Maserati Ghibli Spyder

Revelation

The Maserati Ghibli is certainly one of Giorgetto Giugiaro’s masterpieces; he himself considers the coupé to be his most beautiful creation ever. When the Ghibli was presented at the Turin Motor Show in 1966, it was considered the finest Italian Gran Turismo, with lines more harmonious than any Ferrari and much more elegant than a Lamborghini. Although its 4.7-litre V8 with 310 hp didn’t need to fear the sports car competition and could actually deliver its power to the ground (see also: driving report), the Maserati was less sporty than its competitors, which was certainly also due to its rigid rear axle. However, the Maserati was excellent for cruising, and demand for an open-top version soon grew, particularly in the USA. Giugiaro/Ghia delivered in 1968 – and what a wonderful design it was, the Ghibli Spyder looked great even with the roof closed. And it was a dream anyway with the roof down, the fabric roof could be completely retracted and disappeared under a metal cover, something that even today not all manufacturers can achieve.

The vehicle we are showing is the prototype, AM115/S 1001. It was first shown at the Motor Show in Turin in 1968, in the same yellow colour as it is resplendent in today. The first owner was Antonio Capuano from Barletta in Italy, who bought it in September 1969. From 1975, the Spyder was in the USA, changing hands many times before it was auctioned by RM Sotheby’s in Monterey in 2022 for $995,000 – after a restoration costing over $400,000. The pictures say more than many words.

Only 125 examples of the Spyder were built. We will try to show a few good pieces here.

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VIN: AM115/S 1079

Auction: RM Sotheby’s, Monterey 2004, sold for 125’400 Dollar.

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VIN: AM115/S 1195

Auction: RM Sotheby’s, Monterey 2004, sold for 93’500 Dollar. Shown here with the very rare hardtop, of which there were probably only about 25.

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Chassis-Nummer: AM115/S 1229

Auction: RM Sotheby’s, London 2011, estimate 140’000 to 170’000 pounds, not sold. Only 25 examples of the Spyder were fitted with the 4.9-litre engine.

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More Maserati can be found in the archive.