1970 | Maserati Ghibli Spyder

A strong contender for the 'most handsome car of the 1960s', Maserati's sensational Ghibli debuted at the Turin Motor Show in November 1966. Styled at Carrozzeria Ghia by Giorgetto Giugiaro and named after a Sahara Desert wind, the Ghibli rivalled the Ferrari Daytona for straight line performance, its top speed was close to 170mph while beating it for price and arguably looks. Dry-sump lubrication enabled the engine to be mounted deep in the chassis, permitting a low bonnet line, while limited suspension travel ensured that the tyres did not foul the wheelarches. The roofline fell away from the top of the steeply raked windscreen to the chopped-off tail, achieving a cabin lower than that of almost all the Ghibli's contemporaries.

The Ghibli used a tubular steel chassis featuring independent suspension at the front, while at the rear there was a leaf-sprung, live rear axle with single locating arm. The power unit was Maserati's venerable four-cam, 90-degree V8, an engine derived from that of the 450S sports racer. Even more sensational was the handsome Ghibli Spyder, launched in 1969 and the direct rival of the Ferrari Daytona Spyder. Giugiaro's styling for an open-top Ghibli was arguably more successful than the original coupe and is regarded as a classic of sportscar design. Ghibli production ended in 1973 after 1,149 coupes and only 125 Spyders had been built.

Supplied new to Switzerland, this car spent many years in a prominent Brussels based collection where it was maintained without regard to cost. It was then purchased by a Calvados producer who had a useful crystal decanter mounted between the seats before the car was brought to the UK by our vendor in 2022, purchasing it from Gallery Aaldering.

This example was subject to a full restoration and mechanical reconditioning. The car has its 4.7 matching numbers engine and would be a fabulous acquisition for any serious Maserati collector. The bodywork on this Campana Spyder is described as 'gloriously finished' in its original colour of metallic black with matching hood and contrasting cream leather trim, burrwood Maserati steering wheel and gear knob with Maserati emblem. The black convertible top is in excellent condition and folds away neatly under its cowling, its design having not lost any of its appealing beauty over the years, is still indisputably representative of an Italian masterpiece. The panel work is nice and thin with good alignment, the fabulous paintwork has stood the test of time well since restoration and the interior was completely refurbished, leaving it in a beautiful state today with the beige leather forming a lovely contrast to the black exterior. High-quality leather was used to match the original upholstery with black carpeting neatly fitted. The car sits on four Turrino bespoke wire wheels with Avon CRZ tyres in good condition and the engine bay is very well presented.

We are informed the 4.7 engine runs well and is coupled with a manual five-speed ZF gearbox. The brakes and suspension were completely replaced during the restoration with new suspension bushes and shock absorbers fitted. We are also informed the brakes are nice and responsive with new front pads. More recent maintenance includes a new clutch and rebuilt master cylinder, new high torque starter, dual high-powered fans for longer journeys into Europe, new stainless headers and full exhaust, high output alternator and a modern head unit linked to GPS and iPhone.

The car comes with a Maserati Classiche box containing the original owner's manual, parts catalogue, electrical scheme and general information about the model and brand and two keys. There is also a file containing additional information regarding invoices and reports. This is a very fine matching numbers car, it is well documented and has wanted for nothing. It is described as 'in beautiful condition' and tuned at Colin Clarke Engineering, it is ready for immediate extended use. Consigned by Mathew Priddy.

Lot details
Year: 1970
Make: Maserati
Model: Ghibli 4.7 Spyder Campana
Registration: FRZ 455
Chassis No: AM1151578
Odometer: tba


* Numbers matching example

* Restored circa 2020 recently tuned at Colin Clarke Engineering