Description
1997 Maserati Ghibli Cup
Chassis: ZAM336BOO00400204
Registration: G18 CUP
• 2. 0-litre V6 twin-turbo. 330bhp.
• 6-speed Getrag gearbox.
• Koni adjustable suspension.
• 1 of 26 RHD Ghibli Cups sold new in the UK
• 45, 000 miles from new with comprehensive service history.
Undoubtedly the best Maserati of its generation, the Ghibli Cup was once Harry Metcalfe’s car of choice, championed by him in Performance Car and the nascent EVO magazine. It was to be these cars that set Harry on his road to media stardom, as well as helping to promote the Maserati brand to a new generation of enthusiasts.
The Cup name was taken from Maserati’s Ghibli Open Cup one-make race series, which ran in 1995 and 1996 and the special road-going version it spawned used the same V6 Biturbo engine as the racer, with 330bhp from 2. 0 litres – at the time, the highest specific output of any road car then available. The ‘Cup’ road cars also relied heavily on the racing references – the unique 17” Speedline wheels, the MOMO Corse steering wheel and gear knob, and carbon fibre panels in the interior replacing the standard Ghibli wooden finishes.
The 2. 0 litre engine used roller bearing turbos and other smaller modifications to raise the output of the home market standard engine, but it was then allied to the same Getrag gearbox and second generation axle and tubular trailing arm rear suspension as the concurrent Ghibli GT. Standard on the Cup model was Koni electronically adjustable suspension and also drilled as well as ventilated discs all round.
Worldwide production of the Cup model is estimated at around 60 cars, and 26 of those came to the UK in right-hand drive. They remain rare, sought after and cherished cars, when most other Ghiblis have sadly deteriorated.
Chassis 204 was sold new by Meridien Modena, then Maserati importers for the UK in November 1997 and since then has had a further six owners. It was already on its third owner when we first saw the car in 2003, by which time it had covered 13, 600 miles. McGrath Maserati have looked after the car consistently since then and in fact, we owned it ourselves between 2010 and 2011 before selling it to the current owner. During our ownership we attended to a number of cosmetic issues that had accumulated on the paintwork from which it still benefits today.
It has a healthy history file and a full set of service stamps. In addition, in 2008 and showing 31, 000 miles, having been diagnosed with an engine connecting rod issue (a rare but not unknown issue with this engine), chassis 204 received a complete engine rebuild by us using new original stock rods, pistons and liners, since when it has covered only 15, 000 miles.
Bought from us by the current owner in 2011 to join his burgeoning collection of Maseratis, the Cup was used sporadically for a few years on Maserati Club events and for howling around Suffolk lanes before being laid up in long term storage from which it is now for sale.
Ahead of this sale, we have thoroughly recommissioned the car including a major service and cam belt change, a new battery, starter motor, water pump, tyres and a number of minor jobs to bring it back into excellent condition throughout including retaining a completely original interior and engine bay.
Ghibli Cups remain the pick of the bunch for a 1990s Maserati and have a deserved reputation (thanks Harry) as a driver’s car. Accessible, enjoyable and fast point to point, very cool looking and stylish and yet comfortable and practical transport. They may well have it all, but then we are biased!
Pretty much all of the 26 Cup cars are known to us here at McGrath and therefore we can say with some certainty that this is one of the lowest mileage examples left. It is absolutely ready for its next adventure on road or track and is also likely to be a shrewd investment.
