Category Archives: Maserati

Maserati, Modern Classic

2003 Maserati Coupe GT

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Depreciation can be a wonderful thing. Almost a decade on, the Maserati Coupe GT can now be had for about a third of its original list price. Designed by Giugiaro, these coupes signaled a renaissance of the Trident brand from the dark days of the late 1980s and early 1990s and brought exotic Italian machinery within the reach of consumers who would have normally found themselves behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 or Jaguar XK-R. This Coupe GT for sale in North Carolina has the less complex 6 speed manual gearbox and is lightly run in with 28,000 miles.

2003 Maserati Coupe GT

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Beautiful black 2003 Maserati Coupe GT with the 400HP 4.2l engine shared with the V8 Ferraris of that year. Tan leather interior with darker tan piping (additional cost option). Pleated leather headliner, Skyhook adaptive suspension, Xenon headlamps, CD, Nav, cruise, power everything. This vehicle has every option offered except the paddle shifted auto-manual (the Cambiocorsa option), and honestly the 6-speed is the transmission you want anyway. Turning the key gives you a front row seat to an Italian symphony - the 4.2l V8 sounds like nothing else on the road. The car sounds wonderful at every day RPMs, but really opens up about 4000. My other car is a '68 Mustang, and the novelty of a V8 that keeps pulling happily past 6000 RPM just never wears off. The wheels have been refinished back to factory color - the previous owner had them painted gold. The Michelin Pilot Sport tires still have plenty of tread, and the vehicle handles like a dream.

I've had the vehicle for two years and put less than 1200 miles on it. Only one major repair - the Mass Air Flow sensor went out, and was replaced at the local Maserati dealership. The oil was changed there two (at the same time) and I had them go through the vehicle looking for anything that looked out of the ordinary. It got a clean bill of health. I don't have the receipts from the previous owner, but I have the name of the dealership it was serviced at. (A state law prevents them from releasing service records to anyone other than than the person they were performed for, but if you call up (like I did) with the VIN, they'll read off the service history to you. It was serviced regularly by the owner who put most of the 20,000 miles on the vehicle, at an authorized Maserati dealership. The previous owner had information that the clutch had been replaced within the previous 2-3K miles, and I believe it. It feels solid. It recently passed North Carolina emissions with no trouble.

In the interest of full disclosure, some small quibbles. The shift boot sometimes releases from the console at the base. There's a snap-in plastic ring that holds the leather boot in place, and pressing it back in fixes it. I've thought about shimming the snaps (which are under aggressive for the job) to fix the boot there semi-permanently, but have never done it. A couple of the A/C vent plastic trim rings have a chrome-like coating which is flaking a little after 10 years. The automatic positioning of the front seats, when they are tipped forward to allow (very compact) people to sit in the back seats, don't alway work. The motors work fine - the seats are fully adjustable with the switches on the sides. But sometimes you tip the seats forward and they automatically motor forward to allow someone in the back, and sometimes they don't. I have a feeling it is the switch in the seat itself that isn't signaling the computer properly, but since it is a rarity to have someone try to squeeze into the back seat I haven't tracked it down. There are two minor dings, one in the front bumper and one in the rear. (Very shallow depth - 1/16th of an inch, perhaps?) They are both small enough not to be noticeable unless you are looking for them, and are quite fixable. They haven't detracted from my enjoyment of the vehicle so I haven't fixed them.

This is a vehicle that turns heads wherever it goes. The black over two-tone tan interior is a rare option, and fits the vehicle wonderfully. It has been garaged it's whole life and well cared for. To be honest, I never anticipated selling this vehicle. I still don't want to. But circumstances are forcing me to do so. I would really like to see this amazing vehicle go to a good home - end up with an owner who will appreciate it's beauty and capability, and take good care of it. It may sound corny, but that's my desire. If you're local, I'd be happy to let you take the car out for a spin. If you're out of town, I'm also happy to run it to the Maserati dealership where they can perform a once-over to your satisfaction (at your expense.) I'm not interested in arranging shipping for the car, but I will certainly arrange to have the car at whatever location is convenient for pickup by a carrier service you specify and handle logistics for.

