Maserati Ghibli 4.7 SS
The Maserati Ghibli stands as one of the most beautiful and desirable Italian grand tourers ever created. Designed by a young Giorgetto Giugiaro during his tenure at Ghia, the Ghibli's long, low proportions, graceful curves, and distinctive pop-up headlights created a design that has aged beautifully and influenced countless sports cars that followed. The SS (Super Sport) variant introduced in 1970 represented the ultimate expression of the Ghibli concept, with the engine enlarged from 4.7 to 4.9 liters and power increased to 335 horsepower. The all-aluminum quad-cam V8 featured four Weber 42 DCNF carburetors and produced a magnificent exhaust note that announced the car's presence from blocks away. The engine's 451 Nm of torque provided effortless acceleration and a claimed top speed of 280 km/h, making it one of the fastest production cars of its era. The ZF five-speed manual transmission featured precise, mechanical shifts and close ratios that kept the engine in its powerband. The chassis utilized double-wishbone front suspension and a live rear axle with leaf springs and Watts linkage, providing a ride that balanced comfort for grand touring with engaging handling dynamics. Four-wheel disc brakes with ventilated fronts provided stopping power appropriate for the car's high speeds. Inside, the Ghibli featured sumptuous leather upholstery, comprehensive instrumentation including a large 300 km/h speedometer and 8000 rpm tachometer, air conditioning, power windows, and luxurious appointments that rivaled the finest Italian luxury cars. The driving position was low and sporty, with excellent visibility through the large greenhouse. The Ghibli's combination of stunning design, impressive performance, and luxurious appointments made it a favorite of celebrities and enthusiasts throughout the early 1970s. Production of the SS coupe totaled just 425 units, making it significantly rarer than contemporary Ferraris. Today, the Ghibli SS is highly sought after by collectors who appreciate the perfect intersection of Italian design, engineering excellence, and grand touring capability in one of the most beautiful cars ever built.
The Ghibli SS commands premium prices and requires careful verification. Check chassis numbers against Maserati Classiche records to confirm authenticity and matching numbers. The quad-cam V8 is a magnificent engine but requires expert maintenance -- valve timing, carburetor synchronization across four Webers, and timing chain condition are critical. Rust can affect the steel chassis, particularly sills, floorpans, and suspension mounting points. Check aluminum body panels for accident damage and repairs. The live rear axle should be inspected for differential wear and oil leaks. Electrical systems are complex for the era and Lucas components can be problematic. Interior leather quality is important to value -- original interiors are valuable but often require restoration. Air conditioning systems frequently need rebuilding. Parts availability is challenging and expensive through specialists. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a Maserati specialist is absolutely essential. Service history and documentation significantly affect value.
The Ghibli SS was produced at Maserati's Modena factory from 1970 to 1973, with coachwork by Ghia and later Carrozzeria Vignale after Ghia was acquired by De Tomaso. The engine was enlarged from 4.7 to 4.9 liters for the SS variant, with power increased from 310 to 335 horsepower. A total of 425 SS coupes were built, along with 125 SS Spyder (convertible) variants. The car featured tubular steel chassis construction with aluminum body panels. The ZF five-speed manual transmission was standard, with a Borg-Warner automatic optional on some examples. The Ghibli was named after a hot desert wind from North Africa, continuing Maserati's tradition of wind-themed model names.