1978 Maserati Merak SS at Hampson's 28 July Gold Cup Classic & Performance Car sale at Oulton Park

See listing at: https://auctions.hampsonauctions.com/...

This fabulous 1978 Maserati Merak SS is a real jewel. Originally supplied new to an American buyer, it was used in New York for many years, before being displayed in a museum between 2001 to 2017. This explains the enviably low but credible mileage of just 29,000 – though this is not warranted. This LHD machine arrived in the UK in 2020, after which the vendor commissioned a bare metal respray, transforming it from tired silver into the beautiful Maserati Dark Blue it is now resplendent in. The US-spec bumpers were removed, and subtle enhancements made – such as imperceptibly-integrated LED indicators and running lights. The condition of TAO993S is described as ‘simply excellent’ throughout.

This car displays great attention to detail, a hallmark of all well cared-for collectables. The Campagnolo alloy wheels glisten, while the premium matching Firestone tyres all have ample tread. It has period number plates, the chromework is in perfect condition, and the interior is perfectly period, even down to an original 1970s Blaupunkt cassette player. The car even benefits from a recent set of new black wool carpets, which took a whole day to fit and cost a four-figure sum. The history file includes the original New York vehicle registration document, too.

The intriguing Maserati Merak, introduced in 1972, was effectively a 2+2 version of the exotic Maserati Bora, using a V6 engine instead of the Bora’s V8. The more compact engine allowed the extra row of seats to be installed. Giugiaro oversaw the design transformation of the Bora into the Merak; although the two cars are similar from the front, the Merak boasts a distinctive and structural-looking rear, complete with flying buttresses. The later SS models, such as this car, are most desirable, as they combined more power and less weight with a Maserati-designed dashboard, replacing the original Citroen SM-derived setup. The Merak would outlive the V8-engined Bora it was derived from, with production continuing for 11 years until 1983. A total of 1,830 cars were produced, including 970 SS variants.

In summary:

- Beautiful Maserati Merak SS in ‘excellent’ condition throughout
- Desirable SS version with the later dashboard
- Former museum car with a credible, very low mileage