through 1990. A little more than 2,100 were sold in total. While its Giugiaro penned lines were a bit sedate, the interior was classic Italian luxury, with copious amounts of well sewn, soft leather and polished wood. A 4.2 liter or 4.9 liter V8 engine could be had, most being teamed to a Chrysler Torqueflite automatic. A few models, however, were teamed with a ZF 5 speed manual. This particular Quattroporte is an early 1980 model with the 4.9 liter engine. Enthusiast owned, this car has had a lot of attention in the last several thousand miles.

1980 Maserati Quattroporte

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1980 Maserati Quattroporte, VIN# ZAMBC1103AA300784. 65,000 Original Miles. Exterior: Marrone Colorado. Interior: Cognac

This is the 1980 Maserati Quattroporte, "4porte" in Marrone Colorado Metallic Brown and Cognac Leather interior. It has Free and Clear Title, Current Registration, Original Window Sticker, Tool Kit, Manuals, Service Records and a clean Carfax report.

Recently passed the most stringent smog emissions test in the country; as a testament to how the 4.9 Liter 4 Cam V8 engine is operating, and I have had the transmission and rack & pinion steering fully rebuilt as a preventative measure for reliability. All original emissions equipment is intact. I believe I am the 3rd owner and have done the following things in the past 3,000 miles:

Rebuilt Transmission with rebuilt torque converter and New cooler lines.
Rebuilt Power Rack and Pinion Steering unit.
Upper front Ball Joints
Carburetors synced and tuned
New Sparkplugs.
All New Fluids and U-Joints Lubed
Remote Keyless Entry Installed
New fuel Filter
New exhaust gaskets
A/C converted to r134a Blows Cold
New Tires
New Rear Shock Absorber Bushings
Grease Fittings installed on Tie Rod Ends
Valve Cover Gaskets
New Battery
New Front Wheel Bearings
Rear Hub Bearings
New adjustable alternator voltage regulator
Completed in the last 10,000 miles:
New Water Pump
Valve Adjustment
Brake Pads
More items listed in available service records

Additional Items that will be included:
Original Tool Kit
Original Jack, Spare and Lug wrench
Original Window Sticker
Available Service Records
Owners, Parts, Service, Electrical and Radio Manuals
Spare Belt and Radiator Hose Set
Spare UFI Oil Filter
Lockable Car Cover
Sheepskin Front Lower Seat Covers

This is my 3rd Quattroporte and my 1st 1980 model. My previous were an 1982 and 1984 and they are very similar with very minor changes. One of the advantages of the 1980 model is that it has the simple European carb airbox that's easy to remove for access. I really like the Marrone color which suits the period and understated styling. This car has an amazingly preserved interior for it's age. The leather is still supple and wood in great condition. I covered the top wood dash panels with alacantra panels (like 1984 +) that are removable to protect from the sun. The rear deck area has some warp-age but since the rear window is tinted, it is not noticeable unless pointed out.

The Quattroporte III as she is known was officially imported to the USA as a 1980, 1982, 1984, 1985-6. Years were skipped to save money on federalization. The later models were the Royale versions. They are robust and straight forward cars to run and maintain as the engines are reliable and under-stressed. Parts are readily available through several sources. The automatic transmission suits this car well and is a Chrysler 727 torqueflite with the lock up converter. I have had it fully rebuilt and shifts very nicely. Much has been written about the Quattroporte III, some accurate, others just plain wrong. They drive much smaller than they appear and I enjoy it most cruising around with the windows down in town, listening to the V8 burble or blasting down the Highway at speed and comfort.

For a 31 year old, the car is in great overall condition. All instruments work as do the power accessories. The paint is nice and shiny with minor flaws that will not show in photographs except for some chips that occurred when my bicycle fell against the passenger side door (see photos). Other than a keyless entry system, the twin exhaust tips, and upgraded Carrera Front Shocks and Adjustable alternator voltage regulator, it has not been modified or personalized in anyway to take away from how she was born.

The car tracks down the freeway and brakes straight and true, starts right up hot or cold and sounds great! The mileage may go up a little as I believe these cars should be driven often as possible. Most of the 4portes that I have seen for sale lately have not been cared for very well and would take much effort and funds to duplicate this example. I have spent the last 6 months sorting her out for someone to enjoy as it's time for another motorcycle for me. In all, the Maserati Quattroporte is a great way to enjoy Italian exotic car ownership and represents a tremendous value for a car that sold in excess of $55,000 in 1980! If you have any questions please email or call 310-406-6767. Below are over 100 photos to document the cars condition. A youtube video can be seen by searching for 4porte and my ebay ID c20500.

Having owned three third generation Quattroportes, the seller is an obvious expert with regards to this executive sedan. With the amount of maintenance and repairs undertaken, this is the kind of car someone in the market for one of these would want, as these are not cheap vehicles to run if something goes wrong. All in all, a very nice example of Italy's interpretation of what a big luxury sedan should be.

-Paul