The Enthusiasts' Page

All things 'Maserati'. News of forthcoming models, owner's cars, tips, 'Marque' reunions and the odd touch of humour! In fact anything of interest to the 'Maseratista'.

So if you have any news about Maseratis or have anything owners and enthusiasts should know, send details to enricomaserati@btinternet.com


Trident on the vintage sign
in the Giuseppe Candini workshop
 
You can click on some pictures for a better view!!

QUICK BROWSE - YOU ARE NOW ON PAGE 148
 
 
 
 
From H&H Classic Auctions in the UK
 

H&H Classic Auctions, The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton - 23rd July 2008

 

Here in the UK, H&H Classic Auctions will be hosting a sale of classis cars at The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton on the 23rd July 2008. Two Maseratis; a 1974 left-hand drive Merak and a 1971 4.7-litre Maserati Indy 4.7 will be offered up for sale:

 

 
Lot 23: A 1974 Maserati Merak - Estimate GB £16,000 - £18,000
 

 
 
Mileage: 46,500km
Colour: Blue
Trim Colour: Magnolia
Chassis No: AM122*0886*
Engine No: 08BZ909328
Registration No: DBY 863M
Engine Cubic Capacity: 2,966 cc
M.O.T: July 2009

Introduced at the October 1972 Paris Motor Show, the Maserati Merak (Tipo 122) was intended to rival the Ferrari 308GT4 and Lamborghini Urraco. Named after a star from the Ursa Major constellation, the compact 2+2 sportscar's styling deliberately aped that of its Bora supercar sibling (both models being penned by Giorgetto Giugairo). Based around a steel monocoque chassis equipped with all-round independent double-wishbone suspension, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering, the Merak was powered by a longitudinally-mounted 'quad-cam' 2965cc V6 engine allied to a five-speed transaxle gearbox. Fed by triple Weber carburettors, the powerplant (a smaller capacity version of which had already seen service in the Citroen SM) was credited with 190bhp and 188lbft of torque. Reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds and 140mph in standard tune, an even quicker Merak - the SS - made its debut at the March 1975 Geneva Motor Show. Always something of a rarity in the UK, just 231 Meraks are thought to have been officially imported between 1973 and 1982.

Finished in blue with magnolia leather upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, five-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Riding on alloy wheels and showing an unwarranted 46,500km to its odometer, this striking Maserati is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until July 2009.

 

 
Lot 54: A 1974 Maserati Indy 4.7 - Estimate GB £26,000 - £30,000
 

 
 
Mileage: 76,000 miles
Colour: Light Turquoise
Trim Colour: Black
Chassis No: AM116/47*1176*
Engine No: 116/47*1176*
Registration No: GVG 202K
Engine Cubic Capacity: 4,719 cc
M.O.T: July 2009

Although not officially announced until the March 1969 Geneva Salon, the Maserati Indy had appeared in prototype guise on Carrozzeria Vignale's stand at the previous season's Turin Salon. Named in honour of the marque's two great Indianapolis 500 victories (1939, 1940) the newcomer was artfully styled; its crisp lines belying a capacious 2+2 interior. Notable as the first Maserati to employ unit construction, the fastback coupe was equipped with independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, a well-located 'live' rear axle, front / rear anti-roll bars, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes and recirculating-ball steering. Boasting a longer wheelbase (2598mm) and wider track (1448mm) than its Ghibli sibling, the Indy was initially powered by a 4.1 litre 'quad-cam' light alloy V8 allied to either five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Though, the arrival of a 4.7 litre version at the 1970 Turin Salon raised the model's impressive performance levels still further. Indeed with a quoted 290bhp and 282lbft of torque on tap, the larger-engined car was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds, 0-100mph in 17.6 seconds and nigh on 160mph. Visually distinguished by its deeper full-length chrome door sill and re-positioned front indicators, the 4.7 litre Indy also sported a redesigned dashboard, passenger grab handle and retractable front headrests. A worthy rival to the contemporary Ferrari 365 GT 2+2, the Maserati Indy was well received by the press and public alike; Motor magazine praising the Italian thoroughbred's "tremendous performance", "outstandingly smooth and quiet yet race-bred V8" and "responsive handling". Of the 364 4.7 litre cars made, just 35 were to right-hand drive manual specification.

