The 1970s were a time of transition for Maserati, both in terms of ownership and the vehicle lineup. The Ghibli was at the end of its run by the early 1970s, giving way to the Khamsin, which was introduced for 1974. The Khamsin would go on into the early 1980s, when the focus shifted from V8 sports cars to the Biturbo, a more compact sports luxury car designed to compete with some of the best Germany had to offer in the segment. Sadly, we all know how that experiment ended, which makes enthusiasts like myself more nostalgic for the time of the big, low-slung Maseratis of the 1960s and 1970s. This Ghibli for sale in Connecticut has the smaller 4.7 liter engine and is, in my opinion, Giorgetto Giugiaro in his finest hour.

1971 Maserati Ghibli

1971 Maserati 4.7 Ghibli, stunning in every way! VIN AM115 1850

Stunning black over white (tuxedo) 1971 Maserati Ghibli. The Ghibli has been touted by many motoring experts as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, and described as mechanical art in its purest form. Truly a hand built vehicle less then 1100 of these cars were made, and very few remain. The car lived in a museum in Austria for 16 years before making its way to these shores in 2006. She has clearly been been restored. The powerful, 4.7-liter V-8 engine runs beautifully, has great power and torque. She recently had more then $18,000 worth of work done by a well-known Maserati repair shop. The work included new heads and valves, full stainless exhaust system, new fuel lines and fuel pumps. We have just had the Weber carburetors tuned and she runs superbly (we have performed a full compression check). The 5-speed gearbox shifts well, all the syncros work as they should, and the clutch works properly.

The black paint is stunning; with a deep mirror finish and all panel gaps are per the factory. The floors are all original with no evidence of rust. The engine compartment has been detailed, and shows well. The outrageous WHITE interior is in wonderful condition, with a mild patina. The black carpets, and black mouse hair dash are new. The A/C blows cold and all of the controls work as they should. The braking system has been checked, they have great feel, and she stops with authority. All glass is original, and all of the seals are new and fresh.

The stainless steel trim likewise is in excellent condition as well. The chrome bumpers are in good condition. Her original wheels are in good condition, and the tires are new. This Ghibli is one of the most striking cars we have ever seen! With her tuxedo colors, she commands a crowd wherever she goes. She drives as well as she looks, and is a true investment grade car. Most expert opinions concur that these Maseratis are a great buy in the investment grade car market, and should appreciate handsomely over the next few years. She is mechanical art in its purest form! Please feel free to call the Classic Car Gallery at 203-256-9800 for any additional information you may need.

Classic & Sports Car Magazine recently pitted a Ghibli SS Spyder against the Ferrari 365GTS/4 Daytona Spider and in the end, the Ghibli won the author over, not just because the Ghibli is the cheaper alternative, but because it has a refinement lacking in the Ferrari. I've always maintained that if I was a man of means, I would have a Maserati over a Ferrari, simply because it doesn't shout about your intentions. It's refined, yet aggressive at the same time.

Currently, Ghibli coupes can be had in the $75,000 to $125,000 range, depending on the provenance and whether it is an SS model. Black over white leather is certainly a classy color combination and very fitting for a car like this. If James Bond had been a paisan, this car would have been his ride.

-Paul