Two years after revealing the new Ghibli, and in response to the desire for an open-top variant, Maserati returned to the Turin Motor Show in 1968 to present the Spyder. Like its coupe counterpart, the beautiful, svelte styling was the work of an up-and-coming Giorgetto Giugiaro during his tenure at Ghia. The convertible conversion best accentuated the inherent qualities of the original design, showing off the low and imposing silhouette and raked windshield. In 4.7-liter trim, just 83 examples were completed between 1969 and 1973.

Per the accompanying Certificate of Authenticity issued by Maserati Classiche in May 2024, the Ghibli Spyder offered here holds a 17 February 1970 date of production. Housing a dry sump, quad-camshaft V-8 engine, chassis number AM115/S 1079 sent its 330 horsepower to the rear axle via a five-speed ZF transmission. Accordingly, it was one of just 25 examples to be delivered in Europe configured in left-hand-drive and equipped with a manual gearbox.

Finished new with striking Giallo paintwork over Nero Connolly leather, the color scheme it presents in today, the car was also equipped with power steering. Scans of the order form and shipping notice (which are featured in the Maserati Classiche book dedicated to this Ghibli Spyder) record that it was delivered via Sport Auto Roma in the Italian capital city.

Remaining initially in its home country, this Maserati was reportedly first sold to an airline pilot before a new keeper acquired the car and exported it to the United States circa 1975. A 10-year spell in Texas beckoned, until the car was subsequently relocated to Ontario in Canada. After being enjoyed by the third owner for several years, the Ghibli Spyder is believed to have been submitted for a thorough restoration that lasted for more than 24 months and exceeded $85,000. At this time, the Cromodora wheels were replaced with a set of Borrani wire wheels. These were sourced through Carlo Borrani himself, who agreed to sell four of the final 12 handmade items at a cost of approximately $12,000.

In testament to the rebuild of the Ghibli, now wearing black paint, was displayed at numerous shows and events. Most notably, it is said to have been positioned on an elevated podium for the unveiling of the then-new Maserati Spyder—fittingly also penned by Giugiaro—at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto in 2001, as the manufacturer returned to the North American market for the first time in 12 years.

Chassis AM115/S 1079 was later sold at auction in Monterey in August 2004, ahead of stints in France, Germany, and Switzerland. The consignor purchased the car in November 2021. While in their care, the car was refinished in its current, factory-correct Giallo before being submitted to Maserati Classiche for inspection.

Wonderfully styled by Giugiaro, the Maserati Ghibli Spyder surely ranks among the most glamorous of all open-top grand tourers, with this car’s cruising credentials underlined by the original selection of power steering and the subsequent installation of air conditioning and a period Blaupunkt radio.

This example—which in 4.7-liter guise is rarer than its chief rival of the day, the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider—is offered in its original colors and retains its matching-numbers chassis, body, and engine. It is sure to appeal to Italian classic car aficionados.