It’s tempting to think that one could have a like new Maserati for the cost of a well-equipped Toyota Camry, but as with many cars on this site, these are vehicles that require more care and attention than your average grocery getter. Still, at this price point, one could conceivably purchase this machine and for a fraction of a new Maserati, still have funds left over to maintain the car without breaking the bank. I am a big fan of these coupes. While they aren’t the most flamboyant Italian design exercise, the fact that they are some of the last Maseratis to come with a third pedal has me naturally attracted to them.

-Paul

Maserati

1989 Maserati Spyder

By the late 1980s, Maserati was winding down operations in the US market. The Biturbo had done its damage to the reputation of the company and Maserati left the US market entirely in 1991. Before they left, however, they gave us this, the Spyder, which was the first Maserati in thirty years designed by Zagato. With a shortened wheelbase, this open roofed car was strictly a two seater. Like Biturbos, there are a decent amount of worn out Spyders hanging around on the used market, so finding a good one takes some perseverance. This automatic version in California is cosmetically sound, but could mechanical issues lurk underneath?

1989 Maserati Spyder

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Up for bid is a 1989 Maserati Spyder convertible. Everything in this car is factory and original. I am selling this on behalf of the original owner, a lady in her late 70s who bought it brand-new for over $100,000 in 1989 and now does not have the ability to handle this car. Based on the service record book, the majority of miles were put on the vehicle during the first few years of ownership. The last fifteen years haven't had a lot of miles put on it. The factory service record book, factory service manual, and leather/suede factory owner's manual are included.

This car is in extremely good condition. This car has always been in the garage. The paint and interior are all original! The paint is still that bright factory Maserati red. The interior is mostly a grainy, creamy leather, with side panels in a creamy grey suede; the dash is in a light blue suede (very striking and unusual - typical Italian style!).

I have been driving the vehicle for the last few weeks to prepare it for selling as it has been garaged for a long time without being driven. I just had brand-new tires installed (including the spare). From driving the vehicle, here is what I have noticed: It's a little cold-blooded when starting it up in the morning, but the starting has been getting better and better the more the car is driven. It may need further tune-up work. The heating and a/c work, but the blower motor is going out. The speedometer sticks occasionally, but the sticking has decreased in frequency the more the car has been driven. The odomter and tripometer are working fine. All of the windows are working fine; all of the gauges seem to be working fine. The electric trunk release button and fuel door release button seem to be working fine. The car handles great and drives nice.

All in all, this car is in great shape, especially considering the year. It is a very clean, well-maintained car. With a little TLC, you will have an exceptional car. You'll be hard-pressed to find one as clean as this.

The one thing that alarms me about this car is that it sat for quite some time without being driven. Cars like these need to stretch their legs and be given an Italian tune up, from time to time. With that said, the seller has made an effort to be as honest as possible. The most you may see one of these later model Spyders go for would be around $15,000. With a no reserve auction, we'll probably see a car like this crest just a bit over $10,000, as I suspect the automatic transmission may hold it back a bit.

-Paul

Maserati

1971 Maserati Ghibli Spyder

One could consider it a miracle that Maserati is still in business to this day. A multitude of owners and mergers left the company struggling by the late 1980s. Then, Fiat came along in 1993, when the automotive giant sold 50% of its interest to Ferrari. Now partnered with Alfa Romeo, Maserati is enjoying strong sales despite a global economic downturn. One of the shining moments in Maserati history was the Ghibli, a handsome grand touring coupe introduced when the company was owned by the Orsi family and ceased production after the Citroën takeover. A Spyder version of the Ghibli was introduced in 1969, but only 125 of these gorgeous drop tops were ever produced. Subsequently, surviving examples command big prices, such as this concours example for sale in California.

1971 Maserati Ghibli Spyder 4.7

Absolutely stunning and superb example of a 4.7, 5-speed powersteering equipt Ghibli Spyder one of 125 built. AM115 1209. This car was in the Boston Museum of Art prior to receiving a complete, no expense spared restoration of more than $180,000. Numerous recent 1st place awards as the car was finished in August 2010. Everything is new or rebuilt and is likely the finest example available. Dark Blu Notte with Cashmere leather and matching wool carpeting dark blue canvas top. Completely sorted mechanically without issues or excuses. Drive and show anywhere condition. Average current prices for 4.7 "drivers" at $300k all needing complete renovation to achieve this level. This car is turn key ready to show and go. Fast, smooth and everything these car should be. Tools and jack, receipts, manuals, cover. Serious and knowledgeable interested please apply. More info available & inspections welcomed. Other Coupe and convertible Ghibli available.

