This 1975 Maserati Merak SS is described as a Tennessee barn find that still runs, but is in need of a proper restoration. The SS was the lighter, more powerful version of the Merak that was produced in fairly limited quantities, and is arguably the one to buy if you must own this mid-engined supercar of the 80s. This example has some unfinished bodywork that is covering both sides, possibly a filler material that was used to address damage of unknown origin. It’s clearly a project, but a worthy one given the overall completeness and the running condition and low mileage of just 30,200. Find it here on Thoroughbred Motor Cars website in Florida for $29,900.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Patrick S. for the find. The Merak SS came with a healthy 3.0L, DOHC V6 that put out 217 b.h.p. with the help of triple downdraft Weber carbs. The smaller V6 allowed for extremely tiny passengers to squeeze into the back of the Merak, giving it a true 2+2 configuration. The back end always looked like an afterthought to me, as if they couldn’t agree on a design scheme and ran out time, grabbing taillights from the parts bin and simply drawing a straight line down to the exhaust pipes rather than further sculpting the rear end. The looks weren’t helped by the horrendous U.S.-mandated safety bumpers, a far cry from the original chrome assemblies that graced European market models.
The interior wasn’t glamorous, but it was functional. The deep console put quite a bit of space between driver and passenger, more than you’d expect for an exotic sports car. The interior of this Maserati will require some work, as the seats are quite tired, the steering wheel in tatters, and in general suffering from the classic signs of neglect. Green carpeting is an interesting look and at first glance seems to indicate a potential mold problem; nope, that’s just the stock floor covering. The back seat looks to have survived in much better condition, and this Merak mainly looks like it spent some time in the sun while it was awaiting the restoration that never came. The seller notes it is equipped with factory air conditioning.
The Maserati at least looks factory correct, with no obvious signs of modification. Despite spending the last 25 years in a barn, someone must have been looking after the car for it to still run, and the seller says the only missing component is the factory spare tire. Original books and manuals will accompany the Merak, along with the original Campagnolo wheels. When buying an older supercar, finding the best one you can afford is the usual rule of thumb. However, I’d argue there are cases when a car is clearly tired but not unloved, and that’s the way this Merak SS rubs me. It seems to be more a case of running out of time than running out of interest, and the asking price seems reasonable for a Merak SS that still runs and doesn’t appear to be a total basketcase.
Gotta love where the radio & glove compartment are.
Could this mid engined car have more leg room in the back seat area than a new camaro or mustang?! – those front seats are quite thin & have a lot of travel.
Hey at least the passenger couldn’t change the tunes on ya while cruising. 😛
Beware of the primer! Someone well versed on these needs to look at this for a potential buyer. Seems complete but who knows what lurks. Good luck to the new owner.
Cheers
GPC
That looks like A LOT of filler on the driver’s side, highlighted by the beachfront sun. Were these bodies fiberglass? What’s with the pattern of red oxide primer on the passenger side. Does not look like a serious attempt at professional damage repair.
The owner of a small company I worked for was a car auction junkie and he had one of these. Clean interior, straight rust free body with original light blue paint. Beautiful car, with only one downside…
BOTH heads were cracked. So there it sat. Apparently parts for these are scant or non existent, short of finding a wrecked one to part out. The Merak had a very short production run so there’s just a handful of them out there. That being said, the fact that this one runs is a big plus.
Wish I knew where the blue one went. It headed off to an auction along with many of my bosses other vehicles shortly after he passed away. Would be a great donor car for this one, or vice versa.
P.S.
His reason for being it?
“It was going too cheap…”
Haggerty lists a #4 car for $46K. So, the price is not that bad. However, to make a condition 2 or 1, would be more than the value. #1 is about $94K. I think it may take more than $65K to restore well. Not saying it shouldn’t be done, but it might take a few years to see some profit. For someone else, as I am not in that financial shape. I hope it goes to a good home.
I love the Merak, even though it was regarded as the poor man’s Bora. Didn’t it share the same engine with the Citroën SM, who owned Maserati for a while?
The US spec cars had a solid metal panel surrounding the taillights. Euro spec cars had them floating in a glass panel, and they’re really, really cool. Also, not sure how this 1976 car is a supercar from the 80s, but ok.
Wasn’t gonna call him out on the 80 ‘ s thing. Dealership has it listed as a ’75…
You’re thinking of the Lamborghini Espada. Truly beautiful car in European form
Whoever takes on this restoration will need pockets so deep their hands will need to wear a scuba tank.
Nice looking car, but who puts green carpeting in a red car? And what are the silver things between the tail lights?
Improvised rear license tag holder. I thought the same thing.
Or…maybe a bike rack mount, for the same adolescent owner who spray painted red primer in streaks on the passenger side. Seems like an ill-advised previous owner all around.
Those silver strips are the correct USA license plate holders along with the correct USA license plate light (which Maserati borrowed from the Citroen DS parts bin of all things). The black carpet fades to green if the car is left in the sun for too long. Same thing with the warts on the steering wheel. This car was obviously left outside for some extended period of time.
Got it – thanks, John.
$29000 worth of headaches
It is not technically an SS if it is a USA model with Citroen hydraulics. Maserati snuck some SS engines into the USA export models to combat the HP loss from the USA mandated smog pump and restrictive exhaust. Sometimes these are unofficially referred to as a “transition model” but Maserati to this day denies it was ever done. You would have to verify the engine number to know.
The engine (if original) is type 114.55.30 (Nr. 610.102) which is a USA SS engine, so this appears to be a transition car.
Agree with JohnT, this is not an SS. The SS did away with the Citroen hydraulics and more importantly did away with the Citroen SM’s dash. The Merak SS used the dash from the Bora, much more fitting for this car. I love the Merak, but would only buy a SS.
John
These look a bit like a Pantara to me. Huge roll of the dice on this one, I’d keep driving on past………………..Later……………………JIMMY
My, what a pile of manure. Yours, for under thirty grand!