Registration number: MA-40-90
Manufacturer: Gallery Aaldering Arnhemsestraat 47 6971AP BRUMMEN, NL 0575564055 http://www.gallery-aaldering.com info@gallery-aaldering.com
In 1972, Maserati introduced the Merak as the more compact sibling of the Bora. The two cars looked remarkably similar and shared various elements of their bodywork and construction, but beneath the surface they were genuinely different machines. Whereas the Bora had a large V8 mounted behind the occupants, the Merak was fitted with a more compact V6.
And that immediately offered an interesting advantage: there was enough room behind the front seats for two small rear seats. What we have, then, is a mid-engine Maserati with a 2+2 interior. Whether you would want to take four adults all the way to the Côte d’Azur is, of course, another matter. But a jacket, a bag, or two enthusiastic children will probably fit just fine. And that makes the Merak just a little more practical than many of its contemporaries.
The 3.0-liter V6 was related to the engine previously used in the Citroën SM. That may sound like an unusual combination, but Citroën owned Maserati at the time. The earliest Meraks therefore incorporated several technical solutions derived from Citroën.
In 1975, Maserati introduced the Merak SS. And in this case, SS meant more than simply a different badge on the car. The V6 received more power, weight was reduced, and the interior was revised. Output was quoted at 220 horsepower. Combined with the five-speed manual transmission, mid-engine layout, and rear-wheel drive, the Merak SS had exactly the kind of configuration you hope to find in an Italian sports car from this era.
The design was created by Giorgetto Giugiaro and was clearly related to that of the Bora. Even so, the Merak has a character entirely its own. In particular, the open space between the cabin and the rear of the car, framed by the so-called flying buttresses, gives it its distinctive profile. Instead of the Bora’s large rear window, the Merak features a much airier design with better all-around visibility. A single line on paper changed the entire car.
This particular example was delivered new in Switzerland in 1981 and remains largely in original condition. The silver exterior color suits the sharp design exceptionally well: understated enough to remain elegant, yet when the light moves across the bodywork, you begin to appreciate the beautiful interplay of lines that Giugiaro incorporated into this Merak.
The interior may well be the greatest story of this Merak SS. This example was specified with a “Special Order” leather interior, and we have rarely seen a Merak interior that has been preserved in such beautiful and well-cared-for condition. Sometimes originality is difficult to explain. You can look at the materials, the colors, and the overall appearance, but often it is the smallest details that tell the real story. When the folded edges, seams, and finishes are correct, those are often the first indications of just how pure and original a classic car of this caliber truly is.
The odometer shows just 13,000 kilometers. According to the available information, this is believed to be the original mileage, although we naturally present it as an indicated figure.
A largely original Merak SS, delivered new in Switzerland, with a specially ordered interior and finished in a beautiful silver color. Quite simply, a very special Maserati that perfectly demonstrates why a well-preserved example can be so much more interesting. Come and view this example at our showroom in Brummen. Worldwide delivery is available; please inquire about the terms and conditions.
