Description
The Ghibli ABS model arrived in the UK in 1995 as the second version of the Ghibli 2. It featured not only the addition for the first time of ABS but also new rear suspension, new wheel design and detail interior changes over the original car.
The engine was the same as the earlier car, which for the UK market meant the 2. 8 litre version of the V6 and a power output of 285bhp. The gearbox on these earlier versions was a 5-speed ZF unit.
In addition, Maserati offered this model with the optional Kit Sportivo handling kit; firmer springs and shock absorbers, uprated roll bars and bushes and OZ Futura 17” wheels. This kit was only specified on a few cars bound for the UK market. As it turned out, the Ghibli ABS was only available for a year before being superseded by the Ghibli GT and Cup, which made it one of the rarest versions of all.
Sold new in August 1995 by Nelmes of Romford who were briefly Maserati dealers to it’s first and only owner, this Ghibli ABS originally came equipped as a Kit Sportivo. All the documents relating to the car’s purchase and fitting the Kit Sportivo are still with the car including the original bill of sale.
By 1997 McGrath Maserati had taken over the servicing (at 13, 600miles) and looked after the car annually. This included, after a severe bout of overheating, a major repair to the engine. However, once completed the car was put back into service until 2004. During this time, the original OZ Futura wheels were also removed due to corrosion of the rims and a set of Ghibli Cup style wheels fitted for a while. These were then retained and a set of original ABS wheels fitted. At the end of 2004, the car was laid up and has remained in storage ever since. The mileage then, as it is today, was 39, 725 miles.
After some years, the owner asked us to assess the car and we found some corrosion in the sills. Unable to commit to repairs at that time but not prepared to let the car go, it went back into storage for another decade.
Recently however, the car has been exhumed and we are now offering it for sale. Make no mistake. This is a project. The corrosion in the sills is eminently repairable and we have photos on file to show the extent of the work required. Whether the car was then repainted would really be up to the next owner. Mechanically, it is an unknown quantity. No attempt has been made to start the engine. Certainly work on the fuel system, a new cambelt, new fluids thoroughout and of course a battery will just be the start.
But this is a one-owner car, with low mileage, fastidious history and these days, some very valuable parts fitted to it (apart from the wheels, it retains the remaining Kit Sportivo parts). We initially thought we might break it for spare parts but the interior is immaculate and the history is great. We hope it will appeal to someone who values these things.
We can’t pretend this project is economically viable but we would be delighted to discuss undertaking the work required, or just as happy to see it go to a new owner who wanted to do the project themselves. It’s just too good to break!
With all this in mind, we are asking £6, 500 for the car and it can be viewed at our premises.
