Bonafide time capsule car, in storage since circa 1986
Completely unmodified with a near-pristine period interior
One of only 787 SS Models built
Family owned since new
The Appeal
Introduced in 1972, the Maserati Merak is an exceedingly rare car by nature - but for many is a perfect representation of the 70s’ sports car phenomenon. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Merak carries a lot of the era’s finest design cues.
A flat rear deck, flying buttresses - that could be removed if you happened to be overtaken by a fit of madness - a quad-cam V6 and pop-up headlights all made the Merak a uniquely 70s motor. As Maserati were owned by the innovative bods at Citroën during design, it boasted advanced hydropneumatic systems, and a modified Tipo C1.44 powerplant, with a chain-driven camshaft and 12 valves at a strange 90° angle, all of which was originally designed for Citroën’s own range.
To make it even more unusual, It even had two very squashed-in seats at the back in case you wanted to bring along the kids on a high-speed exploit. Quite why you’d want hyperactive kids in the back complaining about being taken away from their Atari 2600 while you blaze down the roads, we’re not sure.
The Merak SS, introduced in 1975, was a lighter, more powerful car to make those exploits even more effortless. It was 50Kg lighter, boasted larger carbs and a unique, Maserati-designed interior.
This example is like no other - it’s been kept in dry storage since the mid-eighties, and hasn’t turned a wheel. No modifications, no welding, no upgrades, nothing disturbed. It’s a project car that’s up there with the best of them. We’re talking full factory spec - and if you’re anything like us, that’s a hugely exciting prospect.
Time-capsule interior, undisturbed since the mid-80s
All-original features with minimal wear
Full fabric sports seating
Desirable Bora dash from the factory
We have to start off by saying this interior is a real treat. Whether it’s testament to those door seals or simple good luck, the interior of this SS is practically museum-level, with every trim, fabric, vinyl and dial having been left exactly as they were when the car was first put into storage. No water appears to have gotten in, nothing has been gnawed on by critters and even the air-con has been kept firmly shut.
The dashboard, with its vinyl covering and distinctive square wrap-around design, is clean and tidy, with only the odd spots visible on the cover. The Veglia dials and tactile instruments are all fully intact, clean, easy to read and well preserved, as is the Maserati three-spoke steering wheel and still-glimmering gearshifter.
The seats are free of rips and tears from what we can discern, and present very nicely - something that continues to the matching door cards. There might be the odd scuff or mark from the car’s short career on the road, but nothing that’s of any concern to us.
The carpets show light wear, but appear to be free of rips and tears, while the headlining is still tightly bound with no major faults. The impeccably large boot space is in a similar level of order, with a full period tool kit and pouch within.
Put simply, this is a remarkable example of the Merak SS’s cabin - perhaps among the best we’ve seen, and appears to have been simply frozen in time.
Entirely unmodified with its original green paintwork
Signs of long life in storage with dust, cobwebs and the odd spot of corrosion evident
Period-accurate Campagnolo 15” alloys
Over twenty-five years of storage will be enough to have an effect on any car - so it’s hardly surprising that this example has picked up a generous coating of dust, some gentle speckles of corrosion and has lost some of its unseal. All the same, the aesthetics of the Merak shine through with style.
The original factory paintwork is swirled and obscured by dust, but underneath still seems bright and nicely presented. We can spot the odd bit of corrosion above the sills, some light blistering to the doors and some clear wear to the buttresses, flaps and grills above the engine - but these are all commensurate with the car’s project status, and should provide no major concern to the ambitious restorer.
All of the panels are still straight and tightly knit, with nothing of substantial concern to report. The chromework, naturally, has lost much of its lustre, but could well polish up into former glories. The window frames and trims are showing some corrosion which has caused discolouration on the windows - which as you’d expect, are in need of a good clean.
The car is still sitting on its original Campagnolo alloy wheels, though the tyres are much in need of replacement. Underneath, things are, of course, looking a little worse for wear, with corroded pipes and a smattering of cobwebs, and the underseal is beginning to flake. However, moving the car leaves no rust debris behind, which means we’re far from alarm bell territory.
Ultimately, the car is exactly in line with what we’d expect from a long life in a garage. It’ll need some work - there’s no doubt of that - but we’re sure that the mechanics among us are already getting very, very excited.
Under the bonnet, it’s fair to say the engine has come away pretty well from its long storage period. We can spot the odd bit of discolouration here and there, and some dust will have gotten through those grills, but by and large, it’s in decent order. The vendor reports that even though it isn’t starting, the engine is turning.
It looks dry, with only minor signs of corrosion and the odd bit of pitting - it’s all ready and waiting for a mechanic to get to work and bring it back to former glories. We’re pretty sure the delight of hearing it burst back into life for the first time will be enough to justify any amount of work required.
The car does come with a box of spare perishables such as belts and filters, though the buyer will have to inspect to see how much of this is practical for use.
You won’t come across many opportunities like this one. It’s an exceptionally rare car at the best of times, but as time has gone on, many Meraks have seen endless modifications. This is your chance to get hold of a thoroughbred classic, ready and waiting to hit a new lease on life.
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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1978 Maserati Merak SS
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