Maserati Ghibli 4.9 V8 SS Spyder

• Believed to be the final right-hand drive manual 4.9 SS Spyder produced
• One of only four right-hand drive manual 4.9 SS Spyders built to European specification
• One of just 14 manual 4.9 SS Spyders produced for the European market (10 LHD, 4 RHD)
• Fifth from last Ghibli 4.9 SS Spyder built
• One of only 128 Ghibli Spyders produced in total
• One of only 46 Spyders built in the desirable 4.9 SS specification
• Supplied new in right-hand drive for the UK in 1971
• Factory-specified with the rare optional removable hardtop, one of only five Ghibli hardtops produced
• Comprehensive history file including period photographs, factory correspondence and restoration records
• Three-year nut-and-bolt restoration completed in Sydney, documented with invoices and photographs

First unveiled at the Turin Motor Show, the Maserati Ghibli quickly established itself as one of the most striking and capable grand touring cars of the 1960s. Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro during his time at Ghia, the design combined an exceptionally low profile with strong, simple lines and a long, dramatic bonnet. The result was a car that rivalled the finest Italian GTs of the era both visually and dynamically.

At its heart was the quad-cam V8 developed by Giulio Alfieri, an engine closely related to Maserati’s competition programme. Early cars were fitted with a 4.7-litre unit derived from that used in the Maserati 5000 GT, but in 1969 Maserati introduced the uprated SS specification, enlarging the engine to 4.9 litres and increasing output to approximately 335 bhp. With a top speed comfortably exceeding 250 km/h, the Ghibli SS ranked among the fastest road cars of its day.

The Spyder version, introduced in 1969, was produced in far smaller numbers than the coupé and is today regarded as the most desirable variant of the model. Of the approximately 1,150 Ghibli coupés built, only 128 Spyders left the factory. Within that already limited production, just 46 examples were completed in SS specification, and only 14 were built to European specification with the desirable five-speed manual gearbox.

As the majority of Ghibli Spyders were destined for the United States, European-specification cars were produced in extremely small numbers. Of the 14 manual European-spec SS Spyders, 10 were built in left-hand drive and only four in right-hand drive, making RHD examples among the rarest open Maseratis of the period.

The car offered here is one of those four right-hand drive manual European-specification SS Spyders and is believed to be the final example produced in this configuration, as well as the fifth from last SS Spyder built overall. Supplied new to the United Kingdom in 1971, it was also specified with the rare optional factory removable hardtop, a feature fitted to only five Ghiblis in total, making it an exceptionally unusual specification.

The car is accompanied by a comprehensive history file documenting careful ownership over the years. This includes original factory correspondence, period magazine material and historic photographs, along with a silver trophy awarded at a previous Best of Show concours appearance.

More recently, the car benefited from a three-year nut-and-bolt restoration carried out in Sydney, with extensive photographic documentation and invoices detailing the work completed. The restoration returned the car to an exceptional standard while preserving the qualities that make the Ghibli SS Spyder such a compelling grand tourer.

Today the Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder is widely regarded as one of the most significant Maserati road cars of its era. Combining Giugiaro’s landmark design with Maserati’s race-derived quad-cam V8 and the rarity of SS Spyder production, it represents one of the most exclusive open Italian grand tourers of the early 1970s. With only four right-hand drive manual European-specification examples produced, opportunities to acquire a car of this specification are exceptionally rare.

Now available for viewing at the DD Classics Dealership in London, please call to book an appointment.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above information but errors may occur. Please check with a salesperson.