At almost half a million dollars, this is certainly one of the more valuable classic Maseratis. Even Spyders in rough shape can bring upwards of $200,000, so a no expense spared restoration such as this vehicle is worth the extra coin, as parts for such a rare vehicle can be daunting and expensive to source.

-Paul

Maserati, Modern Classic

2005 Maserati Quattroporte

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It has been a decade since the return of Maserati to the United States; consequently values of earlier models like the Coupe, Spyder and Quattroporte, have dropped into reasonable territory. The Quattroporte is about the closest thing you can currently get to a four door Ferrari, as this executive saloon shares it's Ferrari-based 4.2 liter V8 engine. With an arresting exhaust note and classic Italian coachwork inside, this isn't your everyday luxury vehicle. Here is a Quattroporte for sale in Florida with under 20,000 miles that looks rather sharp in dark metallic blue.

2005 Maserati Quattroporte

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This 2005 Maserati Quattroporte has the power reclining rear seats and comfort package, has 66% clutch life left, and is in impeccable condition with only 19k miles! As expected from a highline Maserati Quattroporte, this vehicle is in impeccable exterior, interior, and mechanical condition and is fully loaded with:

- Rear Climate Controls
- Rear Reclining and Power Seats
- Super Low Miles: 19k miles and the clutch has already been replaced once, which means that it has a lot of life left: Over 66% remaining as verified by a Maserati mechanic!
- Navigation System
- 19" Ball-Polished upgraded wheels wrapped in Continental tires
- Two-tone custom ordered blue and tan interior
- Sunroof

WARRANTY: Each vehicle we sell comes with a 7 day warranty guaranteeing against major defects. We also offer extended warranties at a very reasonable cost from Royal Warranty Administration. Rest assured, this vehicle comes with a clean Autocheck/Carfax with service history. This vehicle was acquired directly from a private seller.

Condition: We are committed to selling only the finest pre-owned vehicles, and this Maserati is no exception. With all used vehicles there are signs of wear, but this Maserati has been maintained so well that there are no defects to note save for minor wear and chips on the bumpers! If you are looking for an incredible deal on a loaded 2005 Maserati Quattroporte, you won't find a better value nor better condition than this mint condition executive sedan. This Maserati also comes with all floor mats, all weather floor mats, two remote keys, spare tire and tool kit. We have a clear title in hand for the new owner.

It is tempting to think that you could own such an exotic vehicle for the price of a new BMW 3 series, but be forewarned that these early examples with their paddle shifted gearbox have been known to be rather cranky around town when in automatic mode. Also, a clutch replacement will run around $2,000 to $3,000, depending on who performs the work. Time will tell just how well these newer Maseratis hold up as compared to the Biturbos of the 1980s, but so far, they are proving to be a marked improvement over their forebears.

-Paul

Maserati, Modern Classic

1990 Chrysler TC by Maserati

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There have been many collaborations between Italian and American automobile manufacturers over the years, but possibly none as maligned as much as the Chrysler TC by Maserati. Having met Alejandro DeTomaso while at Ford, Lee Iacocca collaborated with DeTomaso to build a sports car incorporating the best of Italian and American design and engineering. What resulted was the TC, a convertible based on the Dodge Daytona chassis available with three different engines throughout the car's three year production run. On offer was a 2.2 liter turbocharged engine with a 3 speed automatic, a 3.0 liter Mitsubishi V6 with a four speed automatic. The rarest engine and drivetrain combination of all was a 2.2 liter, turbocharged 16 valve four cylinder with a Maserati designed twin came head produced by Cosworth, mated to a Japanese IHI turbocharger and hooked up to a 5 speed manual Getrag transaxle. To add further diversity, the pistons in this engine were made by Mahle in Germany. The alloy wheels, while Italian, were sourced by Fondmetal, a Formula One supplier.

