1984 Maserati Merak SS

• One of the last RHD/UK-delivered examples with just 16,000 miles
• More powerful and lightweight SS model with 220bhp
• 1 of just 312 SS Bora dashboard examples with a fully documented service history
• In superb unrestored condition with many original and rare features
• Collector-quality and ready for any Concours event

Maserati followed-up its first mid-engined supercar - the Bora - with the similar Merak. Launched in 1972, the latter was intended as competition for Ferrari's top-selling Dino 246 and used a stretched, 3.0-litre, 190bhp version of the four-cam V6 that had debuted in the Citroen SM (the French firm owned Maserati at the time). The unitary construction chassis, all-independent suspension and impeccable handling remained basically as the V8-engined Bora's, though the Merak offered the convenience of '+2' seating in the rear and superior all-round vision thanks to its distinctive rear 'flying buttresses'.

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. A Maserati-designed upper fascia with round instruments and a four-spoke steering wheel replaced the previous SM-derived interior. Later cars (and RHD examples) were bestowed with the full driver-oriented dashboard and three-spoke padded steering wheel from the Bora.

Changes made to the SS suspension greatly improved ride comfort over that of the original Merak and the phasing out of the Citroen brakes in favour of a more conventional system addressed some of the criticisms levelled at the earlier version. Widely recognised as one of the finest, if not the finest, of contemporary V6s, the Merak SS engine proved smooth, powerful, and capable of delivering its urge over a surprisingly wide range for such a high-performance engine. Like any true thoroughbred, the Merak possessed handling commensurate with its breath-taking acceleration and 150mph maximum speed.