On this one, I would hope that Walter would lighten up a bit. The builder never intended it to be anything other than what it is. (Superb craftmanship by an outside coach builder.) Regards
Not correct - he described it as "Maserati". Even good craftmanship doesn`t give a product a good provenance!
prov·e·nance noun \ˈpräv-nən(t)s, ˈprä-və-ˌnän(t)s\ Definition of PROVENANCE 1 : origin, source 2 : the history of ownership of a valued object or work of art or literature See provenance defined for English-language learners » No one is trying to deceive in this case. Surely it is worse to pass off a superb fake of 450 or 300? If you don't care for the car why not just come out and say THAT. It's a custom hot rod based upon some Maserati components. No one is confused or misled. That's an American automotive cultural invention with a very long provenance and some superbly crafted cars. Want an example? Check this shops work out. It's fantastic. Even you might like some of their work. Gatto
Looks like a Ferrari TDF on stereoids - but can you see the name "Ferrari" in the headline? No! Its a "Gatto" (...or whatever). Using some Maserati components doesn`t make this "American automotive cultural invention" a Maserati as described by the makers!
Give it a rest Walter. If you were trying to sell it on eBay where would you put it? You put it where the sort of people most likely to buy the thing are looking. Folks interested in American V8 hot rods probably won't be buyers for this car. I see Alfas, Lancias and even Ferraris listed n the Maserati section all the time. 1980 Maserati Other Custom aluminum rebodied Maserati roadster Absolutely unique, one of a kind. See that word "Other" It's an Other ...
Someone spent a lot of time and money stuffing an American V8 into a 1975 Merak, and doing a bunch of cosmetic "upgrades". Although not my cup of tea and I doubt he will win car designer of the year, at least the work seems to have been well done. Here on ebay with a Buy it Now of $24,500: Maserati : Other MERAK in Maserati | eBay Motors Ivan Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'd imagine he could have got a nice Pantera for less money. That's a very nice Citroen interior for those who like them. Interesting that he kept the Citroen hydraulics, too.
A '75 US Merak: has ugly bumpers, it's slow and it's a citroen underneath, considering such a car costs peanuts, he had three options: 1. burn it, 2. disassemble it for spare parts, 3. convert it into a fun car. I think the best choice is number 3, which seems like it was nicely executed here, the result is a fun car to play with.
I like the idea of a V8 but this cast iron block is liable to make the Merak tail heavy. Bling, bling, bling. Looks like all the plastic interior stuff and trunk hood liner were sprayed with some vinyl paint. Needs more red detailing ... It's a low budget American hot rod now. I don't mind the SM dash and styling. Having the early US or European bumpers would be much better but that's not the look they were going for. Probably faster than any other Merak or Bora in a straight line. But he doesn't mention HP so it could be as low as 300??? It's an interesting utilization of what was probably and almost dead and very under powered Merak. I agree with Carmine and Ivan though. The senior citizen handicap bath bar on the rear is indicative of the financial bath he's going to take ...
Well that won't be only thing that doesn't work so well. I can't imagine that color change on some the original interior bits will be very durable? I have an idea where a an original ZF transaxle might become available. More work and money down the drain ...
Well, you could always stick to a really nice stock one. This one MUST be the bargain of the century!!! Enjoy Maserati : Coupe COUPE in Maserati | eBay Motors
Starting price of $29,000 and the reserve not met ... I have never laughed so hard !!! Ivan Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
That poor Merak was a Sandy-rescue: It was washed ashore by Sandy after spending 22 years under water. Best, Jack.
