Maserati Merak SS
The Maserati Merak emerged as a more accessible alternative to the exotic Bora, sharing much of its engineering and Giugiaro's styling while offering V6 power instead of the Bora's V8. The SS (Super Sport) variant introduced in 1975 represented the definitive version of the Merak concept, with increased power and improved performance that brought it closer to the Bora's capabilities. Under the distinctive flying buttress rear design sat a 3.0-liter V6 engine derived from the unit used in the Citroën SM, featuring dual overhead camshafts, three Weber 44 DCNF carburetors, and producing 220 horsepower. While less powerful than the Bora's V8, the smaller V6 was 250 kg lighter and positioned the Merak as a more agile, responsive sports car rather than a grand touring supercar. The engine's mid-engine placement provided excellent weight distribution and handling characteristics that many period testers praised for being more engaging than the heavier Bora. The five-speed manual transmission was sourced from the Citroën SM and featured precise, mechanical shifts optimized for spirited driving. The chassis shared the Bora's steel unibody construction with double-wishbone suspension at all four corners, providing exceptional handling and ride quality. The Merak SS also featured Citroën's sophisticated hydraulic system that powered the brakes, clutch, and various adjustments, though implemented somewhat less comprehensively than in the Bora. Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes provided strong stopping power appropriate for the car's 250 km/h top speed. One unique feature of the Merak was its small rear seats made possible by the more compact V6 engine, making it the only mid-engine Italian exotic of its era to offer 2+2 seating. The flying buttress rear design with large glass panels provided excellent rearward visibility and gave the Merak a distinctive appearance that set it apart from its competitors. Inside, the Merak offered leather upholstery, air conditioning, power windows, and comprehensive instrumentation similar to the Bora. Production continued from 1972 to 1982 with 1,832 examples built, making it significantly more common than the Bora but still quite rare by modern standards. Today, the Merak SS is appreciated by collectors as an elegant, engaging mid-engine sports car that offers most of the Bora's sophistication at a more accessible price point.
The Merak requires thorough inspection before purchase. Verify chassis numbers and documentation through Maserati Classiche. The Citroën-derived V6 is generally reliable but requires proper maintenance of the three Weber carburetors -- synchronization is critical for smooth operation. Timing chains should be inspected and replaced preventatively. The Citroën hydraulic system requires specialist knowledge -- verify all functions work properly. Rust can affect the steel unibody, particularly sills and floorpans. Check for accident damage on aluminum body panels. The distinctive rear flying buttress glass panels can crack and are expensive to replace. Electrical systems use period components that can be troublesome. Interior leather and trim condition affects value significantly. Parts availability is better than the Bora due to higher production numbers but still challenging. The Citroën SM transmission is robust but parts are increasingly scarce. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a Maserati specialist is essential.
The Merak was produced at Maserati's Modena facility from 1972 to 1982, with the SS variant introduced in 1975. Total production reached 1,832 units across all variants. The engine was derived from the Citroën SM's V6, enlarged from 2.7 to 3.0 liters and fitted with three Weber carburetors instead of Bosch injection. The transmission was also sourced from the Citroën SM parts bin. The bodywork was designed by Giugiaro at Italdesign, sharing the front end with the Bora but featuring distinctive flying buttress rear styling that allowed for 2+2 seating. Some examples received US-market emissions equipment that reduced power. A small number of Merak 2000 GT models with 2.0-liter engines were built specifically for the Italian market to avoid higher tax rates on larger engines.