1969→1973 Maserati Ghibli Spyder

Starting in 1969 Maserati offered a Spider version of the Ghibli. The clean lines that characterised Giugiaro’s design were a visual delight, the classic proportions of the front-engine configuration with a long bonnet and steeply raked windscreen produced this effect. It was strictly a two-seater. The fabric roof folded away neatly underneath a rear deck panel behind the seats and could be raised or lowered in just a matter of minutes. A stunning factory hardtop with large windows made the car a practical companion for all seasons, although only between 20 and 25 Ghibli Spyders were ever sold with it, making it an accessory that is in high demand amongst collectors today.
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Along with the Simùn prototype, the Ghibli Spyder was one of the last projects Giugiaro worked on for Ghia in 1967 before setting up his own consultancy. In the 4.7 guise, the Ghibli Spyder was capable of reaching speeds of 250 kph (156 mph).

In 1973, the new V8 unit was immediately made available on the Spyder and the cars that were fitted with it were identified as a Ghibli Spyder SS. With 335 hp and a 270 kph top speed (169 mph) to match its stunning looks, it was one of the most desirable production cars in the world at that time. It was also one of the most expensive. Of just 125 Ghibli Spyders sold in the five years that the model was available, only a fifth were to SS spec – which today makes it a universally recognised and much sought after classic, to such an extent that more than a few coupés have been transformed into Spyders down the years.

As on the coupé, an automatic gearbox could be fitted upon request and a significant number of Ghiblis were sold with it, as the United States was always the model’s main market. At the Turin motor show in late 1970, minor changes were introduced to the Ghibli model line up, mainly involving the headlights, dashboard and headrests

Story by Maserati S.p.A.

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	1969 – 1973
built at	Italy
body stylist	Giorgetto Giugiaro
production	125
engine	90° V8
position	Front, Longitudinal
ignition	Bosch Distributor & Coil
block material	Aluminum Alloy
valvetrain	DOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	4 Weber 42 DCNF/11 Carburetors
displacement	4930 cc / 300.85 in³
bore	93.9 mm / 3.7 in
stroke	85 mm / 3.35 in
compression	8.5:1
power	249.8 kw / 335 bhp @ 5500 rpm
specific output	67.95 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	203.03 bhp per tonne
torque	442.0 nm / 326.0 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm
body / frame	Steel Body over Tubular Steel Frame
driven wheels	Front Engine
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 17.8 cm / 15.0 x 7.5 in
rear wheels	R 38.1 x 19.1 cm / 15 x 7.5 in
steering	Worm & Sector
curb weight	1650 kg / 3638 lbs
wheelbase	2550 mm / 100.4 in
front track	1440 mm / 56.7 in
rear track	1420 mm / 55.9 in
length	4700 mm / 185.0 in
width	1790 mm / 70.5 in
height	1160 mm / 45.7 in
transmission	ZF 5-Speed Manual
gear ratios	2.97:1, 1.92:1, 1.34:1, 0.90:1
top speed	~279.97 kph / 174 mph
fuel capacity	100 litres or 26.40 gal.

 

 

Auction Sales History

 

 

1968 Maserati Ghibli Spyder Prototype AM115/S 1001 – sold for $990,000
A piece of automotive history; perhaps the most significant Maserati Ghibli. The first Ghibli Spyder, as verified by Maserati Classiche. Introduced to the world on the Ghia stand at the 1968 Turin Auto Show. Pictured in the February 1969 Road & Track feature on the Turin Auto Show. Used by Maserati for development of the production Ghibli Spyders. Displays a number of unique differences from the production spyders. Known ownership history from new.
Auction Source: RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2015

 

 

1970 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Spyder by Ghia – sold for $797,500 Two Florida owners and 49,000 miles from new. From the collection of Bill Warner, the chairman of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Still powered by its original engine. Beautifully restored; exceptionally well documented. One of the very finest examples in existence.
Auction Source: 2015 Amelia Island by RM Sotheby’s

 

1970 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Spyder 1233 – sold for €550,000 One of only 125 original Spyders built. Original interior; freshly detailed. Factory air conditioning and Becker Europa radio. Believed to have less than 33,000 original miles.
Auction Source: 2015 Paris by RM Auctions

 

1969 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Spider AM115S 1043 – sold for $814,000 1 of 125 factory Spiders built. Matching numbers example. Stunning original color combination. Completed 2014 Copperstate 1000 Rally. Recently freshened and serviced.
Auction Source: 2014 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams

 

1970 Maserati Ghibli Spyder AM115/S1177 – sold for $605,000 Offered from the Pray Collection. One of only 125 Ghibli Spyders built. Extensive service and restoration records. An iconic automobile.
Auction Source: Amelia Island 2014 by RM Auctions

 

 

1969 Maserati Ghibli Spyder 115S1043 – sold for $407,000
One of only 125 spyders built. Five-speed manual gearbox. Continuous ownership for 30 years. Fresh cosmetic restoration. Elegantly and attractively refinished in its original colors of Graphite Metallic with black interior, it also features a new black convertible top. For the driver, it is equipped with the desirable five-speed manual transmission and is understood to run and drive as one would expect. The odometer shows just over 57,000 miles, which appear to be from new, and attests to the car’s well-preserved condition prior to the restoration.

Auction Source: Monterey 2012 by RM Auctions

 

1971 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS Spyder 115/S.49 1259 – sold for $880,000 Likely the Finest Ghibli in Existence. Exceedingly Rare as One of Just 11 European SS Versions. Ordered New in Striking Colors with “All the Extras”. Offered with Factory Hardtop and Fitted Luggage. Well-Documented Example. Exceptional Restoration to Factory Specifications. An Important Maserati.
Auction Source: 2012 Scottsdale Auction by Gooding & Company

 

1970 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS Spyder – did not sell for €156,600

Maserati’s own paperwork confirms that Ghibli chassis 1229, a right-hand drive 4.9 SS finished in Giallo and with Borrani wire wheels, was manufactured in September 1970 for ‘Salon Di Londra’ (the Earls Court Motor Show). After being displayed on the Maserati stand, the factory-built Spyder was sold by importers MTC Cars on 1 February, 1971 to a Dr. Collins. Collins had the factory add power steering in 1972 and changed the colour of the car to silver.

Auction Source: 2011 London Auction by RM