Established by Alfieri and Ettore Maserati in a small workshop in Bologna, the first Maserati automobile appeared in 1926 and competed successfully in the Targa Florio the same year. Operating as a specialist constructor of racing cars, Maserati continued in the hands of the remaining brothers, Ettore, Bindo and Ernesto after Alfieri’s death in 1932. This continued until 1937 when they sold their enterprise to industrialist Adolfo Orsi, under whose ownership racing car construction continued to be the firm’s focus. This culminated in the 1957 Grand Prix World Championship won by Juan Manuel Fangio in the legendary Maserati 250F.

The evolution of their designs continued and realized themselves in street cars that were able to contain their racing spirits. Giorgio Giugiaro penned the striking lines for Maserati’s Ghibli, which made its debut at the Turin Auto Show in 1966. Sporting a quad-cam V-8 engine under the hood - which was a slight variation on Maserati’s proven racing powerplant – the car was very well received by the press and the public.

In retrospect, the launch of the Ghibli was the high-water mark for Maserati. The company was riding the wave of success with its string of capable supercars such as the 3500GT, 5000GT and the Quattroporte, all of which managed to solidify a mystique that surrounded the Italian car manufacturer. For the collector, the Ghibli is a highly affordable, usable and attractive example of some of Italy’s best work in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

One of only 1,149 examples produced; the 1967 Maserati Ghibli on offer is a solid California car, with a known history over the last 25-years. This particular car has 35,000 miles. It is powered by a 4.7-liter, 335-hp DOHC V-8 engine fitted with four Weber carburetors, and it is connected to a five-speed manual transmission.

It is reported that this car is one of only five Ghiblis delivered from the factory with Borrani knock-off wire wheels. This is a desirable Ghibli, with early features such as toggle switches, dual thermostat and wood sport steering wheel.

The Maserati is the recipient of fresh, high-quality paint and a black, with red piping, restored leather interior. Additionally the carpet and headliner are replaced along with the rubber moldings. It has solid, original, low mileage mechanical components with a detailed engine, undercarriage, chrome and cosmetics.

Areas needing additional attention are non-functioning, but intact, air conditioning, older Michelin tires; some trim, wipers and wire spokes are not in keeping with the quality of the rest of the car. There is recent mechanical documentation on the car, and there are certain manuals included.

Truly one of the most useable, affordable and sexy Italian supercars of the period, there are few cars that compare with a Ghibli. This example is presented in very attractive colors and would be a prized addition to any collection.