| Author |
Message |
djmonk (Davem)
Member
Username: Davem
Post Number: 412
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, September 14, 2003 - 3:52 pm: | |
So is anyone converting Ghiblis into spyders?
To buy a coupe for 30ish an convert it sounds intriguing! |
Thomas I (Wax)
Member
Username: Wax
Post Number: 278
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, September 14, 2003 - 2:52 pm: | |
1971 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS Spyder - Heritage Classics - $119,500
For sale is a show-ready screamer. Site states it's one of only 20 convertibles, though elsewhere I've seen there were 25 S.S. Spyders, 125 Spyders and 1149 Ghibli Coupes. Whether 1 of 20 or 25 - an SS Spyder is still a beautiful, rare sight. |
Dave White (Dwhite)
Junior Member
Username: Dwhite
Post Number: 76
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, September 14, 2003 - 2:33 pm: | |
Frank, not many Ghibli spiders out there or ever made. As to the rigidity who cares the car is magnificent. You and I both have a GTS, was handling the question you asked first when making that purchase decision. |
djmonk (Davem)
Member
Username: Davem
Post Number: 409
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 7:26 pm: | |
Have to ask since Ghiblis seem so undervalued an the Spyder version much more does anyone cut these coupes?? |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 277
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 6:05 pm: | |
Had a couple other Maserati questions. Why is a Bora priced (now) about $20K more than a Merak? Whats the difference in these cars. Visually look very similar,except for the rear sail panels. But,I see Meraks going for around $19K,and Bora's going for around $36-$39K. Also,why such a drastic difference in the Ghibli coupe and Spider? I see Ghibli's in the $30K range,But Ghibli convertibles around $119K. Sure,I know that when the top goes down,the price goes up. But,that is a drastic difference. And,Berlinetta's are much more "rigid" than an open top car.(any kind)Thus much better handling and cornering,which is what a sportscar is really all about,right? |
Dr. J C928 (Attitude928)
Junior Member
Username: Attitude928
Post Number: 80
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Monday, September 08, 2003 - 8:39 pm: | |
Here are the Maserati V-8's torque figures in lb-ft [along with some classic (over 25 years) Lambo's & Ferrari's]:
365: Daytona;
354: 4.9L Indy, Ghibli SS, Euro Khamsin;
347: Ferrari 400i;
335: Euro 4.9L Bora;
333: 512BB
325: 4.7L Bora;
319: 365 GT4 2+2;
308: US Khamsin;
302: 365 GT4 BB;
300: Jarama S, Espada (SII & SIII);
294: Miura SV;
290: Ghibli, 4.7L Mexico;
289: 4.7L Indy, Kyalami, Islero S;
275: US 4.9L Bora;
268: 4.2L Indy, 4.2L Mexico, Countach LP400S;
262: Lambo 400GT;
217: Ferrari 275 GTB-4
202: Urraco P300;
195: Ferrari 250 California
181: Mondial 8; Ferrari 308;
180: Ferrari 250 GT 2+2
Hey, those Maser V-8s are good for hauling Skeeters up them mountains!
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Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 200
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 8:54 pm: | |
Thank-you. I'll have to check those all out,too. I am not too sure what those cars look like. I did see a couple other Maserati's in a book,with no model name discription. And,they were nice cars,but,not,"low,wide,and "pointy" in front,like a Merak or Bora,or,Ghibli.So,I am going over to "borders" to try to find a book about Maserati's. |
Dr. J C928 (Attitude928)
Junior Member
Username: Attitude928
Post Number: 79
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 9:30 pm: | |
Other V8s: 5000GT, QPI, Mexico, Indy, Khamsin & Kyalami |
Rodney Haas (Icars)
Member
Username: Icars
Post Number: 429
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 1:44 pm: | |
Yep both Bora and Ghibli are V8s. |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 175
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 8:50 am: | |
Thanks! So,what about the Bora and Ghibli? Both 8 cylinders? (which is O.K. with me!) |
Rodney Haas (Icars)
Member
Username: Icars
Post Number: 428
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 8:26 am: | |
Early GT cars had big inline 6 cylinders later V8. Merak V6. The Maserati V8 has much more torque than a Ferrari V12. They don't have the top end the Ferraris have. |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 171
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 7:57 am: | |
Are there any 12 cylinder models? |
Rodney Haas (Icars)
Member
Username: Icars
Post Number: 426
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 8:08 pm: | |
Actually one of our members here in Dallas purchased his Merak SS from Forza. He had very good things to say. |
dave wilson (Dlwilson)
New member
Username: Dlwilson
Post Number: 11
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 7:04 pm: | |
Frank,
You might check with Peter Sweeney at Forza in
CT([email protected]) When I purchased my 308
there a couple of months ago he had a euro ghibli
and a later model merak on hand.
