Ghibli SS Spyder for sale

It seems Gooding is trying to follow up their record setting sale of a Ghibli SS Spyder in AZ (880K) with another SS Spyder at Amelia Island. While the estimates aren't nearly as high as the AZ car at 550k to 700k. The car isn't near the quality of the AZ. There are a number of things that are pretty obvious at just a quick glance. According to the write up the car is also a color change.

It will be very interesting to see if this car even gets into the low estimate range.


http://www.goodingco.com/car/1969-maserati-ghibli-ss-spider

 

"Maserati Classiche Certified"
Since when is the factory certifying cars? Perhaps they mean that the factory recognizes this VIN a genuine 4.9 liter spyder.

Looks like it may not have power steering as I cannot see the reservoir; unless it has the very early style PS with the reservoir on the pump.

Ivan

 

Maserati's Classiche program is nothing like Ferrari's program. It is more of a confirmation of the car's existence and copies of the factory paperwork.

The thing that really sticks out is the exhaust, both literally and figuratively.

 

I noticed a Maserati badge on the dashboard (like the one we have on the nose of the car). I've never seen that on an original car, was that added by the owner/restorer?

 

Car looks nice - but I doubt it is going to make the same result than the met green one. But IF it does - then we are in the top money league with the Spiders - I hope / or should I say I fear???
And I bet then the really good Coupes might follow.

 

There are a number of items on that car that are not original.

 

This Ghibli has all the features of an early car.
I can name a few:

No power steering
Early oval air box
Early narrower radiator
Fans are in the front of the radiator
Shield on top of the radiator
Early taillights
Early bumperettes
type 42 knock off wheels as found on early 67 coupes
Early cast aluminum air vents
Solid steering column assembly
Hellebore steering wheel
single steering column switch
Toggle switches
No SS badges
Early bumpers with early license plate lights
Antenna on the rear passenger corner side???I thought spider had the antenna next to the gas cap door?
Non SS exhaust system.

If this is a factory Ghibli 4.9 SS spider then I don't know what an SS is anymore because I have never seen those features on a genuine SS spider.

Just my 2c
Jacques

 

It did not sell at the auction.

Regards

Wolfi

 

Saw the car at the Gooding auction. It bid up to $440,000 and was a no sale. If the $440,000 offer was real (you never know at an auction) that would mean someone was willing to pay $484,000 for this very unimpressive Ghibli spyder.

The car had many needs. The interior was mostly original but looked tired. Car lacks power steering. Fog lights and steering wheel not too attractive. Metal cover over soft top had a bad fit. Cracked tail light lens. Paint scratches and cracks here and there. No mouse hair on dash. Had been a color change; originally silver. One of those cars that looks much better in photos than in person.

It did appear to be a low mileage car and it might be a decent driver if sorted out. It has the 4.9 liter engine and we all know those extra .2 liters makes the car "so special"

If I was the seller I would have taken the money and smiled ....

Ivan
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Clearly not a good car!

 

The weather was a bit shilly out?

Insane amount of money for a car that needs that much work to become top flight.

 

The chandeliers were bidding, obviously. You didn't see the lights go off an on to increase the bid?

Apparently, when a car is on reserve the auction house can take it to just below the reserve even if there is no such bid. Perhaps others knew this, but I didn't. I think this unethical at best and it certainly should be illegal.

Alberto

 

Interesting to see how these things go. Thanks for the report, Ivan.