335 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"

• One of only 125 spyders built

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Continuous ownership for 30 years

• Fresh cosmetic restoration

The Maserati Ghibli was the hit of the 1966 Turin Italy Automobile show. Designed by the brilliant young Giorgetto Giugiaro while working for Ghia, it 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 335 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 in their day. 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.”

Offered here is an outstanding example of a well-maintained Maserati Ghibli Spyder. It has recently received a thorough cosmetic restoration, including fresh paint with a correct new interior. The restoration was executed on a highly original car that had just emerged from its prior ownership of over 30 years. In fact, it is believed that this owner was only the car’s second from the day it was delivered.

Elegantly and attractively refinished in its original colors of Graphite Metallic with black interior, it also features a new black convertible top. For the driver, it is equipped with the desirable five-speed manual transmission and is understood to run and drive as one would expect. The odometer shows just over 57,000 miles, which appear to be from new, and attests to the car’s well-preserved condition prior to the restoration.

It is no surprise, then, that Maserati Ghiblis are strongly gaining in popularity as worthy alternatives to their contemporary competition, the Ferrari Daytona. This particular car, in its handsome color scheme, is certainly a prime example.