1970→1973 Maserati Ghibli SS
A true thoroughbred GT, it was powered by a 4.7 litre engine developing 315 hp. The dry-sump twincam V8 engine with four twin-choke carburettors differed from that used in the Mexico and Quattroporte of the same period, which followed a wet sump design. The model was originally devised as a two-seater, despite being 4.69 metres long and having a wheelbase of 2.55 metres. The Ghibli did become a 2+2 for production.
The chassis featured simple yet effective cart-sprung rear suspension, also found on the Quattroporte II which was introduced at the same time. The project was principally overseen by Engineer Alfieri and it was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in late 1966 on the Ghia stand, with deliveries starting in March of the following year. The steel bodies (with an alloy bonnet) were manufactured by Vignale.
Named after an Egyptian desert storm wind, the Ghibli had another fantastic asset in its striking visual appearance, and it could easily have sold itself based on looks alone. Its dramatic styling was the work of a young Giorgetto Giugiaro, at that time working for the Ghia studio in Turin. Giugiaro himself describes it this way: “A very striking, long, flat bonnet, full-width radiator grille, pop-up headlights, a sharply angled windscreen, wide squat sidelights that ended in a vertical segment, and very clean flanks even though the coach-line did have lots of movement to it. The rear end was high for aerodynamic efficiency as well as functional reasons (the two fuel tanks lie behind the rear axle and have a very raised neck).”
Henry Ford II was so impressed by the Ghibli that he reportedly approached the Orsi family with an offer to buy the company from them. Other notable owners included Sammy Davis junior, Peter Sellers and Jean-Paul Belmondo.
Fron 1969 to 1973 Maserati offered an updated Model known as the SS. The engine included a new dry sump design had been devised in order to best accommodate the low bonnet line of Giugiaro’s sleek coupé, and was later used for the very same reason on the Khamsin. Horsepower was up to 335 which guaranteed a top speed of 280 kph (175 mph). This turned the Ghibli SS into the fastest Maserati road car in production. Prodigious braking performance came from the to twin-servo assisted ventilated discs with three pistons per calliper.
The equipment level was worthy of such a thoroughbred GT with adjustable steering column, anti-theft steering lock, leather upholstery, tinted & electric windows, reclining seats with head rests, heated rear windscreen, dashboard clock and even air conditioning were all came as standard
Specification listed for the SS model.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1970 – 1973 |
| built at | Italy |
| engine | 90° V8 |
| position | Front, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| ignition | Bosch Distributor & Coil |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | 4 Weber 42 DCNF/11 Carburetors |
| displacement | 4930 cc / 300.8 in³ |
| bore | 93.9 mm / 3.7 in |
| stroke | 89 mm / 3.5 in |
| compression | 8.05:1 |
| power | 249.8 kw / 335 bhp @ 5500 rpm |
| specific output | 67.95 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 200.6 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 481.32 nm / 355 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm |
| body / frame | Steel Body over Tubular Steel Frame |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | Magnesium Alloy |
| front tires | Pirelli HS 205 VR 15 |
| rear tires | Pirelli HS 205 VR 15 |
| front brakes | Ventilated Discs |
| rear brakes | Ventilated Discs |
| front wheels | F 38.1 x 19.1 cm / 15 x 7.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 38.1 x 19.1 cm / 15 x 7.5 in |
| steering | Worm & Sector |
| f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| curb weight | 1670 kg / 3681 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2550 mm / 100.4 in |
| front track | 1440 mm / 56.7 in |
| rear track | 1420 mm / 55.9 in |
| length | 4690 mm / 184.6 in |
| width | 1790 mm / 70.5 in |
| height | 1160 mm / 45.7 in |
| transmission | ZF 5-Speed Manual |
| tran clutch | Single Dry Plate |
| gear ratios | 2.97:1, 1.92:1, 1.34:1, 1.00:1, 0.90:1 |
| top speed | ~284.79 kph / 177 mph |
| fuel capacity | 100 litres or 26.40 gal. |
Auction Sales History
1972 Maserati Ghibli SS 4.9 Coupe AM115/49 2284 – did not sell for $225,000 Optional Borrani Wire Wheels. Optional Power Steering. Very Rare Fitted Luggage Set. Matching Numbers. Well-Documented History. Original Factory Colors. Excellent Running Condition. Recent ‘Nut And Bolt’ Full Restoration. Includes Complete Tool Rool And Jack Bag.
Auction Source: ‘Rolling Sculpture’ 2015 NYC by Keno Brothers
1972 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS AM115.49.2490 – sold for $286,000 Matching numbers example. Beautifully restored inside and out. Late-production, 4.9 Liter SS version with A/C. Elegant Dark Blue over Beige livery. Recent mechanical refurbishment.