This was certainly an interesting vehicle, but sadly, few took notice. It also didn't help that the motoring press derided this car as little more than a warmed over Chrysler LeBaron. Only 500 TCs were made with the 2.2 liter engine with the Cosworth/Maserati designed head. There are clean examples of TCs to be had in the market, but it's quite uncommon to stumble across a low mileage example of one with the Getrag gearbox and Maserati/Cosworth engine. Here is one for sale with just under 50,000 miles in Michigan.

1990 Chrysler TC by Maserati

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1990 Chrysler TC Convertible by Maserati. Only 49,000 original miles. Very rare TC with only 500 ever being built with a 5 speed Getrag manual transmission and a 16 valve Cosworth "Maserati" head on a 2.2L turbocharged inline 4 cylinder engine. The TC was a vehicle built in partnership with Chrysler's Lee Iacocca and Alejandro DeTomaso of Maserati. Produced to give the availability of a luxury sport coupe with both Italian and American heritage.

This low mileage TC is presented in brilliant red with plush hand stitched Italian leather seats. Equipped with a body colored hard top and tan soft top. Power windows, locks and mirrors. Infinity sound system, power driver and passenger seats. Leather dash, armrest and door trim and speciality designed aluminum wheels. This TC is in excellent condition throughout. Leather has less than average wear and exterior is free of rust or problem areas. Issues noted: passenger side hard top window is delaminating and the engine has a bad valve cover gasket, a very common problem but is able to be fixed. Runs and drives excellent. Starts right up and transmission shifts smooth through each gear. Vehicle is being sold as-is.

To be honest, I never liked the TC. And I still don't. But the TC has its loyal following and an active owners club, which will no doubt help in sourcing bespoke parts for this car's engine. For an enthusiast looking for something out of the mainstream, it is hard to beat the uniqueness of this vehicle for the price.

-Paul

Maserati

1970 Maserati Ghibli Spyder 4.7

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While we featured a Maserati Ghibli a few days ago on CICFS, it was the more common hardtop variant. Out of the 1,274 Ghiblis ever produced, only 125 had their roofs chopped off beginning with the 1969 model year. This example for sale in The Netherlands is one of the original 125 produced and has had three owners. It has benefitted from a restoration but retains its original interior.

1970 Maserati Ghibli Spyder 4.7

This is a rare and original Maserati Ghibli Spyder, chassis number 1161st (an example of only 125 cars produced). This car has had three owners and has been driven 41,000 original miles. A few years ago, the car was completely restored and technically gone over. The car has the original engine (matching numbers) and Borrani chrome wire wheels. The bodywork is immaculate, mechanically it is 100% and drives fabulous. The interior is completely original and in beautiful condition. In summary, a unique and rare vehicle in beautiful condition.

Hardtop Ghiblis in good nick usually hover around the $100,000 mark, but the Spyder is an altogether different proposition. This is one of the nicest Ghiblis I’ve seen on the market as of late, and its price reflects that. I’m not certain how fast this car will move at over $400,000 USD, as recent auctions have set the bar for the Ghibli Spyder around $275,000 to $350,000. Even though some hardtops were converted to Spyders over the years, as in most cases, the originals will always command more money than the copies. In this stunning shade of blue, this Ghibli is a triumph of Italian design and engineering in one arrested package.

-Paul

Maserati

1972 Maserati Ghibli SS

The Maserati Ghibli is one of those grand touring cars that epitomizes everything that was great about Italian design in the 1960s and 1970s. Long, flowing lines and sumptuous details are the hallmarks of this machine. This particular Ghibli is a desirable one. Not only is it the later, higher horsepower SS model, but with the 5 speed manual, black paintwork and Borrani wire wheels, it certainly looks the part.

1972 Maserati Ghibli SS

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Designed by a young Giorgetto Giugiaro while at Carrozzeria Ghia, the Maserati Ghibli has been referred by some as the most beautiful sports/GT car of all times. Even if you do not agree with that strong of a statement, there is no denying the Ghibli is certainly a very striking and handsome car whose timeless design has aged very well. Even today, when driving a Ghibli, people stop and stare at the car's beautiful lines.

