Introduced at the 1966 Turin Motor Show, the Maserati Ghibli took the automotive world by storm, powered by a potent new 4.7-liter dry-sump V-8 engine capable of developing 310 horsepower. Showgoers were awestruck by the groundbreaking coachwork by Ghia’s Giorgetto Giugiaro, who penned a low and wide aerodynamic coupe featuring pop-up headlamps, a raked windshield, and a sweeping fastback rear end. The Ghibli soon became the preferred choice of jet-set celebrities around the globe, finding favor with A-list buyers as diverse as comedic actor Peter Sellers, French New Wave cinema star Jean-Paul Belmondo, entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr, and professional basketball player Wilt Chamberlain.

As with any great sports car coupe, customer demand eventually skyrocketed for an open-top version, and Maserati answered the call with a spyder that debuted on Ghia’s stand at the 1968 Turin Motor Show. With the roof removed, the coachwork design took on a totally different character, emphasizing the flowing beltlines and luxurious dimensions. The prototype proved to be the first of only 128 examples built, ensuring a degree of rarity that has only solidified the model’s cachet in the eyes of collectors today.

Spyder production eventually phased almost exclusively to the uprated 4.9 SS engine that appeared in 1969. With an increased displacement of 4,930 cubic centimeters, and aspirated by larger Weber 42 DCNF/11 carburetors, the engine now developed 335 horsepower and 355 pound-feet of torque, delivering a commensurate uptick in performance. By the end of Ghibli production 45 examples of the 4.9-liter spyder had been built, of which just 30 were reportedly distributed to the US. Of those, just 24 cars were equipped with a manual gearbox, putting the featured lot in very exclusive company.

According to Maserati records, chassis number 1239 was completed in February 1971, equipped with a 4.9-liter SS engine and a manual gearbox, finished in Rosso Fuoco (fire red) paint, and trimmed with an interior of Nero leather. The spyder was distributed new to a dealer in West Nyack, New York, and presumably remained in American ownership for the ensuing 40 years.

By March 2012 the Maserati was owned by a collector in New York, and four years later it was acquired by the consignor. Faithfully finished in its factory-correct color combination of Rosso Fuoco over Nero, this Ghibli SS Spyder continues to present wonderfully, benefitting from a restoration that was obviously conducted at some point in the not-too-distant past.

It is important to note that this Ghibli desirably retains its matching-numbers 4.9-liter SS engine, the hallmark of any truly collectible Maserati. It is also favorably equipped with a Blaupunkt radio, wire wheels, and air conditioning. Appropriate for enjoyment now, or a great candidate for a full restoration, this rare and beautiful Maserati spyder would make an outstanding complement to sporting collections worldwide, sure to tug at the heartstrings of any enthusiast of significant Italian sports cars.