1972 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Coupé

• Superbly finished in gleaming Graphite Grey with fabulous Tobacco hide
• Accompanied by a very impressive history file which includes details of engine rebuild by McGrath Maserati and details of a comprehensive photographic body restoration by ex-employees of Aston Martin special projects.
• 'Project Shop' carried out extensive work from September 2019 to March 2021 (£15,000)
• Every area of the car was assessed and brought up to standard
• Subsequent 100-mile shake down and now ready for its next owner to enjoy
• Competitively estimated and glorious in every aspect – a wonderful example of Italian Exotica

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 inches 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 4719cc, DOHC V8, fuelled by four 42DCNF/9 Webers and producing 306bhp. The standard transmission was a ZF five-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.

Finished in the stunning combination of Graphite Grey with Tobacco hide, this, very rare, low mileage, right-hand drive, Maserati Ghibli is fitted with an automatic gearbox and air conditioning. We understand the car has only covered just over 10,700 miles and is accompanied by a very impressive history file showing that it has clearly been very well maintained throughout its life. Indeed there is a comprehensive photographic record of the body restoration by a company that more usually works for Aston Martin Special Projects Division. The fabulous interior leatherwork, incidentally, was also carried out by ex-Aston Martin employees. There are also details on file of an engine rebuild by McGrath Maserati.

Our vendor acquired the car over 10 years ago from the son of the original owner who purchased the Maserati new in the UK but soon moved to Jersey, where it spent most of its life, hence the incredibly low mileage. In Jersey, it was maintained by Le Riche and there are significant invoices in the file for work carried out on the car.

In more recent years, the ‘Project Shop’ based in Bicester have worked on a comprehensive program of improvements based on recommendations that came from a detailed report from McGrath Maserati, who also supplied the parts. The work began in September 2019 and was finally completed in March this year, costing the seller around £15,000 in order to get the car driving exactly as he wants and bringing the whole car up to his exacting standards. All areas of the car were looked at including steering, suspension, braking system, electrics, full underside detailing, back axle, prop-shaft etc. There is a detailed summary of all this work in the file and the Ghibli has subsequently enjoyed a 100-mile shake-down and a complete nut and bolt check as well as an independent MOT with no advisories just before the sale, ensuring the car is ready for its next owner to enjoy this summer.

Offered with the aforementioned history file containing details of the work carried out over the years by notable specialists, an MOT and at a very competitive estimate when you consider the values of some its peers such as the Daytona. Silverstone Auctions are very proud to offer this wonderful example of Italian exotica and we welcome any pre-sale inspection.