Powered by a dry sump V8 engine and fed by four Weber carbs, the Ghibli delivers the performance you would expect from an Italian exotic. Its closest competitor, and the car it is most often compared to, is the Ferrari 365 GTB4 Daytona. Both are large front engine cars. Both were for 2 people and were built in the similar years (1967 - 1973). Both were priced about the same (the Ghibli was a little more expensive) and built in similar numbers (about 1150 each). Where the cars differ is in their character. The Daytona was optimized for performance while the Ghibli towards being a “gentleman’s GT cruiser”. People that own both cars generally agree that the Ghibli is the better car for regular driving and rallies. If going around the race track is your thing, go for the Daytona. Of course there is also the matter of price, as today the Ferrari Daytona is MUCH more expensive; both to purchase and maintain.

The exterior styling of the Ghibli is equally matched by a gorgeous interior. The Ghibli all leather interior is quite spacious and can easily accommodate tall drivers. One famous Ghibli owner was basketball star Wilt Chamberlain. This particular 1972 Ghibli SS is a three owner car with only 33K miles. Sold new in Los Angeles and had always been there until I purchased the car 4 years ago from the second owner. I then sold it to its third owner. The car is currently in at my house near Atlanta, Georgia area. Has all the desirable features you normally would want on a Ghibli SS; the larger 4.9 liter engine, Borrani wire wheels, power steering, 5-speed, AC and rare quad exhaust. Ghiblis look very good in black, and this car is no exception!

The interior is very nice and mostly unmolested. It still has the original front carpets with the logoed heel pads. Luckily nobody ever installed a modern radio nor were extra speakers cut into the door panels. No signs of accidents or rust. Paint is good but not show quality. Mechanically this car is sweet! Engine was recently rebuilt by Terry Girone; who use to work for the Maserati imported in the Northeast and also was the service manager of the Atlanta Ferrari/Maserati dealer. I have owned about 15 Ghiblis and I must say this is one of the best running one I've driven. Oil pressure is great. Coolant temperature stays constant, gearbox shifts well, brakes work as expected. Engine compression is between 150 and 160 psi across all cylinders, which is excellent. Gauges, switches, lights, clock in working order. AC was recently serviced. Between the engine rebuilt, the AC work and a few other items the previous owner spent over $44,000 in the last 3 years. Receipts come with the car.

Ghiblis are great rally cars as they are comfortable for long drives and quite reliable for an exotic. Included is the original jack with bag, receipts, and factory supplied owner’s manual. The owner’s manual is the rare 4.9 liter version in English and Italian. Note: State of Alabama does not issue titles for cars build prior to 1974. Car is sold with Bill of Sale and a certified letter from Licensing Director which explains the State law.

Prices for Ghiblis tend to range anywhere between $75,000 and $120,000 these days, and the Spider variants command much more than that, given their rarity in comparison to their hardtop sibling. Given this example’s provenance, I’d say $80,000 to $90,000 is probably in the ballpark of what this owner is looking for. With the work and money invested in it, it certainly would be worth it. This is truly an honest car for the discerning collector.

-Paul

Maserati, Modern Classic

1986 Maserati Biturbo Spyder

Italian cars are known for not being the most reliable, but the Maserati Biturbo took this known quality to new heights. TIME Magazine listed the Biturbo as the Worst Car of the Year for 1984. Noted for the bad rap it garnered over the years in the motoring press, just what is it with the Biturbo? In the 1970s, the De Tomaso ownership at Maserati sought to move away from their lineup of high priced supercars and introduce a more affordable luxury car. Offered initially with a 2.5 liter twin turbo V6, the Spyder was built on a shorter wheelbase which served as the basis for the hardtop Karif variant. The Biturbo could best be described as being developed on a shoestring budget, and it showed. Almost every piece of this car was a constant source of headaches for its owners, from it's engine to the various bits of trim. Subsequently, these Maseratis can be had for pennies on the dollar, but is it worth it? Offered for sale here is a low mileage Spyder for sale in Massachusetts that makes one ponder whether it was a collector that owned it or it was in the shop so often the owner barely got to drive it.