Finished in light metallic turquoise with black leather upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "very good overall" condition. Believed but not warranted to have covered 76,000 miles from new, its impressive specification includes: "a five-speed manual gearbox, wooden steering wheel, period radio, tailor-made luggage cover, stainless steel exhaust, tinted glass, working air-conditioning, electronic ignition, power assisted steering, electric windows, Tarox front disc brakes, unleaded valve seats, rear seat belts and twin fuel tanks". Apparently last owned by a solicitor, the Maserati is said to "drive exceptionally well on the road with no squeaks or rattles". Further benefiting from "a full Maserati handbook (and copy), crack-free dashboard, detailed engine bay, good chromework and past maintenance by Maserati Service (going back to 1989), 'GVG 202K' rides on correct type Campagnolo alloy wheels. Worthy of close inspection, this enticing Indy is offered for sale with bills thought to total approximately £30,000 and MOT certificate valid until July 2009.

 
Text and photos courtesy of H&H Sales Ltd.
 

 
 
 
 
 
From Enrico in the UK
 

"Dear Ghibli II owners,

Whilst browsing through the Maserati Ghibli IIs for sale in the pages of www.autotrader.co.uk, I came across this interesting Ghibli GT.

The Ghibli GT is being sold by Auto100.Co.Uk and I'm grateful to them for allowing me to publish their photo.

Below you will see a photo of the interior of this Ghibli GT. Can anyone spot what is interesting about this Ghibli?

Regards,

Enrico."

 

Can you spot the difference?
 

And, it's not the automatic transmission, the after-market steering wheel or the seats!!

The first correct answer will receive a small, but highly collectable, piece of Maserati memorabilia.

Email your answer to enricomaserati@btinternet.com.

 
The first correct answer was sent in by Austen in Scotland!!
 

"Dear Enrico,

Is it lack of electronic suspension ?

Regards,

Austen."

 

"Hi Austen,

Well spotted, yours is the first correct answer.

Send me your address and I will send you this prize.

This Ghibli does not have the adjustable suspension control switch alongside the gear lever on the centre console (see attached image).

I understand from Andy Heywood at Bill McGrath Limited that it was an option not to have the adjustable suspension, and that it was known as the 'Delete' model.

Considering a replacement shock absorber for the adjustable suspension comes in at around £400, and the 'delete' shocks at around £80 front and £70 rear, that was a pretty good option to have!

Regards,

Enrico.

P.S. Please let me know if you already have this."

 
MASERATI – THERE ARE SO MANY STARS

Back in July 2005, the glamorous world of Maserati was celebrated at an exclusive photographic exhibition, ‘Egli Ci Ha Tante Stelle’ – ‘There are so Many Stars’ – in London.

The exhibition, staged at the Michael Hoppen Gallery in Chelsea, illustrated the colourful history of this prestigious, sporting marque through a series of superb photographs, whose subjects ranged from the Grand Prix victories won by Juan Manuel Fangio, to astronaut Walter Schirra taking delivery of his Maserati Bora supercar in 1971. Over 30 evocative images were on display, all of them selected by exhibition curator and design guru Stephen Bayley.

Present at the opening of this exhibition were racing driver Stirling Moss – who starred in several of the images – supermodel Jodie Kidd, who will be racing in the 2006 Maserati Trofeo GranSport Championship, 5th Gear TV presenter Vicki Butler- Henderson and the Italian ambassador Giancarlo Aragona, who were all entertained by host and curator Stephen Bayley.

