When discussing the finest Italian automobiles of the late 1960s and early 1970s, three cars top near everyone’s list: the Lamborghini Miura, the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and the Maserati Ghibli. Debuting two years before the Daytona at the 1966 Turin Motor Show, Giorgetto Giugiaro’s strikingly beautiful design clearly influenced Pininfarina’s designers. The long bonnet flowing into a sloped roofline fronted by a wide-mouth grille and the prominently displayed trident emblem, the Ghibli was equal parts aggressive and sensual. Svelte and sexy, the Ghibli has stood the test of time and remains a gorgeous design even by today’s standards.

In 1970, Maserati added a 4.9-liter engine to the Ghibli stable, proving that the marque was not focused just on good looks. Resulting in the most powerful roadgoing Maserati yet, power increased to 335 bhp, and speed topped out at 175 mph. The SS was produced in far fewer numbers than its 4.7-liter sibling, making them the first choice amongst connoisseurs. With production limited to 1,190 coupes built over the entire production run, it is believed that just 250 Ghiblis were equipped with the uprated 4.9-liter engine.

One of these rare Ghibli SS 4.9s is offered here, finished in iconic Ghibli Red over tan leather. A well-documented history file accompanies the vehicle, consisting of invoices dating back to the original owner, Mr. Martin Field. Evidence suggests that Mr. Field sold the vehicle in the early 1980s to Gary Smith of Ohio, and by 1988 the Maserati was with Robert Krueger in California. Equipped with power steering, power windows, air conditioning, five-speed manual transmission, and AM-FM stereo/cassette radio, the Ghibli underwent a full mechanical inspection in 2017 after being purchased by its current owner.

One of the best-equipped examples of the famed automaker’s greatest, most evocative creations.