1977 Maserati Merak SS
HIGHLIGHTS
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign
31,000 Original Miles
Highly Original Example of the Iconic Merak SS
Recent Mechanical and Cosmetic Refreshing totaling over $10K
SPECIFICATIONS
VIN - 2266
Engine – 3.0L V6, 210 HP
Gearbox – 5 Speed Manual
Drivetrain - Mid-Engine, RWD
PRICING INFORMATION
Price - SOLD
OVERVIEW
In the early 1970s Maserati developed two key mid-engine powered sports cars, the Bora and Merak. Conceived in response to the growing interest in production based mid-engine cars, the Ferrari Daytona, introduced in 1968, remained stubbornly fixed to the front engine V12 layout, giving Maserati a superb opening to challenge their lead with a lower priced competitor. The Bora, packed with V8 power was soon followed by the Merak, a newly derived platform utilizing a Citroen developed and Maserati enhanced 3.0-liter V6 engine. Taking advantage of Citroen ownership and vast resources, the new Merak incorporated many unique and highly advanced Citroen features. The exterior of both cars was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, combining striking angular themes, evoking a combination of brutality and restraint. The Merak incorporated unique design features on the same basic platform, including flying buttress sail panels, ventilated mid-engine body work, and an upright rear window.
In addition to the striking exterior design and engine layout, the Merak was also technically innovative. The longitudinally mounted V6 engine was backed by a Citroen 5-speed transaxle featuring independent suspension all around - a welcome improvement over the aging live rear axle Ghibli. Under development during Citroen’s ownership, earlier series Meraks used unique but complex hydraulic systems which assisted the brakes and powered the retractable headlamps. In 1975 the lighter weight and more powerful Merak SS was released benefiting from larger Weber carburetors and higher compression, with US bound examples featuring conventional systems in place of Citroen hydraulics. After 1976, Citroen released their interest in Maserati as internal Citroen systems were gradually fully replaced with conventional ones and the dashboard of the Merak was updated from the former Citroen based unit and single post steering wheel to the more favorable Maserati design. By 1977, Alejandro de Tomaso purchased Maserati, at which time the Bora was discontinued, while the Merak remained in production until 1983. A total of 1,830 Meraks were produced during the eleven-year production run, 1,000 of which were the desirable and more powerful SS models.
Having been under current ownership for the past sixteen years, and recently serviced with over $10,000 in mechanical and cosmetic refreshing, this spectacular low mile Maserati Merak presents with high quality finishes throughout. These finishes are remarkably fine considering much of the car is original and of preservation quality. The exterior finish is representative of excellent quality cosmetics with glossy yellow paint having been professionally detailed and tended to with great care. The body panels are excellent, including door gaps offering a firm snap when closed. The hood, and trunk open and close smoothly without issue. The exterior black trim, minimal chrome plating, plastic lenses, and factory glass are in excellent condition and detailed to a high standard, showing only minor evidence of age. A few small paint chips are evident on the cowl and front valance, but these areas are untouched to preserve the original finishes applied at the factory nearly 45 years ago. The original Campagnolo slotted cast alloy wheels are in excellent condition with Maserati trident center caps mounted with correctly sized modern Michelin Pilot radial tires. Four-wheel disc brakes with front ventilated discs are among the many technical features of this model. The distinctive black Merak SS hood vent, low profile front bumper, and black front air dam remain in excellent condition. The stance, striking color, trailing sail panel design, and sporting presence delivers a fresh and still modern profile – one that continues to impress enthusiasts of mid-engine design.
The interior features the later and more desirable series dashboard fronted by the correct original Maserati three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel. The interior is finished with supple black leather and matching coordinated materials, all of which appear to be original to the car. The seats offer firm support, correct original pleating, and smooth headrests. The rear bulkhead is finished in a matching pleated design motif, further echoed in the headliner. An elegant array of original gauges faithfully preserved and still showing excellent color and contrast complete the instrument cluster. Finishes throughout the interior are consistent with the preservation theme including excellent door panels, original factory stitching along the dashboard perimeter, correct material finishes in the raised center console, correct grey carpeting, and chrome plated seating hinge armatures still in excellent condition. A modern stereo unit with CD player has been installed in the lower left portion of the dashboard.
Under the rear engine lid, the factory V6 exhibits correct finishes, accurate accessories, and original style hardware. Unrestored finishes show modest patina consistent with original low mile cars. Original items include FIAAM metal air cleaner and duct hosing, twin cam head castings bearing the Maserati name, spare staving spare tire, correct Maserati emblems, and factory original metal manufacturing tags. With the spare tire removed, the original AC system and various components are all in place revealing remarkably compact packaging for this mid-engine design. While time has lapsed since delivered new, the engine compartment reflects the quality one might expect from an authentic and unmodified sportscar that has been cared for and kept with originality in mind. The forward storage compartment is lined with correct textured black carpet, a clear view screen for ease of viewing pedal fluid reservoirs, properly lined weatherstripping, and textured hood insulation. The Merak SS black grille allows warm air extraction from the front mounted dual fan radiator. The undercarriage reveals a well prepared and tidy chassis with the correct type exhaust, correct aluminum engine and gearbox castings, and correct factory lightened suspension components. The visual inspection of the undercarriage and unibody reveals no evidence of structural compromise.
The car starts immediately on choke and warms into a smooth Weber-toned idle. The gently muffled V6 sound is inviting without being brash or boastful. Everything about the car is harmonious and comfortable including smooth shifts from the fully synchromesh transmission and excellent throttle response on the open road. The V6 engine is very responsive with a great rev range, making drivability and ease of use a relief from less nimble front engine vintage sports cars of the 1960s and early 70s. Cruising at leisurely speeds, it is easy to see how these cars have more recently become favored by enthusiasts seeking a performance sports car they can drive spiritedly and confidently.
The Maserati Merak SS has become one of the most recognizable emerging vintage sports cars of the modern era. Boasting the last of the desirable Italian master designs of this period, sophisticated engineering, and exceptional history, it’s easy to see how an original low mile example like this exemplifies the best of this period. As prices for Bora, Ghibli, and other Italian exotics continue to rise, collectors have increasingly recognized the substantial value and usability of the Merak SS. Rare in number with beautiful colors, this Merak SS is ideal for anyone seeking a superb example for show, club events, or simply to enjoy the many joys of vintage sports car motoring.
Please contact Jason Harris at +1-206-355-7727 for more information on this 1977 Maserati Merak SS.
