The Ghibli 'Open' Cup

The Ghibli Open Cup

Photos courtesy of Klaus Müller

This 1996 Ghibli Open Cup race car is one of the original 25 cars constructed at the end of the season for collectors) built during the 1995 season for the monomarque Ghibli Open Cup Championship offered by Maserati to owners. In the early 90's, Maserati came up with the idea of building a special racing version of their second series Ghibli road car specially for owners who wished to compete in what would be known as the Ghibli Open Cup Championship.

		Under the organization and direction of the Modenese firm, Historica Selecta (headed by Adolfo Orsi), this one-off race series was organized and run during 1995 with great success. After the '95 season the cars were offered a factory upgrade known as the 'Evoluzione' kit.

In 1996 the cars were considerably stronger (with an additional 6 cars being built) and, in spite of the cancellation of the '96 series after only two races due to economical restrictions, many private owners continued to race the cars to success on European circuits in the various GT championships. The car shown in these photographs is the ex-Duncan Huisman car which captured pole position in both the races staged in the 1996 season.

		For a variety of reasons it failed to finish in both races. The car is completely original with less than 3000 km on the odometer (speedometer). To meet local registration requirements, two Koenig racing seats with Sabelt racing safety harnesses, road tyres (225/40ZR18 front and 265/35ZR18 rear), a hand-brake for the rear wheels and a custom-built silencer (which is almost as loud as the original one) have been installed.

The fire extinguisher moved a little bit to fit in front and behind the co-driver's (passenger's) seat. A helmet box has been installed in the rear as storage for small items while driving. The front spoiler has been removed for improved clearance during normal road use and extra ducting has been fitted for improved brake cooling. Naturally the front spoiler comes with the car and can be replaced should the car be used for racing.

		The car had road-legal registration in Germany, with full documentation, and could be driven virtually anywhere in the world. It comes with some racing files/lists, photos and some written information & addresses pertaining to the car and the race series. The chassis number is ZAM336B0000361302 and it still has its original engine.

This is a very rare piece of Maserati post-war racing history. As far as Klaus knew there were 25 cars built and at least 5 cars were written-off (destroyed).

TECHNICAL DATA - GHIBLI OPEN CUP

Body type	2-door 2-seater Coupé
Production years	1995-1996
Engine	Front engined V6
Bore and stroke	82 mm X 63 mm
Engine capacity	1996 cc
Compression ratio	7.6:1
Maximum power	330-bhp @ 6500 rpm
Distribution	Four overhead camshafts, two valves per cylinder
Induction system	Magneti Marelli integratyed electronic multipoint fuel injection
Lubrification	Forced with pressure pump, total draining
Transmission	Rear wheel drive with limited slip differential
Gearbox	Getrag manual with 6 speed and reverse
Clutch	Sintered single dry single plate
Chassis	Integral body chassis construction
Front suspension:-	Modified McPherson struts (for adjustable camber) mounted on uniball, racing Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs, increased diameter anti-roll bar
Rear suspension:-	Oblique arms, racing Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs, increased diameter anti-roll bar
Brakes	Servo assisted disc brakes on all four wheels with ABS
Wheelbase	2510 mm
Wheels	Magnesium: Front - 8.25J x 18" and rear - 9.00J x 18"
Tyres	Front: 21/65-18 and rear: 24/65-18
Weight	1295 kg
Maximum speed	267 kph (167 mph)
Models constructed	25