1975→1983 Maserati Merak SS
Upgrades for the Merak SS included larger carburetors and a higher compression ratio, working together with a 50 Kg reduction in weight. A front grille between the pop-up headlights identified the car, whilst inside the cabin the Citroën-derived dashboard was replaced by a design drawn from the V8 Bora following production efficiencies.
Some minor chassis revisions further improved the car, which could now reach speeds in excess of 240 km/h. The SS remained the most powerful version of the Merak, although a development prototype (designed with the American market in mind) was tested with a turbo-charged 3 litre engine. The project never reached production.
Story by Maserati S.p.A.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1975 – 1983 |
| built at | Italy |
| production | 1000 |
| price $ | $ 27,620 |
| engine | 90° V6 |
| position | Mid |
| ignition | Electronic |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | 3 Weber 42 DCNF Carburetors |
| displacement | 2965 cc / 180.9 in³ |
| bore | 91.6 mm / 3.61 in |
| stroke | 75.0 mm / 2.95 in |
| compression | 8.5:1 |
| power | 164.1 kw / 220 bhp @ 6500 rpm |
| specific output | 74.2 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 127.91 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 265.7 nm / 196 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm |
| body / frame | Unitary Steel Monocoque |
| wheel type | Aluminum Alloy |
| front tires | 195/70 VR 15 X |
| rear tires | 215/7 0 VR 15 X |
| front brakes | Vented Discs w/ Vacuum Assist |
| front wheels | F 38.1 x 19.0 cm / 15.0 x 7.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 38.1 x 19.0 cm / 15.0 x 7.5 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion |
| curb weight | 1720 kg / 3793 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2600 mm / 102.4 in |
| front track | 1474 mm / 58.0 in |
| rear track | 1447 mm / 57.0 in |
| length | 4335 mm / 170.7 in |
| width | 1768 mm / 69.6 in |
| height | 1134 mm / 44.6 in |
| transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | 2.92:1, 1.94:1, 1.32:1, 0.97:1, 0.76:1 |
| final drive | 4.38:1 |
| top speed | ~244.57 kph / 152 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~9.1 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~24.8 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~17.0 seconds |
| fuel capacity | 85 litres or 22.44 gal. |
Auction Sales History
1978 Maserati Merak SS AM122.A.US.2258 – sold for $44,000 Maserati produced just 1,236 Meraks between 1972 and 1982; thus, the car on offer is one of only 312 SS models produced for the U.S. market. Factory records state that it was delivered to Maserati Automobiles, U.S.A., Inc., on October 17, 1977. It still wears its original Argento silver paint and Racing Blue Connolly leather interior, and all of the U.S.-spec emissions and safety equipment is present and operable. The car wears a mild patina of honest use and enjoyment, underscoring its originality. The factory triple Weber carburetors have recently been cleaned and synched, and they operate properly. According to its owner, the Merak fires easily, runs well, doesn’t overheat, and is an absolute joy to drive. The consignor also notes that all mechanical and fluid services are current (next due at 15,000 miles). Included with the car is a complement of factory owners, parts, and shop manuals, as well as a notebook of articles and sales material.
Auction Source: 2014 Arizona by RM Auctions
1977 Maserati Merak SS – sold for $33,000 Awaiting the high bidder here is a premier example of this exciting model, the Merak SS. Finished in Fly Yellow with it original black leather interior, just 30,900 miles from new have been clocked on this beauty. Originally from California, its succession of owners has each taken very seriously the honor of being in charge of this vehicle’s well-being with regular maintenance and making sure no abusive practices had to be endured by this powerful machine. Recently, more than $22,000 has been invested in upgrades to this car including up dating the air-conditioning system to the new eco-friendly R-134 refrigerant, plus a fresh set of tires mounted on the original alloy wheels, new motor mounts, and even a new state-of-the-art stereo sound system.
Auction Source: 2007 Monterey Preview
