by Mike –
This is Part Two of a three part series where the first generation Maserati Ghibli which was produced from 1967 to 1970 and the Ghibli SS from 1970 to 1973 are discussed. Part One was about the Lamborghini Miura.
Maserati Ghibli SS Coupe
For comparison purposes I quote prices for a condition 1 car from the latest issue of the Hagerty Price Guide (No. 22 Sep-Dec 2013).
Maserati Ghibli
The Ghibli was introduced at Turin in 1966 and proved to be the most popular Maserati in many years. The beautiful Ghibli shape, made of steel, was styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro when he was with Ghia.
Maserati Ghibli Coupe
This Ghibli is powered by an aluminum alloy 4.7-liter V8 4-cam de-tuned race engine producing 335 hp. Acceleration is 0-60 MPH in 6.8 seconds and the top speed is 154 MPH. This engine is based on the Maserati 450S race car engine.
Number made – 1,149 (including SS models)
Value – 1972 Ghibli Coupe – $105,000
Maserati Ghibli Coupe
Ghibli SS
The Ghibli SS went into production in 1970 with a 4.9-liter V8 engine boasting an additional 15 hp over the non-SS model – all the way up to 350 hp.
Maserati Ghibli SS Coupe
Maserati Ghibli SS Coupe
Number made – SS models included in the 1,149 number
Value – 1972 Ghibli SS Coupe – $152,000
Maserati Ghibli SS Coupe
Maserati Ghibli SS Coupe
This is a 45% higher value than the original Ghibli model. Is 0.2-liter engine capacity and 15 hp worth 45% ($47,000)? I don’t believe I could detect the 15 hp difference especially since I would not be drag racing my Ghibli if I had one.
Maserati Ghibli Engine
Can you tell which engine is the 4.7-liter and which is the 4.9-liter?
Maserati Ghibli Engine
Like the Miura I think a lot of the value difference between a Ghibli and Ghibli SS is the name plate value – not a real intrinsic value. Both models look the same except for the SS badging.
Ghibli Spider
The Ghibli Spider went into production in 1969 and the SS Spider model in 1970.
Maserati Ghibli Spider – photo by Bruce Caron
Number made – 125 with 25 being SS models
Value – 1972 Ghibli Spider – $400,000
The Spider model is valued 163% higher than the SS Coupe. This seems fair especially compared to the difference between a Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Coupe and Spider.
Value – 1972 Ghibli SS Spider – $435,000
The SS Spider model is valued 9% higher than the non-SS Spider and 186% higher than the SS Coupe. A 9% value difference ($35,000) for 15 hp – is it worth it?
It may not really matter because there are so few Ghibli Spiders and if you want one and either model is for sale – you have to deal with it because you won’t be able to negotiate against the other model – because there likely won’t be one for sale.
Maserati Ghibli Spider
The value difference between a Ghibli Spider and a Ghibli coupe is less than the difference between a Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Spider and Coupe, at least in the price guide. In the real world though a Ghibli Spider sold at auction in early 2012 for $800,000 – almost double the price guide number. This price may certainly be an aberration – only time will tell.
At $435,000 a condition 1 Ghibli Spider may be a good value as long as the Ghibli SS Coupes are in the $150,000 range.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
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I gave this some thought, but it isn’t the performance difference that you’re buying, it’s the exclusivity of the more powerful models, since they’re more rare. We’re not talking about a consumable, these cars are bona fide investments, and the rarer and more appealing examples will generally climb in value at a more precipitous rate.
Yes, you are right – but are they really worth the price differences?
For the exclusivity and investment potential, I’d say yes. In terms of performance, probably not.
To bolster the exclusivity argument, it would good to have 4.7 liter car vs. 4.9 liter SS car production figures; it seems of the 125 Spiders built, only 25 were “SS” models, but I can’t find similar split figures for the coupé.
Where can I find a Spyder in # 1 condition for $400,000 ????? I am a serious buyer !
Ask the Hagerty Price Guide editors!
I’ll never understand why owners opt for Borrani wire wheels on the Ghibli over the staggeringly good-looking Campagnolo center-lock alloys that fit the modern lines of the car so well. Anyone ever see a Miura with wire wheels?
I have looked everywhere I can think of and cannot find a hint as to how much the various Miura models cost when new. And the prices for the 275 GTB when new. Not adjusted for inflation
I am a retired Mechanical Engineer, C.A.D. How did they get the transmission to run on 50W. I read the original owners manual online. It could have been a misprint. However no matter if it was 10-30W, 50W or whatever, how did they do it?. Also, I guess you had to pull the engine / transmission assembly out to replace the clutch. Am I right ?
I just discovered this website and think it’s great.
Lived in the Friuli Region of Italia for 3 years. Owned a 1300 Giulia Sprint GT. Loads of fun.
Hope I hear back from someone. Thanks, Marco Davide Giovanni Carbone
The Miura and Miura S were $19,500-22,500, the 275 GTB was in the $8,500 range from the factory, but more realistically sold for $15,000 at dealerships.