To commemorate this exhibition, Maserati produced this signed boxed set of 12 postcards recalling the celebrated memories of Maserati.

 

The boxed set
 

Set 714 out of 1,000

Photo content description on the rear
 

Carlo Maserati - 1900

Alfieri Maserati - 1922
 

Tazio Nuvolari in a 6C 34 at the Italian Grand Prix
– Monza, 1934

Rodrigo Videlliranda in a Maserati A6 GCS
– Petropolis, 1949
 

Juan Manuel Fangio in a Maserati 250F at the Argentinian GP
– Buenos Aires, 1957

Omar Orsi, Ing Giulio Alfieri and Aurelio Bertocchi
– Modena, 1958 © Maserati
 

Maserati cars at the factory, lining up for the Mille Miglia
- Modena, 1955

Stirling Moss in a Maserati 250F
– Modena, 1956
 

Stirling Moss with a Maserati Birdcage Tipo 60
– Modena, 1959 © Maserati

Astronaut Walter Schirra with his Maserati Bora
– Modena, 1971 © Maserati
 

"Hi,

No, I don't. . . Thank you.

Best Regards,

Austen."

 

"Hi Austen,

You do now!

Enrico."

 

"Hi,

The prize arrived safe and sound. Thank you. I'm very pleased with it.

Regards,

Austen."

 
 
 
 
 
From Hans in Switzerland
 

"Dear Enrico,

Attached are some photos of the Nardi steering wheel with Air Bag from my Ghibli II.

Let me know if you can put some light in this matter.

Best regards,

Hans."

 

The Nardi steering wheel with SRS air-bag


 

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
From Yannick in France
 

"Hey Enrico,

How are you?

You will find attached some different items that I would like to sell concerning Biturbo models.

Indeed, I am selling a new plenum chamber (intake manifold) for a Ghibli ABS (number 228).

2 used solenoid valves'.

2 used IHI turbochargers Nos: RHB5047915 VM-2 and RHB5046557 VM-1, in very good condition.

One kit (new) of rear seat belts for a Ghibli ABS.

A new windshield seal for a Ghibli model.

Potential buyers can make me a realistic offer for each item and contact me via e- mail at laigneau@hotmail.com.

Regards,

Yannick."

 

Two IHI Turbochargers

 
 

IHI Turbocharger - RHB5046557 VM-1

IHI Turbocharger - RHB5047915 VM-2
 

 
 

Ghibli ABS intake manifold - Part No. 571 002 500

 
 

 
 

Two used solenoid valves
 

 

 
 

A new set of rear seat belts for Ghibli ABS

 
 

Ghibli ABS windsheild seal

Part No. 397 750 130
 
 
 
 
 
From Peter in Belgium
 

"Hi Enrico,

I spotted the photo of my De Tomaso Guara taken at SpaItalia 2008 sent in to you by Gert in Belgium. Here are some extra photos of my Guara.

Regards,

Peter."

 

Peter with his 1997 De Tomaso Guara Coupe

It shared a backbone chassis with the 1991 Maserati Barchetta
 

#800010 is powered by a 4-litre BMW V8 engine

 
 

 

 
 

"My De Tomaso Guara is presently available for sale. If anyone is interested, you can email me at peter-geurts@pandora.be.

Peter."

 
 
 
 
 
From Roger in the UK
 

"Hi Enrico,

I recently took a drive down to the Abruzzo with a friend who now lives there.

Along the way we were able to visit the 13th Vernasca Silver Flag Hill climb on Saturday 28th June.

On the previous evening we drove the course from Castell’Arquato through Lugagnano, then up the twisty steep road to Vernasca. On the day in question we left the serious business to the experts and spent all our time around the start line in Castell’Arquato, and during the customary and obligatory long lunch break filled our bellies with fine food and wine at a beautiful restaurant up the hill by the castle.

The Silver Flag is a wonderfully Italian event, just turn up for free, minimal restrictions on being able to wander around the cars, and everyone having a great time with their splendid machines. Si, bella!

