Can you place a price on exclusivity? Apparently, you can. During a six-year production run between 1967 and 1973, Maserati produced a mere 1,149 examples of its beautiful Ghibli Coupe. How many exist today is unclear, but this beautifully preserved 1968 model needs a new home. Therefore, the owner has listed it for sale here on Sports Car Market. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Araknid78 for referring this stunning classic, which is located somewhere in New York state, to us. So, what is the price of exclusivity? It seems that the figure stands at $197,000, according to the listing.
When you look at this Maserati’s overall appearance, it’s easy to see the hand of Giorgetto Giugiaro in its styling. Its lines are low and sleek and endow this classic with a sense of elegant presence. It seems that most examples of the Ghibli that we see in today’s market wear Red paint, but this car breaks the mold by being cloaked in stunning Midnight Blue. It shines beautifully, and it is hard to spot any flaws or defects. The panels are laser straight, while the gaps are as tight and consistent as you might expect from a hand-finished vehicle built by craftsmen. There is no evidence of rust, and the seller says that the underside is clean and solid. He indicates that the Ghibli is stored in a temperature-controlled garage, which has undoubtedly helped its cause on this front. The chrome and glass are flawless, while the beautiful Campagnolo knock-off alloy wheels are in as-new condition.
The beauty of Italian classics often extends below the skin, with some of their engines being mechanical works of art. That is the case with the Ghibli. Its engine bay is occupied by a 4,719cc quad-cam V8 that produces 310hp. Those Italian stallions find their way to the road via the rear wheels and a five-speed ZF manual transmission. That sweet V8 should produce 310hp, and while the Maserati tips the scales at a relatively heavy 3,615lbs, it still possesses performance levels that allow it to be legitimately classed as an accomplished Grand Tourer. The journey down the ¼ mile takes 14.3 seconds, while a brave driver could see the speedometer needle nudge past 160mph before this classic runs out of breath. The history of this Ghibli seems to be loaded with stories of TLC. The car received a complete mechanical overhaul in 1990. It has accumulated 4,901 since then, although the owner treated the car to a further mechanical refresh in 2017. He holds records and receipts for this work, which is always reassuring when dealing with a vehicle of this caliber. However, it seems that the buyer won’t need to spend a dime on this car’s drivetrain. It has recently been serviced, and the owner says that it runs and drives perfectly. The next stop for this gem would seem to be the wide-open road.
If you are not a fan of leather upholstery, the interior of a Ghibli will never be your cup of tea. However, if you are partial to vast expanses of dead cows, you will love the inside of this survivor. It seems that every upholstered surface wears Sand leather, and apart from some slight stretching on the driver’s seat, it appears to be in exceptional condition for its age. There’s no evidence of dryness or cracks, while the carpet and dash are equally impressive. The driver peers through a beautiful wood-rimmed wheel at a wide array of gauges and dials, while the dash hosts a collection of toggle switches that I feel are an integral part of the character of a classic sports car. Occupants don’t miss out on creature comforts because this Maserati features air conditioning, power windows, a tilt wheel, a rear defroster, and a radio/cassette player.
Like any classic car, this 1969 Maserati Ghibli will not appeal to every enthusiast. However, it is a beautifully preserved example of a rare Italian Grand Tourer. When it was new, it offered its owner breathtaking performance that matched its lithe appearance. Thanks to the TLC that its current owner has lavished upon it, this Maserati should still be capable of reaching the performance it provided in its youth. I won’t pretend that this is a cheap classic, but its rarity makes it pretty special. I hold a strong affection for Italian classics, and I’m not ashamed to say that I will envy the new owner of this beauty. Do we have any readers who feel the same?
In one word yes! This one is every bit as significant and beautiful as Ferrari and Lamborghini of the same period. All these cars are a work of art. The engines and color choices speak of the passion Italians have for their cars.
Perfectly said, Alphasud. A Timeless beauty.
Yes! Some designs never get old and are magic. The Ghibli’s interior is much less kit car looking than it’s contemporaries to me. This is a great color combo .
Not exactly a barn find, but sure, I’ll take it! All the Citroen Masaratis are good looking.
These were designed under the ORSI ownership not Citroen. Citroen really didn’t make an impact on Maserati design until the Merak and Khamsin and then they promptly went bankrupt.
“My Maserati does 185…”
https://youtu.be/6O_OVTrHQqM
That song was in reference to a BORA not this car. This car is bigger than the photos make it seem. I also is a rough rider as it has a solid rear axle and on anything but smooth roads it will bounce around some. Water pump set up is a bit strange but that was common for Maserati’s of the time and they can be rebuilt with relative ease.
It is not Corvette in size about half way between Corvette and Camaro. Very well made but check for rust always. Good heater and air conditioner. But breathtaking in beauty. Elegant in form and in sound. I also love the color combination.
I got a Maserati G.T.
With snakeskin upholstery…..
But I ‘ain’t got you.
Yet one more unaffordable object of desire.
I got 20 minutes behind the wheel of one in 1978. Heavy clutch, arms straight out. Coulda ; shoulda, woulda. And it’s not resale red.
Off to buy a lottery ticket.
These cars also had a dry sump. Which gave them the ability to have such a low hood line. Beautiful. I sold my Maserati Indy this past summer. They are pretty much the same chassis and running gear as the Ghibil but have a wet sump.
I like, i want, so what is the original miles?
Those cows did not die in vain.
They died so you and me can have a steak dinner. Being turned into car seat covers is secondary to the process.
I was at a Trans Am race in the 70’s at Trois Riviere Quebec and saw the twin to this car parked beside a barn on the fair grounds where the race was held. This car is striking in pictures but when you see it live you really begin to appreciate the stunning lines and beautiful proportions. This car is truly impressive just sitting there. What a treat to see one again.
Very nice-looking GT! No wonder Frank Sinatra bought himself one to park next to his E Type Jaguar…he couldn’t resist beautiful designs. The Ghibli looks nicer than its predecessor, the Mistrale.
Nice Car! I can think of a few other vehicles for $200K that would increase in value quicker than the Ghibli.
I owned a Ghibli in the late 70’s. Don’t recall the correct name for the original color but it was a electric lime green. Should have kept it that color, but nope, had to screw with it and paint it grey. As memory serves, it was beautiful. Made the right sounds, great driver as long as it was pointed in a straight line. As previously mentioned, steered and rode like a truck much like a Daytona. This is a beautiful example. I’m in a downsizing mode. If I wasn’t,
I’d be seriously sniffing around this one. It’s stunning and fairly priced.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/carphotosbyrichard/7752170158/in/photostream/
Mike, that’s the color!
I’m thinking those small front vent windows may actually open up.