1980 Maserati Merak SS

Arguably the most civilised, not to mention usable, of the 1970s crop of Italian supercars, Maserati’s stunning mid-engined Merak combined a powerful V6 engine with the practicality of occasional rear seats and a decent-sized boot. Sharing its basic architecture and floorpan with the V8-powered Bora, the Merak was similarly penned by the talented Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Ital Design studio in Turin, but instead of the Bora’s rear clamshell, there was a flat decklid and novel flying buttress arrangement. In a break with tradition, the new Merak was named after a star in the Plough constellation and saw the greatest influence of the Modenese firm’s new relationship with Citroën yet, particularly the 90-degree V6 engine, a unit Maserati originally engineered for the SM. As used in the Merak, the Tipo C114 V6 was bored out from 2,670cc to 2,965cc greatly improving both torque and flexibility. With twin overhead camshafts per bank and fed by triple Weber 42 DCNF carburettors, the alloy V6’s 190 horses were delivered to the rear wheels through the SM’s 5-speed transaxle, while the brakes (discs all round) also used an adaptation of Citroën’s patented hydraulic power-operated system. The interior was typical of Italian exotics from the era, with low-slung seats and plenty of luxury features, while the compact V6 engine allowed a surprising amount of rear passenger space - even the usual Italian offset driving position was largely overcome thanks to a fully adjustable steering wheel and decent seat travel.

Competition from Ferrari's new Dino V8 prompted the introduction of a more powerful and lightweight version - the Merak SS (Tipo AM122/A) with 220bhp engine and revised interior - for 1975, ZF transmission being adopted shortly after. The SS was distinguished by a black grille between the pop-up headlights and a Maserati-designed upper fascia with round instruments whilst a four-spoke steering wheel replaced the previous SM-derived interior.

Finished in Acapulco Blue with a Magnolia interior, this rare and desirable, original right-hand drive SS resided with its previous owner for over 30 years and is accompanied by a fully-documented history covering that period, noting continual care and maintenance with Bill McGrath Maserati. The odometer indicates a smidge under 48,000 miles and the car has recently benefitted from a mechanical overhaul and body refurbishment and now presents superbly, ready to be used and enjoyed as intended.

Revered in period for excellent performance and decent handling, today the Merak remains highly sought-after, especially in right-hand drive form and, with a very short production run of just 300 RHD cars, this matching numbers example in a rare colour is a very special offering indeed.