I owned both these models years ago. What I would
recommend not buying is the early merak. The later SS models were de-citroenized, so the have
normal brakes instead of the high pressure SM
variety that has no pedal feel. Also the dash was
de-frenched and had standard gauges instead of
oval ones. Also no ugly hump on the rear compartment lid.
The ghibli is a great car for fast touring and is really old school in mechanical features. the
v8 engine is great, although mine had a major problem the day after i brought it home. One of
the weber dcnfs(same as carb 308s have) had a casting fault which allowed fuel to seep out of the bowl into the cylinder during the night. In
the morning the engine cranked and started but excess fuel caused a hydraulic lock that bent a
rod. It was an ordeal to get parts needed to repair (MIE in seattle was very helpful). The
car ran chevy reliable for years after. I drove
it almost daily for 3 years with minimal problems.
I regret selling the ghibli. |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 146
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 11:38 am: | |
THANK-YOU VERY MUCH,RODNEY!! THAT was what I was looking for! I did see a really nice "looking" Merak,I believe it was an '80,for sale a couple years ago,and was being offered at $19,000.00. I don't recall the miles,30's,I believe,and it was Red with aTan interior. The interior looked absolutely Flawless! The paint was original,"O.K.",but,had a few cracks starting and a couple spots "checking" alittle. But,appeared to be a very nice,presentable driver,at the very least. The owner had the car out in a parking lot,along the road,with for sale signs. So,I couldn't see the engine or hear it run. I did call the owner,and he told me that it was a good running,driving car,(but,don't they all!)but,he was selling it because of "too many toys!". (wish I had that problem!) Only have 2,now. So,anyway,the car "looked" really nice,and,now I think I should have bought it.But,need to know of any potential,"regular" issues that might be associated with these cars. Oh well. easy come,easy go! maybe next time! But...now I know what to look for. Once again,Thank-you very much! |
Rodney Haas (Icars)
Member
Username: Icars
Post Number: 419
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 10:05 pm: | |
Oh forgot to mention on both the BORA and Merak check for rust just behind the drivers door on the bottom of the car. The fuel tanks are side mounted behind the driver. Maserati basically used home insulation around the tanks, it holds mucho water. It is typical that the paint looks okay.. but when you press a little your hand goes through.
This is the same problem on the hood. The hood pads hold water, thus the reason for the hood rust. |
Rodney Haas (Icars)
Member
Username: Icars
Post Number: 418
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 10:02 pm: | |
Frank,
Problems depend on the car. You probably want a 4.7 or 4.9 Liter V8 or a late Merak SS. The Bora might be a bit tight. I am 6 Ft and find them to tight to purchase. The Indy will be rather roomy, a Khamsin also probably roomy enough. A Ghibli will be a bit tighter but probably doable. A Mexico is also doable.
With all the GT class cars look for rust on the lower door, also look for hood rust around the vents and front trim. Also take a good look around the back window on a Indy, Ghibli, Khamsin. On the Merak check to see when the Chains were last changed. The Merak uses 3 drive chains, these can be a problem, but not severe if changed..
