At the 1966 Turin Auto Show, Maserati’s new Ghibli proved to be quite the head turner, and both the public and the press swooned over the car’s handsome styling. Named after a wind blowing from the southeast of Libya, the Ghibli was penned by a young Giorgetto Giugiaro over the course of just three months.

With a DOHC V-8 capable of producing 310 brake horsepower, the Ghibli proved to be as exciting to drive as it was to look at. Top speed was quoted as being over 150 mph, and the car boasted impeccable road manners at speed, making for an ideal grand tourer. Clearly its combination of looks and performance resonated with customers, as it outsold both the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona and the Lamborghini Miura, a very impressive accompaniment. It proved to be quite popular with celebrities as well; famous owners included Jean-Paul Belmondo, Peter Sellers, and Sammy Davis Jr.

Produced on 20 November 1968, this particular Ghibli was finished in Rosso Rubino over a White interior, just as you see it today. Delivered new to Rome in its native Italy, the Ghibli remained in Italy for its entire life until it was imported to the United States about 10 years ago to Houston. Purchased by Doug Magnon for the Riverside International Automotive Museum in November of 2004, it has remained in the care of the museum ever since. Since its acquisition, the car has been both well preserved and well enjoyed, accumulating about 6,000 kilometers in the museum’s ownership.

Even today, the Ghibli remains an excellent alternative to the Ferrari Daytona, providing lots of Italian grand touring comfort and performance, yet at a fraction of the Ferrari’s price. Still retaining its original color combination along with its matching-numbers engine, this Ghibli was clearly very much enjoyed by Mr. Magnon over the course of the museum’s ownership. Ghiblis are seldom seen in such largely original condition, and this example would make a prime candidate for a concours-quality restoration or further road use.