Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder

Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder

The 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder represents the mature, fully developed version of what many consider the most beautiful open Maserati ever produced. By 1970, the Ghibli had benefited from four years of production refinement, and the SS specification with its enlarged 4.9-liter V8 represented the ultimate expression of the model's capabilities.

The 4,930cc V8 in SS configuration produced 335 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque, providing effortless performance for high-speed open-air touring. The engine's dry-sump lubrication system ensured reliable oil supply even during spirited driving on winding mountain roads, while the four Weber DCNL carburetors provided smooth, responsive fuel delivery across the entire rev range.

By 1970, the Ghibli had received various detail improvements from its 1966 debut. The five-speed ZF manual gearbox offered more precise shifting than earlier production examples. The disc brakes at all four corners benefited from improved pad compounds. Interior trim quality and consistency had improved as Ghia refined their production processes.

The Spyder body, with its Giugiaro-designed lines, remained one of the most striking automotive designs anywhere. The 1970 model year car featured the same elegant proportions as the original, with the long hood, flowing fender lines, and clean tail creating a silhouette that was unmistakably Italian. The pop-up headlights, when retracted, gave the nose a smooth, aerodynamic profile that contributed to the car's excellent high-speed stability.

Driving the SS Spyder was an experience that justified its considerable price. With the top down, the 4.9-liter V8 provided a rich, complex exhaust note that changed character as the revs rose. The engine's broad torque curve made the car supremely flexible in traffic, while its willingness to rev provided exhilarating acceleration when demanded. Top speed with the SS engine approached 170 mph.

The 1970 production year fell within the final phase of Ghibli production, which concluded in 1973. By this time, the car's replacement, the Bora, was already in development, and the Ghibli was gradually wound down. This late production status, combined with the Spyder body style and SS engine, makes the 1970 SS Spyder one of the most desirable combinations available.

Surviving examples of the 1970 Ghibli SS Spyder are extraordinarily rare, as the total Spyder production across all years and specifications was only 125 units. When these cars appear on the market, they generate intense interest from collectors worldwide. The combination of Giugiaro's timeless design, Maserati's race-bred V8, and the romance of open-air Italian motoring creates a car of almost incomparable desirability.