Among the legions of high-powered sports and GT models emerging from Italy in the 60s and 70s, the Maserati Ghibli was a bit of a dinosaur. First of all, it was a large car compared to other sports models, and its construction was also archaic. With Ferrari and Lamborghini producing arguably more sophisticated models, the Ghibli seemed to rely on old-school tech that was easily outclassed by the likes of the Daytona and Miura. However, the Ghibli outsold both of those models with ease. This project-grade Ghibli listed here on eBay for $69,500 OBO is described as being highly original and retaining its numbers-matching engine.
Now, one could argue that the reason the Daytona and Miura are more desirable today is because they sold in more limited numbers and were pricier cars to begin with. Plenty of vehicles have become more collectible simply because they were difficult for the masses to acquire when new (and this is still happening today with the likes of the McLaren F1 and gated-shifter Ferrari models selling for well into the millions of dollars.) The Ghibli was a bit of an everyman’s supercar, using less exotic components but still able to deliver a compelling driving experience.
Plus, it had a true “GT-style” cockpit, meaning it was comfortable for even larger adults to fit inside (within reason.) Even in its unrestored condition, this cockpit still looks downright inviting. Still, the Ghibli was an unusual specimen when compared to its peers: body-on-frame construction; a steel body versus aluminum; a solid rear axle and leaf springs; and a curb weight clocking in at a stunning 3,500 pounds. There was no V12 under the hood but a V8 engine that had already been in service for a decade by the time it was dropped into the Ghibli. And, it was not a bargain model compared to the offerings from Lamborghini and Ferrari.
But as with many cars from this era, it was all about the appearance and the experience once the engine was fired up, and the Ghibli delivered in spades. It was gorgeous, and considered a design triumph, even if it not as wild or as exotic as the Lamborghini. It was simply gorgeous, a sentiment that carries it forward with collectors today. And with 310 b.h.p. and 341 lb.-ft. of torque, it still delivers a thrilling driving experience today. Given this Ghibli looks like a straightforward restoration, it seems likely to emerge as a completely refreshed example in the coming years.
Gullwing Motor Cars, very sad.
I’m familiar with Gullwing Motor Cars in Queens and I have had two experiences with them. In both cases, they have been something less than honest.
Hi James,
I was considering reaching out to them about another car. Could you share info on your experience?
Thanks
no ‘reply button’ on ur post Colm. So THIS Looks like to JS:
This company has its counter on Left Coast “Bev. Hills Car Club”. They get ‘exotics’, they get the uninformed wealthy to buy. Gull wing did a good job building merceded over the yrs and then went into a different business model where they got guys acc the river (Manhattan) to buy a car from them but also restore it for them. That process is long and way over the cost of the orig purchase. They gota scheme where they make $ twice~
Ghibli hardtops cars are selling this month in great shape for $130K. You can’t make this in great shape for the difference at the asking price.
Step One: Get a wheelbarrow
Two: Fill it up to max with $100 bills
Three: Open the hood and dump it in
Four: Repeat as necessary
I prefer the variation of parking the car in the garage with a window or two slightly down. Shove money into the car every time you walk by. When it starts falling back out of the window; count, and consider starting the restoration. Like the wheelbarrow method, it may need to be repeated.
That’s been my experience. That’s the common experience. Ugh.
This car hit the American market and buyers at the right time.
The owner of a local Pontiac dealership had a red one with Borrani wires on it. He parked it right out front. that thing was drop dead cool!
To quote Mr Hand…is everyone on dope??? It’s a piece of junk at this point. It will take 10 years and 75k at least to make it worth a hundred and they want some idiot to pay that much now???
Extra thumbs up for the movie reference!
I wouldn’t buy a bag of cat litter from Gullwing.
Back in 1974, I was driving through the “old money” part of our city to pick up my date for a high-school dance. A few blocks from her parents home, I spotted the most beautiful car I had ever seen, parked in front of a stately mansion. It was a gold coupe, with spectacular lines. I pulled over to admire it, and read the Badge. It was a Maserati Ghibli SS. I was mesmerized. A man came out of the mansion, knowingly smiled, and waved as he drove away. Even the sound of the engine was intoxicating. I don’t recall anything about my date, or the dance, but I never forgot the Maserati Ghibli.
