Highlights
- Early example of the Italian sports classic in great condition
- Highly original period condition
- Only two previous owners
- One of only 630 early LHD-examples manufactured
The Appeal
Introduced during Citroën’s ownership of Maserati, the Merak was always bound to be a little bit of a trendsetter. The innovative French company’s grip was clear to see, with the car carrying numerous examples of the brand’s hydropneumatic systems, and, in left-hand examples, their own dashboard, oval instrument gauges and steering wheel.
This example is exactly that - one of only 630 examples - and is ready and waiting to hit the road with a new owner. These are a truly scarce sight and should raise plenty of interest!
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1973
- The car is reportedly a matching numbers example
- Only two previous owners
- Currently in the ownership of a collector who keeps it in climate-controlled storage
- Reportedly has always been kept in routine maintenance regardless of use
- Odometer indicates 57,611km on a five-figure odometer
- Sadly we can’t verify this as being the car’s authentic mileage
- Car comes with an Immatricolazione certificate
- We note an 'SS' badge has been added to the rear at some point, although this car predates SS production
The Interior
- Exceptional interior with rare Citroën dashboard
- Eyecatching blue velour seats
- Unmodified condition
The earlier Left-Hand Meraks can be distinguished by their Citroën SM dashboard, which carries unique oval-shaped dials. They originally also featured a single-spoke Citroën wheel, however, this appears to have been swapped out at some point in the car’s life.
Everything else, however, is reassuringly original - and highly distinctive. The combination of wood trims and velour really sets up a luxurious, stylish and ever-so-distinctly 70s feel to the car’s opulent cabin.
It’s in an excellent stage of preservation, with all instruments and options working as expected, and the car’s period and tactile features all fully on display. We particularly note the Pioneer radio/cassette player with its distinctly retro dials.
There are some light scuffs and marks, and the slightest patina to the chrome, but it does nothing to detract from the interior’s charm and remarkably complete nature. The seats and door cards are free of rips and tears, or, indeed, any meaningful wear.
The carpets and headlining look in good order, and the boot looks solid.
The Exterior
- Impressive metallic paintwork
- Highly distinctive styling with Maserati crown emblem grille
- Pop-up headlights
The styling of the Merak is something of a legend, with Giorgetto Giugiaro adapting the successful Bora into a distinctly 70s visage of a steeply angled front, pop-up headlights, a flat rear deck and those legendary flying buttresses. The result is one of the most universally admired supercars of the age - a combination of all the great signatures of a retro sports car jammed into a highly evocative whole.
This example, painted in an affable dark grey, really looks the part, having been kept in fine order by the current owner. We can’t see any of the tell-tale signs of corrosion or extensive wear, with only the lightest signs of use being visible in the sills and bumpers. The paintwork appears to be free of any significant flaking, cracking, chips or losses and we’ve not managed to spot any blistering or bubbling.
The car appears to be free of dents or dings, and the chromework and trims all look to be in good condition, carrying only the lightest patina. The glasswork and lenses look sound, with no faults we can discern.
The car is sitting on its distinctive Campagnolo wheels, which present very nicely, and the tyres look to have plenty of tread. Underneath, the car shows some surface corrosion, but nothing severe - in fact, it seems to be a very clean example considering the vehicle’s age and 70s lineage.
The Mechanics
- Powered by a 3.0L 90-degree mounted V6 engine
- 5-speed Citroën C35 manual transmission
- Hydraulically assisted brakes
Fairly sophisticated for their day, the early Meraks were loaded with systems from their innovative French ownership. These still garner plenty of enthusiast interest to this day, and they appear to be all present and correct with this example. We’ve no reports of any mechanical faults, or of any significant mechanical changes - which should make this one a rare survivor.
The V6 engine is in fine visual order, with the car’s engine bay displaying very well and still carrying the car’s spare tyre. We’re informed that it’s still a highly charismatic performer, with the car having been used relatively lightly and regularly maintained.
Summary
Even a mediocre Merak is a spectacular car - so what can we say about this simply exceptional example? With so much of its originality on display, and that luxurious interior, we’re confident that this highly-original early Merak is amongst one of the most eye-catching examples we’ve come across.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
