1978 Maserati Merak SS
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Highlights
- One of only 140 RHD examples made
- Just 39,050 miles
- Retrimmed interior
- Desirable specification
The Appeal
Based on the Bora, but with a more compact V6 drivetrain allowing the addition of two extra seats, the Merak is a Giugiaro styled GT from Maserati’s famous ‘Citroën’ era.
The SS is the later version, lightened, with a better specification and offering more power.
The SS is the later version, lightened, with a better specification and offering more power.
The example you see here is a rare right-hand drive SS model, presented in excellent condition with low mileage and a beautifully retrimmed interior, this Maserati is ready for its new owner.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in August 1978
- Historic status: tax and MOT exempt
- Just 39,050 miles indicated
- 8 owners from new
- Current owner since September 2018
- Numerous invoices for maintenance
- Independent specialist service history
- Parts catalogue included
- 1 of only 140 RHD SS models produced
- Private registration included in sale
The Interior
- Two-tone grey leather interior (retrimmed)
- Electric windows
- 3-spoke ‘Bora’ wheel and dashboard
- Blaupunkt ‘London’ stereo system
Finished with very smart two-tone leather upholstery, the cabin of this Merak is beautifully styled.
All of the upholstery, including the light grey ribbed headliner, looks to be in excellent condition, with only light signs of wear, but no evidence of damage or tears. We’re told by the vendor that the cabin was retrimmed prior to their ownership.
All of the upholstery, including the light grey ribbed headliner, looks to be in excellent condition, with only light signs of wear, but no evidence of damage or tears. We’re told by the vendor that the cabin was retrimmed prior to their ownership.
The dash is the ‘Bora’ dash, along with the accompanying 3-spoke steering wheel. This desirable feature was fitted to all RHD Meraks and some US models. It offers a more driver-centric layout over the earlier dash arrangement.
It’s presented here in excellent condition, with all of the switchgear and instruments appearing to be in very fine fettle, with no issues or damage we could see.
A Blaupunkt ‘London’ stereo has been installed, which offers CD, DAB, USB and Bluetooth connection, offering a practical dose of modernity.
It’s presented here in excellent condition, with all of the switchgear and instruments appearing to be in very fine fettle, with no issues or damage we could see.
A Blaupunkt ‘London’ stereo has been installed, which offers CD, DAB, USB and Bluetooth connection, offering a practical dose of modernity.
We’re informed by the vendor that everything works other than the air-conditioning, which is currently not functioning.
Black carpets and matching overmats run through the cabin and present well, with dark grey carpets and a matching tool bag present in the front luggage area.
Black carpets and matching overmats run through the cabin and present well, with dark grey carpets and a matching tool bag present in the front luggage area.
The Exterior
- Bright yellow paintwork
- Original Campagnolo alloy wheels
- Pop-up headlights
Resplendent in its bright yellow paintwork, this lovely Maserati is certainly not for the shy and retiring types.
We love the bright colour scheme and feel it suits the Merak’s sporty styling perfectly. Details such as the rear flying buttresses and angled rear end give it an instantly recognisable silhouette too.
We love the bright colour scheme and feel it suits the Merak’s sporty styling perfectly. Details such as the rear flying buttresses and angled rear end give it an instantly recognisable silhouette too.
This example wears its paint well, the bodywork presenting in overall very good condition.
There are a few minor blemishes and chips, some light paint damage to the lower front valance and a slight scuff to the lower portion of the driver’s door. In general though, the bodywork looks solid and free from signs of corrosion or notable damage.
There are a few minor blemishes and chips, some light paint damage to the lower front valance and a slight scuff to the lower portion of the driver’s door. In general though, the bodywork looks solid and free from signs of corrosion or notable damage.
All of the external brightwork, light lenses and glass areas present very well, with the badging and bumpers in particular maintaining a lovely shine. We didn’t see any signs of cracks or damage.
Riding on its original 15” Campagnolo alloy wheels, shod with period-correct Michelin tyres, this is a very handsome machine. The wheels appear to be in very good condition, with no signs of kerb rash, corrosion or significant marks.
Looking under the car, the floor pans and subframes look clean and solid. We didn’t observe any signs of damage or corrosion, just a little light surface corrosion to some drivetrain elements, as you’d expect from a 44 year old car.
The Mechanics
- 2,965cc DOHC V6
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Hydraulically assisted disc brakes
- Recent new clutch
Benefitting from monocoque construction with steel subframes and a mid-engined layout, the Merak was always a fine handling car.
The SS lopped another 50Kg off the kerbweight to improve the feel and responses even more. It also added another 30bhp to the power output. The 3-litre 90-degree V6 originally offered a meaty 220bhp to the rear wheels, more than enough to make this a very capable GT.
Looking under the engine cover, it looks to have been kept very well indeed - the engine is clean and tidy, with no signs of leaks, overheating or any obvious issues. With triple 44 Weber carburettors adding to the induction noise, it certainly sounds the part too.
The SS lopped another 50Kg off the kerbweight to improve the feel and responses even more. It also added another 30bhp to the power output. The 3-litre 90-degree V6 originally offered a meaty 220bhp to the rear wheels, more than enough to make this a very capable GT.
Looking under the engine cover, it looks to have been kept very well indeed - the engine is clean and tidy, with no signs of leaks, overheating or any obvious issues. With triple 44 Weber carburettors adding to the induction noise, it certainly sounds the part too.
We’re informed by the vendor that the clutch has recently been replaced, and the history file shows that in March 2020 the timing and carburettors were readjusted.
According to the vendor, the car drives very well, braking and accelerating as it should. Other than a slight rattle from the exhaust on idle, they report no mechanical issues, and no smoke or leaks.
Summary
Increasingly rare, particularly in right-hand drive SS form, the Merak is a very desirable and collectible 70s grand tourer.
This example benefits from very low mileage, an extensive history file and a fine specification. Add to that the beautifully retrimmed interior and that eye-catching yellow paintwork, and you have something very special indeed.
We think this is a deeply special car, and one worthy of gracing any collection or driveway.
We think this is a deeply special car, and one worthy of gracing any collection or driveway.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1978
- Make Maserati
- Model Merak SS
- Colour Yellow
- Odometer 39,050 Miles
- Engine size 2965
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Nottingham
- Location Nottinghamshire
- Country United Kingdom
91
bids
- pe•••• £51,000 22/03/23
- ha•••• £50,500 22/03/23
- pe•••• £50,000 22/03/23
- ha•••• £49,999 22/03/23
- ha•••• £49,750 22/03/23
- pe•••• £49,500 22/03/23
- pe•••• £49,250 22/03/23
- ha•••• £49,000 22/03/23
- pe•••• £48,750 22/03/23
- ha•••• £48,500 22/03/23
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