You can purchase a nice Merak for upper teens low 20s. There is a very nice 73 Indy for sale in Denver for 23K. Ghiblis will run 30s to 50s. The nicest looking car the Ghibli Spyder can run around 100K. Bora prices have been going up. I know of a nice restored Bora in the low 30s. European Boras will run in the upper 50s.
|
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 138
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 9:06 pm: | |
Thank-you,guys,for that helpful information. I am 6'2", and fit quite well in my 308,and all of the various Corvettes that I've owned. Also had a 944-LOTS of room in that car...the seat goes WAAAAYYYY!!!! back! (that was a really fun car) I would just be using it as a driving car...long drives,shows,cruise nights,etc... And,as I originally said,got all of the "speed demons" out of my system in my teens and twenty's,with muscle cars and 'vettes. So, I am not concerned about power...I am sure that it's adequete for my needs. (besides,I usually take my 6 year old son with me,so,there's DEFINITELY NO speeding with him in the car!) I will have to check out any that I see for sale,and "try them on for size!". I really like the looks of the Bora,Merak,and Ghibli.Also,will have to get some books about Maserati's,to see what engines and such are available in each car,too. But,once again,thank-you very much for the responses. And,if you can think of any "usual" problems that may be associated with these cars,please pass that along,too! |
Dr. J C928 (Attitude928)
Junior Member
Username: Attitude928
Post Number: 77
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 12:20 pm: | |
The most useful book that I read before buying my Khamsin was the 3 part Brooklands Book which has reviews of all the models. The next best book was Illustrated Maserati Buyer's Guide by Crump & de la Rive Box.
In the following order I wanted: over 25 years old, a good relative price, relative reliability, acceleration, handling (ie independent suspension), a loud symphonic engine, then looks.
I also read about the other following marques in great detail: Ferrari, Lambo, Iso, Jaguar, Lotus, Alfa, Facel, Bizzarrini & Jensen.
The Khamsin & Bora popped up on my screen, and the Khamsin won. I took delivery on Mother's Day, and despite issues with overheating & the electrics, I'm happy with my decision. Despite opinions to the contrary, it's the hydraulic steering that makes the car handle great ( 2 turns lock to lock). Gandini designed a beautiful mid-mounted front engine car (50/50 wt distribution).
Alot of useful Khamsin info can be found in the Brooklands Book along with: www.maserati-rc.org/forum/index.php?action=forum&frm=17.
After various post-purchase issues arose with the car I posted questions on the Maserati yahoo group. Certain members sent me detailed emails with very useful suggestions (eg re-coring the radiator, adding a fan, etc.)
I still enjoy reading the Brooklands Book. Alot of the older Maserati models (eg Indy, Mexico, QPI, 3500GT coupe, etc) are still very intriguing for me. First ask what you want from the car.
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Rodney Haas (Icars)
Member
Username: Icars
Post Number: 415
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, September 01, 2003 - 9:41 pm: | |
Frank,
Talk to Ivan Ruiz @ http://www.thecarnut.com/. Ivan is one of the most knowledgeable Maserati GT guys anywhere.
Ivan restores many of these cars and normally will have a Bora or Ghibli for sale. He is also very happy to offer honest talk.
You can also go to the Maserati Digest as mentioned. If you post a message Jacques will more than likely answer you. Jacques is again knows these cars. Jacques evaluations might be a bit high.
It really depends on what you are looking for. Also how tall are you? A Bora for instance is rather tight for anybody over 5Ft 10 or so. Personally I love my Indy, lot of space, handles better than a Ghibli. You can also find a nice car for mid 20s.
Maserati GT class cars have lots of torque. It's much more like driving an American muscle car than a Ferrari. I like driving the Indy around town, and the Ferrari for long highway trips.