Fast forward about 50 years. A couple of years ago, I was at an annual BBQ/car show at a car-guy friends home. He usually invites about 120 of his closest friends to park their collector cars on his massive lawn for a private car show. There is a live band, and pig-roast. He even has a full-size antique gas station in his back yard. The cars that show up are always spectacular: everything from hot-rods, muscle- cars, show-winning classics and modern
supercars. I arrived fairly early to get a nice shady parking spot, and watch(and hear) the others arrive. A beautiful, gold Ghibli SS pulled in with a symphonic rumble from the exhaust. It parked beside my ’66 Corvette and I immediately approached the owner, introduced myself, and began to ask about the Ghibli. He told me that it was the first time he had driven it any distance since recently completing a partial restoration. When he bought it, it was complete, but not running. Apparently parked in a garage for decades. I told him about the one I had seen in 1974, and we soon determined it was the same car. After the original owner had passed away, the car had remained parked in a corner of the large garage behind the mansion. The same family still owned the place, and had kept the car for sentimental reasons. They were planning to renovate the garage, and convert some of it to a studio/office. It was time to let the car go. My new friend told me he had been looking for a Ghibli for several years and heard about this one through a mutual acquaintance. I was momentarily jealous, wishing I had heard about it first. The family had the car appraised, so it did not go cheap. Then there were the restoration costs…about $120K. Too much for my budget.
As for the car for sale at Gull Wing…..It is rough….. The restoration costs alone will be significantly more than the current market value.
I have been lucky enough to have owned most of the cars on my bucket list, but a Ghibli SS will probably never happen.
Great story, Cam!
Um, where are the spark plug wires? Just new parts for that engine will be prohibitive . There isn’t enough of a demand to justify independent small manufacturers tooling up to make new parts for most of the high end cars on this site. Just a darn shame to see so many what were once magnificent machines wind up like this.
Was this the car Joe Walsh was driving when he lost his license 🪪 ?
If so, he was exaggerating. This Maserati won’t do 185.
Maybe his accountants did him a favor
Sad that he had to get a limo. How boring.
Gullwing – finds nice cars that need 6 figure restorations and sells them for money that keeps you pretty far upside down. I love these cars and would love a project that’s not this rough. It would be a good addition to my every day driver – 2021 Ghibli. Hagerty shows the value of a #4 at $70,800. However, a Hagerty #4 runs well. This is far from a #4 and you could easily put $25k into the engine if its not locked up with corrosion with no plugs in the holes.
A modern Maserati/Italian resto mod, maybe?
Get a late model Maserati wreck with working engine (well, it would be an an engine that was at least in a Maserati). Grab the gauges and seats and A/C unit, and whatever else might work, too.
Take it to a hot rod shop interior detailer and wrap it up in Corinthian leather.
All for probably less cost and hassle than trying to get this back on the road as a factory stock rig.
Corinthian leather. Hilarious!
AI summary:
“Despite the exotic-sounding name, Corinthian leather did not come from Corinth, Greece, or ancient hide-working traditions. It was supplied by the Radel Leather Manufacturing Company in New Jersey. It was genuine cowhide, but the term was simply a fabricated marketing tool used to add an air of exclusivity to domestic American luxury cars. In many trim levels, the leather was combined with vinyl inserts.”
In reply to Bluesman’s post. Insert laugh emoji here.
I bet a Maserati shift knob is wicked expensive?
Not to mention the missing rear bumper!
Did anyone see the Mistral that was in Europe on the other car sit? a little better shape went for 16,000 Eu Check it out I would not pay that much for it and this , this is a big pile of rust and regret. Gullwing does not need advertising on this site in my opinion.
I have a 2005 Spyder and cannot get parts for it. Good luck finding spares for that one. In the condition it’s in I believe one could easily spend another hundred grand on it and still not have a driveable car.
Try Eurospares (England) or campanacarrozzeria (Italy).
Everything this Ghibli needs can be either repaired or bought.
However, the restoration will cost more than the value when ready.
I am restoring one right now..
On a Less Serious note, I wonder if it just needs a different engine of some kind.
Located in: Astoria, New York
Maserati was Never those other 2 companies.
For me? they’ve always been the monster, the other 2?
a cat and a lill bobble or jewel
I’d rather climb up ona dragon’s back – drive the monster
This listing ended on Sat, Jul 4 at 6:59 AM.
Relisted:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/278153318602?itmmeta=01KWWBA0WAKM9NWN5YPS8QCP7T&hash=item40c33ad0ca:g:I88AAeSwcLlqNUsD
Same price