Highlights

Genuine 23,000 miles verified by seller
One of only 91 RHD early Meraks built
Comprehensive history from 1979 to 2009
Engine rebuilt engine by historic race preparation specialist
Gearbox overhaul, flywheel skimmed and new clutch kit
Professional body restoration and paintwork completed in 2014
Complete with original tools, jack, spare wheel, service history and handbook

The Appeal

The Merak was Maserati’s Citroën-funded answer to the 308 GT4 and Urraco. Clever packaging delivered a 2+2 layout under styling derived from the handsome Bora. Just 91 of the original, pre-SS models were sold in RHD and this UK market car is one of them.

The vendor acquired the car in 2010 and has undertaken considerable work in the intervening 15 years. This included a lower body restoration and paintwork in 2014 including bespoke fabricated brushed stainless steel sills. The engine has been rebuilt by an historic racing preparation specialist. The gearbox has been rebuilt. The starter motor, alternator, radiator fan motors, radiator and A/C pump have all been fully refurbished. The steel water pipes were remade in alloy for improved durability, and the fuel tanks were blasted and treated with textured rubber coating. In 2010 the hydraulic spheres were overhauled.

The car has covered just 23,000 miles from new, according to the seller. It has been little used in recent years so there are a few jobs to consider, which we have highlighted below. With a little work to complete, this looks a fascinating chance to bag a supercar rarity.

The first photos show the car in 2010, before restoration.

History and Paperwork

First registered 17th August 1976
Six former registered keepers
Current keeper since April 2010
Comprehensive documentation, including all MOTs and tax discs from 1979 to 2009
Original handbook and service history
Dry stored since 2010 with body restoration completed in 2014
Engine and mechanical overhaul by a well-known historic race preparation specialist
VIN number AM1220257
Dry stored by the seller since purchase

In support of the low mileage the vendor says:

"I’ve owned [the car] for over 15 years since 30/4/2010. The previous owner stored the car in 2007 so it’s been in storage for the last 18 years; last MOT expired April 2007

Previous owner for 5 years 8/12/2000 to 30/4/2010
5th owner 5 years 7/6/2000 to 8/12/2005
4th owner 19 years 21/2/1981 to 7/6/2000
3rd owner 3 years 24/7/1978 to 21/2/1981

"I’ve no details first 2 owners or dealer history from new in 1976 to 1978Why I believe the mileage is genuine. From the 1st MOT in1979 to the last issued in April 2006 (27 years) there are 13 MOT’s, 26 tax discs and invoices attached and just one owner for nearly 20 years.

"The condition of the original interior, leather seats, underside suspension units, panel fit, door gaps, no previous accident damage or dinks on exterior stainless trims, bumpers, light lenses, see before resto pics in 2010 and car just washed outside fabricators before he started metalwork."

The Condition

Body restoration completed with no previous damage to bodywork
Repainted in original red which remains in good order with light marks
Minor paint correction required on the middle roof section
Correct alloy wheels in very good condition as shown
Original sable leather interior retained in good condition
Factory specification air conditioning system
New Pirelli tyres fitted in 2010
All light lenses, bumpers and body trims appear in smart condition
Upgraded outer sill covers remade in brushed stainless steel
Original alloy sill covers included
Engine rocker covers finished in red crackle finish
Exterior chromed screw fixings for lenses and grilles replaced with stainless steel
Plastic gear knob remade in alloy, also have the original

The Mechanics

3.0-litre V6 mid-mounted engine
Five-speed manual transmission
Engine fully rebuilt with new solid valves, piston rings, water pump and full gasket set
Carburettors fully refurbished
Gearbox overhauled with re-skimmed flywheel and new clutch kit fitted
Starter, alternator, radiator fan motors, radiator and A/C pump all refurbished
All steel water pipes remade in alloy for improved durability
Fuel tanks blasted and sprayed with textured rubber coating
Hydraulic spheres overhauled in 2010
New electronic ignition required
New exhaust system and manifolds required for completion
Original exhaust and manifolds included
Very little use in recent years so buyers should anticipate some checks and recommissioning to be made
Owner includes snagging notes, parts manual, sketch diagrams and reference photos

BEFORE YOU BUY

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