Maserati Merek SS

The Merak SS is a great car. Of course you know that I am just ever so slightly biased. I have 27K on mine, so it sound very reasonable. I've owned my Merak for over 5 years and am very happy with it. Lots of flexibility in what kind of Merak you want to make it into.

What it's worth is always subject to debate. Bottom line is what is it worth to you. Have you driven it. If the car interests you, then get it by all means. Have a PPI done first. As always, run the ususal checks on it as well.

Ciao,
George

 

i owned my 79 ss for 3 years. i loved it. it was very exotic looking. made zero hp down low but came alive when you ran it hard. the dash was lovely. the shift knob would come apart at times. the spare tire was ugly. the michelin xwx's were expensive. it sounded lousy at idle but sung a lovely tune when you pressed hard on the throttle. never had any mechanical issue except the throttle cable casing melted due to some electrical issue...it was strange but true. mie diagnosed it and i replace the cable and was back on the road. my car was gorgeous and all original paint...should never have sold it or my bora!!!!

pcb

 

I think late model Merak SSs are very undervalued and under appreicated. If maintained they were actually pretty reliable. I worked for Maserati as factory rep in the early eighties and drove a lot of Meraks, set up properly they are reasonably quick, comfortable to drive and handled very well. I also think they are a great looking car as is the Bora. By the way the reason a throttle cable or tach cable burns is because the car is missing a ground strap and the current will find an easy path which in your case was the throttle cable.

If the Merak you're looking at is rust free and runs reasonably well I think they are a great buy.

 

richard, there was a shop in maryland that i would speak to periodically durring my qp, merak and bora ownership. the principal was also an ex-maserati usa guy. please help me remember the name of the shop and individual. he was a very solid guy!! i hate that his name escapes.

pcb

 

The last one I know of, sold for approx $57K in Europe at Retromobile IIRC. I think a nice one could be had safely between 30K - 40K IMHO. If you are interested I know of a very nice fully sorted Merak SS going up for sale sometime this summer.

If you have a Merak already lined up, just make sure it is inspected by a competent mechanic and body man.

Ciao,
George

 

Pete, you may have spoken to Country Club Auto in Glen Burnie, I used to work with him as well, Tim is the owner. I own and operate Radcliffe Motorcar Company north of Baltimore, I couldn't help throwing in some crass advertising!!

 

I would call that useful information rather than crass advertising.
Just received invite for your event in May. Looking forward to it.

 

Looks like a lot of car for sensible money...

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/maserati/merak_ss/1380879.html

 

I just talked to my good friend from the MerakGroup last night about this car. It was originally for sale by the owner when my friend went to look at it about a month ago.

Bottom line: it's a parts car unless U have an extra $25K burning a hole in your pocket, and are in great need for a good project to work on.

Ciao,
George

 

Whats the Merek Group? A website?

 

...eh...Merek????

 

Agreed that from the photos -- it looks pretty good for the money.

However, my advise is that you browse the seller's web site to see what else they are selling and for what prices. Then you will get a good idea of who and what you are dealing with.

Accordingly, I would advise a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a Merak expert before getting involved with that particular car.

 

I agree with MK1044 above, you have to send someone who knows the Merak for a PPI before buying.

For example, I wouldn't buy a Merak with the citroen stuff in it, while others wouldn't mind. Also, avoid buying a US version of the car if you don't like the ugly bumpers, otherwise you'll end up paying a lot of money for a EU conversion, so it is better to just find an already converted car or an original EU version. Finally, understand the differences between the normal Merak and the "SS" version.

A word of warning, while the initial price of the car may be small (eg: peanuts), the spare parts will cost a fortune.

 

It's something akin to the Free Masons.
They're picky about who becomes privy. You should ask George.
I've been to George's house and have witnessed one of their ceremonies but if I tell you anything more they'll track me down and ... well you know.

 

They sure cleaned it well. I must have a lot of differed maintenance and broken systems then. Mileage is high if a lot of work hasn't been done.

I think it's a rather nice combination and I hope someone rescues it.

Looks a bit like George Andrenie's Merak.

 

There are two nice Meraks in Europe, both are SS and both seem to be in very good condition, thus very expensive as well (50,000 euros or more).