In 1970, Maserati updated their Ghibli with a more powerful version of the V-8, now displacing over 4.9 liters. The Ghibli SS was made in far fewer numbers than the standard model and has evolved into the premier collector’s version of the famed Italian GT car. By the time production ceased in 1973, 1,190 examples of the Ghibli Coupe had been built, including the SS cars. The model has grown to be a timeless classic amongst Italian GT enthusiasts, notable for its engineering, rewarding driving characteristics, and its timeless exterior styling by the great Giorgetto Giugiaro.

According to the records of the Maserati factory, chassis number 2492 was built in September 1972, making it among the later Ghibli examples to be produced. As such, the car benefits from the steady developments made during the course of production and is equipped with desirable late-model components, such as Veglia gauges, dashboard rocker switches, and a Bonaldi brake booster. This car was factory-equipped with power steering and an automatic transmission, originally finished in Colorado Brown Metallic paint, and trimmed with a senape leather interior. The Ghibli was distributed to Grossman Motorcars in the United States and sold new to an executive at Universal Studios in Burbank, California.

The Maserati was owned in the 1990s by John Mood before it passed to Ralph Paul Inc. in Wilmington, Delaware, which soon sold the car to a local councilman. In 2002, the Coupe was acquired by the consignor, who had long been searching for a high-quality Ghibli to add to his collection. The Maserati had recently undergone an interior restoration with light-cream Connolly leather, and the owner decided to continue on that path with a greater sympathetic restoration.

The fuel system, original Girling brake calipers, suspension, and cooling and electrical systems were all carefully rebuilt or refreshed where needed, and the air conditioner received a new compressor. The carburetors were disassembled and refurbished, which included an ultrasonic cleaning, rebuild, and tuning set-up. The consignor also opted to undertake a few tasteful upgrades, including the installation of shoulder harness safety belts and an electronic ignition for superior starting ability. Perhaps most importantly, the factory-issued automatic transmission, which has long been regarded as a poor means of transferring power from the prodigious V-8 engine, was replaced with a ZF five-speed manual gearbox, making the SS a far crisper performer than it was when fresh off the assembly line. Cosmetically, the brightwork was re-chromed, and the exterior was refinished with a high-quality bare-metal repaint in black, resulting in a very elegant color scheme.

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.