1967 Maserati Ghibli (AM115) ●

There is certainly no disputing its tremendous impact. By any standard, the Ghibli was the most memorable Maserati of its time. More than four decades after its late-1966 debut, there are those who say it still is and, as road tests at the time proved, it was also a real performer. But for many, it was enough to simply gaze upon this vision in steel in abject admiration. It had been conceived in 1965-66 by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who was then Head of Design at Ghia, so it was no wonder that the world's motoring press sat up and took real notice of this remarkably gifted young Italian. Lines flow seamlessly from nose to tail, the proportions are perfect, and the result is a grand tourer of classical beauty.

Even the bonnet line has been kept remarkably low and sleek, with the smallest of clearance bulges. The whole thing is a masterclass in car styling. The car's underpinnings, however, were a bit more mundane sharing its basic chassis and running gear with the Quattroporte saloon and Mexico coupé although, having been designed as a two-seater GT, the wheelbase was reduced by 3.5'' from the Mexico's. The chassis was tubular, stiffened by pressings, foldings, and fabrications, and it had to make do with a simple live rear axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs however, like the Mexico, it could boast disc brakes all-round. If none of this seemed very exciting, particularly next to its obvious competitors like the Ferrari 275 GTB and Lamborghini 400 GT, nobody seemed to mind, and it didn't hurt the car's performance or reliability one bit. Power came from 4,719cc, DOHC V8, fuelled by four 42DCNF/9 Webers and producing 306bhp. The standard transmission was a ZF 5-speed unit, but an automatic gearbox was available to special order. Alas, all good things must come to an end. The Maserati Ghibli's demise came in 1973 with the introduction of its direct successor, the Khamsin which, whilst technically more advanced, wasn't nearly as inspiring to look at. 1,274 Ghiblis were built in total but, sadly, there still aren't enough to go around.

Recently arrived from France, this left-hand drive, 4.7-litre example has benefited from a recent inspection and service at Cecil Cars, who are a reputed restorer near Paris. The odometer indicates 75,264km (which is believed to be original) and has been enthusiast owned for the last 10 years; our vendor reports that it is in near perfect mechanical order. It's described as a delightful older restored car with, we believe, its original leather interior. Finished in classic Maserati Red, we understand that it was repainted in the early 1990s.

This vehicle has been brought to the UK on a Temporary Admission, ready to be registered or exported. If the car is registered in the UK, import duty at 5% will be due on the hammer price plus buyer's premium. We encourage buyers outside of the UK to confirm any local tax, VAT or duty that may be payable upon purchase.