Auction Source: 2015 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
1971 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS AM115.49.2110 – sold for $242,000 Ordered new by Edouard de Cazalet in south of France with black over a ‘Cinghiale’ leather interior. Options included matching headliner, passenger headrest, deletion of the rear seat and radio delete. Restored and offered by its second owner.
Auction Source: 2015 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
1972 Maserati Ghibli SS 4.9 Coupe AM115/49 2492 – sold for $341,000
This outstanding Ghibli currently displays approximately 34,250 miles, which the consignor believes to be original, and is accompanied by its original jack, owner’s manuals, restoration invoices, and a correct reproduction toolkit and custom-made pouch. It abounds in beautiful details, like the chromed fender vents, and period features like the Becker Europa radio and Michelin XWX tires. Believed to retain its original matching-numbers V-8, this Maserati promises to reward future ownership with its luxurious and powerful performance.
Auction Source: RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2015
1972 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS Coupe AM115.49.2112 – sold for $374,000 4.9 SS Specification with Desirable Options. Dramatic Color Combination Dates from Original Owner. Recent, Documented Engine Rebuild. Complete with Tool Kit and Fitted Luggage Known Ownership History from New.
Auction Source: The Pebble Beach Auctions 2015 by Gooding and Company
1970 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS AM115/49/1786 – sold for $264,000 Iconic Giugiaro Design. Presented in Superb, Original Colors. Most Desirable 4.9-Liter Specification. One of Maserati’s Most Beautiful GT Coupes.
Auction Source: 2014 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company
1971 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS AM115492248 – sold for $203,500 Freshly Restored and Well Sorted. 2013 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Prize Winner. Most Desirable 4.9 SS Specification. Maserati Classiche Certification.
Auction Source: Gooding & Company’s 10th Anniversary 2013 Pebble Beach Auction
1971 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS Coupe AM 115/49 2152 – sold for $151,250
Chassis 2152 has been owned by the seller for 38 years. He acquired it through a broker in Orlando, Florida, in 1976. At that time, it indicated 35,000 miles, and he continued to drive it regularly for about 12,000 miles until 1979. After that, this Ghibli was stored away prior to the owner undertaking a lengthy restoration. The car was completely rebuilt mechanically, with the engine and transmission overhauled by an Italian automobile specialist in Maitland, Florida, in the late ’80s. The suspension, brakes, and steering were rebuilt, a new exhaust was fitted, and the Campagnolo alloy wheels were polished around that time as well.
Auction Source: 2013 Amelia Island by Rm Auctions
1972 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS AM115/49 2490 – sold for $137,500 U.S.-specification Ghibli 4.9 SS. Matching-numbers example. Factory air conditioning. Well presented example of Maserati’s classic supercar.
Auction Source: 2013 Arizona Auction by RM
1970 Maserati Ghibli SS 4.9-Litre – sold for €75,900 elivered new in Rome, Italy, this highly original Ghibli SS has covered a mere 20,421 kilometres from new in the hands of its sole owner. The car benefits from a recent complete cosmetic refurbishment, carried out in the Netherlands by Maranello BV, and has been serviced and fitted with new tyres and a new exhaust. Finished in red with black leather interior, it is offered with Italian registration papers.
Auction Source: 2011 Automobiles d’exception au Grand Palais by Bonhams
1973 Maserati Ghibli SS Coupe – sold for $101,750
With 56,285 miles, this Ghibli is a largely original and highly desirable, late-production 4.9-liter SS from 1973, powered by the uprated 335 bhp V-8 engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Finished in Fly Yellow with a tan interior, the Ghibli SS is also equipped with factory-fitted air conditioning. A very nice and well-maintained driver-quality example with recent cosmetic updates including a new paint finish, it remains a strong-running example of the ultimate 4.9-liter Ghibli SS, which routinely commands premium prices in today’s classic-car market.
Auction Source: 2011 Automobiles of Arizona by RM Auctions
1972 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS Coupe – sold for $71,500
This particular Ghibli was built in March 1971 and remains mostly original and in excellent order. It was shipped from the factory to Grossman Motors of Nyack, New Jersey, and has spent its entire life in the U.S., most recently as part of one of America’s leading car collections, where it has benefited from a regular program of care and maintenance. It comes with power steering, power windows and factory-installed air conditioning and features a tan Connolly leather interior, which is in superb condition. The car runs and drives superbly and is fitted with a Borg-Warner automatic transmission, a higher-performing transmission than GM’s Hydramatic transmission, which was fitted to the competing Ferraris of the period. As such, it is also quite rare with only some 50 Ghiblis being so equipped.
Auction Source: 2009 Meadow Brook Concours