Rodney
67 Maserati Mexico
72 Maserati Indy
73 Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2
81 FIAT Spider
86 Maserati Spyder
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Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 125
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 7:52 pm: | |
Thanks again. No,I've seen in ALL the different Ferrari chat lines, Some people who gotta pick on every car, even if it's 20 years old,THINK that they know all that there is to know about EVERY single car,even a car out there,sight unseen.(actually,theres people like that everywhere,no matter what subject you're talking about.) But,it really bugs me when someone tries to even compare a 20 something year old car with a modern one. You can't. Thats all I meant. Don't need to hear from someone,who,just because THEY had a bad experience with a particular car,has made it his business to bad rap all of them. I am looking for an HONEST description of any specific problem that these cars may have had when new. Or EVEN WORSE,some numbnuts who hasn't even owned one,but,think that they know all there is to know about that car. I just want to hear from ACTUAL owners,(or who HAD owned one) to see if they say the same things about the (potentially) same issues that may pertain to that car. Good or Bad. I used to have a few old Mopars,years ago. And I can tell you,that EVERY one that I owned,or drove,had really crappy steering,probably due to Chrysler using the "torsion bar suspension" and they had a tendency to "wander" all over the road-you had to really "wrestle" with them just to keep them in your lane! THATS the kind of thing I'm talking about. These (old Maserati)cars look to be a pretty good bargain,right now. The price is right. They are very attractive looking cars. But,as I said, if 20+ years old,will most definitely need some work.And,to learn about what MIGHT have been a "regular" problem,when they were new,would definitely be a plus.(to see if it's been taken care of,or not. A "recall" type issue or something like that) And,if I don't really hear alot of bad things,would really like to consider buying one. But,once again,thanks for those great leads! Probably find ACTUAL Maserati OWNERS ,who can supply the info that I'm looking for. |
Thomas I (Wax)
Junior Member
Username: Wax
Post Number: 211
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 6:59 pm: | |
As a side-note, the "infighting" refers to Yahoo-Groups. Man. I'm in a couple that have had splits into separate camps/groups that weren't pretty, complete with parting-shots, burning-bridges and all due to lot's of he-said, she-said crap. Who knew pseudo-intellectual-inventors or Blues Music could cause such rifts?
In F-Chat, we're blessed with a much smaller percentage of those with chips on their shoulders, trolls...
But the Maserati Group looks like a good one. |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 123
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 6:49 pm: | |
Thanks, Thomas! I like the choice of words that you picked-"in-fighting". But,thats what I meant. I don't want to hear anyones "opinion" of which car that THEY prefer. Or any "nitpicky" whiners. Who have nothing better to do than to than to "grind" on 20 year old cars. I want cold,hard FACTS. Like I stated in my original post. I am FULLY AWARE that 20 year old cars have alot of shortcomings. So,once again,Thank-you for that lead! |
Thomas I (Wax)
Junior Member
Username: Wax
Post Number: 208
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 6:27 pm: | |
For what it's worth, this Yahoo Group is quite active and offers real-world details without infighting:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/maserati/
For instance, an opinion on Bora over Merak:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/maserati/message/13605
You'll also see mentions of parts stores such as Pep Boys, etc. as places things can actually be picked up, though such is not always the case.
This site, the home of Maserati Club International, is also recommended by a few of the aforementioned group members as an excellent resource:
http://maseratinet.com
History, with links to some details of each model scattered throughout:
http://www.carsfromitaly.com/maserati/index.html
This guy prefers 80's-90's Maseratis & does a good job on "what to expect"
http://www.geocities.com/italianfeud/MaseratiMM.html |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 116
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 3:09 pm: | |
I own an '81 Ferrari 308GTSi, and a '91 Corvette. I am also interested in late 70's- early 80's Maserati Bora's ,Merak's, and Ghibli's. Where to find some really good (un-opinionated) info on these cars. I am fully aware that older (70's and 80's ) cars are usually "in need" and "lacking" as compared to modern day cars. That is not an issue with me. I am mostly interested in maintainance issues, what to look for,as far as problems. And so on. I really like THE LOOK of these cars, and since they "don't make 'em anymore". Need to consider existing models. Also,they APPEAR to be a pretty decent bargain for the $$. See alot advertised in the high teens to low $20's (Meraks and Bora's- And, a little higher for Ghibli's.) What should I look for when looking at one of these cars? Besides the obvious-rust,cleanliness,service history and records,dry rot,paint. I am looking for more "specific" issues that pertain to these cars,directly. THANKS ! |
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