Here are a few photos of the event.

Best regards,

Roger."

 

The castle at Castell'Arquato.
 

At the start line!

Maserati Barchetta
 

Thirsty work is this!

Acqua Minerale of course!
 

"Is it my turn now?"

"WHO'S wearing the drivers suit?"
 

1992 Maserati Barchetta

 
 

Maserati Barchetta

Pronta per la partenza!
 

"What a drive!"

1956 Maserati 150S in the paddock
 

1956 Maserati 150S

 
 

1955 Maserati A6GCS

 
 

1957 Maserati 300S in the paddock

Engine of the 1957 Maserati 300S
 

1957 Maserati 300S

 
 

1957 OSCA 750S Barchetta

 
 

1957 OSCA 750S Barchetta by Morelli

 
 

1954 OSCA MT4-2AD 1500

 
 

1960 OSCA SF 392

 
 

1967 Abarth 1000 SP

1968 Abarth 1000 SP
 

1964 Alfa Romeo TZ-1 by Zagato

1965 Alfa Romeo TZ-2 by Zagato
 

Abarth 750 Coupe GT by Vignale

1947 Cisitalia D46
 

And finally, MIRKO'S Gelateria Artigianale by Moto Guzzi!
 
 
 
 
 
From Gert in Belgium
 

SPAITALIA 2008

 

Unfortunately, the rain on the Saturday morning, which carried on until about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, caused a few unfortunate accidents out on the track: involved were an Alfa Romeo Spider, a Ferrari 355, and what I hope was a Ford GT40 replica. Fortunately for us, the Sunday brought us warmer weather in what turned out to be a very pleasant day.

In spite of the poor weather, a total 36 Maseratis turned up during the weekend, plus a hand full of De Tomasos, including the very exclusive Guara. There was even a very rare Maserati Coupé Trofeo Light (the Houston car / white with blue).

Also on display was the most beautiful car ever: the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The gentleman owner even took me for a short drive ... impressive Maserati pedigree!!!

Among the Maseratis on display were:

2 x Mexico
1 x Ghibli Coupé
1 x Ghibli SS Coupé
1 x Merak SS
1 x Biturbo Spyder
2 x 222E
1 x Shamal
5 x Ghibli II
1 x Ghibli Cup
2 x Quattroporte IV
11 x 3200 GT
1 x GranSport
1 x Coupé
1 x Coupé Trofeo Light
1 x Spyder
1 x Quattroporte Executive GT
1 x Quattroporte Sport GT
2 x Granturismo

 

Maserati GranTurismo
 

Maserati Ghibli Cup

Maserati Biturbo Spyder
 

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT

Maserati Spyder
 

Maserati GranSport

Maserati Trofeo Light
 

Maserati Ghibli SS

Maserati Ghibli
 

Maserati 3200 GT

A rare De Tomaso Guara
 
 
 
 
 
From Roger in the UK
 

"Hi Enrico,

Here are some photos from the Italian Car Day at the Sharnbrook Hotel in Bedfordshire, held on Sunday 22nd June.

A good selection of Maseratis, Ferraris, Lancias, Alfa Romeos, FIATs, Lamborghinis, along with the odd Piaggio turned out. We also enjoyed excellent food at the hotel.

Thanks are due to Sig Ciro Ciampi for organizing this (his second such event) so well. At long last an event where the organisers DON'T charge the owners an entry fee to display their vehicles!!!

So come on Maserati owners, let’s see more of you there next year! You won't be sorry!

Best regards,

Roger."

 

Lamborghinis outside the Sharnbrook Hotel

Maserati GranTurismo, Merak SS and 3200 GT
 

Maserati Quattroporte III and Merak SS

FIAT Cinquecentos
 

FIAT Cinquecento 'Uno e Mezzo'!

Piaggio Ape
 
 
 
 

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