330 bhp, 4,719 cc DOHC V-8 engine, five-speed manual transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 100.4"

• Authentic late 4.7-liter Spyder

• Only 28,000 miles from new

• Delivered new with power steering, A/C and Borrani wire wheels

• Recent complete service

The Maserati Ghibli was the hit of the 1966 Turin Italy Automobile show. Designed by the brilliant young Giorgetto Giugiaro while working for Ghia, the Ghibli was conceived to serve the same market as the Lamborghini Miura and the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 “Daytona.” Production of the Ghibli began with a fastback coupe in April 1967, joined by the Spyder in 1969. A race-bred, mid-mounted 4,719 cc V-8 engine with dry-sump lubrication and two chain-driven camshafts per cylinder bank powered the Ghibli, producing 330 horsepower.

The first of the V-8 Maserati GT cars, the Ghibli could accelerate from zero to sixty in 6.8 seconds and topped out at 154 mph—both remarkable figures for that time. It could be ordered with either a five-speed ZF manual transmission or a three-speed Borg-Warner automatic. The car’s tubular frame was derived from those of the Mexico and the Quattroporte sedan. The Ghibli featured disappearing headlamps, leather sport seats and either alloy wheels or the optional and desirable Borrani wire wheels. Production ultimately totaled 1,149 coupes and only 125 Spyders.

Although it was capable of supercar performance levels comparable to the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, the Ghibli is also known for its drivability at low and high speeds, as well as its predictable, balanced and forgiving handling characteristics, a feature attributable to near-perfect weight distribution and a low center of gravity. According to a recent road test in Classic & Sports Car magazine, “the truth is, you could learn to drive in this car or you could learn your racing lines in it.”

This 1971 Ghibli Spyder was delivered new through Bob Grossman’s dealership in New York. A late 4.7-liter example, it was delivered new with every available option except the automatic transmission. The first owner kept the car until 1978, after which it was acquired by its second owner, who kept it until 2008—a period of 30 years! It has always been pampered and has covered just 28,000 miles from new. Originally delivered in red with black interior, this Ghibli is still presented in the same stunning color combination.

It is equipped with the rare and desirable power steering, air conditioning and Borrani wire wheels, along with a five-speed manual transmission. The Ghibli features a new black top and all five original Borrani wheels, which have been recently refurbished by Dayton Wire Wheel Service. Recent work includes a new water pump, rebuilt carburetors, rebuilt clutch slave cylinder and a re-cored radiator. According to the consignor, the suspension appears to have been recently redone, including new bushings, as it looks to have only covered a couple thousand miles of use at most.

An authentic Ghibli Spyder, this car has it all: low original mileage, all desirable options and just four owners from new. The Maserati Ghibli is unquestionably one of the most attractive sports cars of the 1960s and 70s and, as one of only 125 Spyders built, is at once rare, supremely collectible and a wonderful driver’s car.