1986 Maserati Biturbo Spyder

No description is provided by the seller, but if the mileage is correct, from the condition it looks like it could be a decent buy, provided a thorough mechanical inspection. The silver blue color with navy top is a nice alternative to the usual red. The interior needs a little bit of attention, specifically the leather on the seats, but if the mechanicals are sound enough and the seller can knock another $2,000 to $3,000 off the price, it would be a decent value for a brave enthusiast willing to take a chance on one of the most notoriously unreliable vehicles of our time.

-Paul

Maserati, Modern Classic

1992 Maserati OPAC Spyder Prototype

Heading into the 1990s, Maserati was emerging from what could be described as an underwhelming decade. In the early 1980s, the last of their mid-engined sports cars rolled off the line and the Biturbo took over as a the mainstays of the lineup, along with the V8 engined Quattroporte III executive sedan. The Biturbos did to Maserati what the Beta did to Lancia: it soiled Maserati's reputation and labeled it as a builder of unreliable cars at a critical juncture for the company. On the cusp of Fiat's takeover in 1993, Maserati was exhausting what they could out of the Biturbo chassis with the introduction of the Shamal in 1989. This car had a 3.2 liter twin turbo V8 engine and updated styling by Marcello Gandini.

The Shamal formed the basis for the car you see here, the OPAC Spyder Prototype. OPAC is a company famous for its automotive convertible top engineering and recreational boat manufacturing. This Spyder Prototype has both a cloth top and removable hardtop, similar to the contemporary Mercedes-Benz R129 SL. First show in 1994, this car was subsequently bought by a Dutch collector and is now for sale in The Netherlands, wearing Quattroporte IV alloy wheels.

1992 Maserati OPAC Spyder Prototype

Unique and one-off prototype of the Maserati Spyder. This car was intended as a successor to the 80's Maserati Biturbo Spyder was first presented in 1994 at the motor show in Turin. In early 2000 this car is in the hands of a Dutch collector came and waited for the car perfectly, and was driven regularly. Technical features include a twin turbo V8 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. Specifications are identical to the Shamal. The manufacturer OPAC has also built a hardtop, which makes this car really complete. For collectors of this unique car is also an absolute must! Complete history and maintenance!

While this car is a mash up of Maserati and Ferrari elements, it pulls off a cohesive, wedge look. A one off prototype, no matter the marque, is a purchase that only the very serious and well informed should undertake, not only for one's sanity, but also to help preserve rare vehicles such as these. Unlike a lot of prototypes, this one is perfectly drivable, since it is based on the Shamal. Hopefully it is bought by a collector who won't lock it away, but bring it to events for other enthusiasts to observe and enjoy.

-Paul

Maserati

1974 Maserati Bora

The 1970s were a time of upheaval at Maserati. The decade began with the automaker under Citroën's control, and ownership being handed over to Alessandro de Tomaso in 1975. Under Citroën's guidance, the company introduced it's first mid-engined vehicle, the Bora. Powered by the familiar 4.7 liter twin cam Maserati V8, this engine was mounted north/south in the chassis and produced 310 horsepower. This was the first Maserati with four-wheel independent suspension, and was an interesting car, with its stainless steel roof and adjustable brake, clutch and accelerator pedals, as the driver's seat was only height adjustable. All US market cars had an emissions equipped 4.9 liter V8. In total, 289 Boras were built with the 4.7 liter V8, 235 with the 4.9 liter engine. This example for sale in New York by way of Arizona is a low mileage original.

1974 Maserati Bora

1974 Maserati Bora Royal Blue with Tan leather interior. Car has been owned by the same elderly gentleman since 1976. 27K original miles. Extremely original Arizona car. Absolutely rust free. It has spent all its life in Arizona. Good original Bora with such a low mileage is almost impossible to find. Interior of the car looks almost brand new but its all original. For only $67,500.

Supercars from the seventies are an interesting breed, as ever tightening emissions controls and crash standards compromised these vehicles in the US market. The Bora, while down 30 horsepower from its European brethern, escaped rather unscathed, with exception of larger bumperettes. The Merak, sibling of the Bora, got a bit of a rap on Top Gear's Supercar Challenge for its unreliability and inadequate performance. With it's V8 engine, the Bora has power befitting a wedge shaped classic such as this.

-Paul