In 1966, at the Turin Motor Show, Maserati presented its new car, the Ghibli Spyder, whose design was based on Giorgetto Giugiaro. The car attracted great interest among car enthusiasts, and only 125 cars were produced.

RM Sotheby’s has announced the auction sale of the first ever produced example of this model. It is a prototype produced by Ghia for Maserati. Maserati Ghibli Spyder Prototype by Ghia is finished in Giallo paint and is powered by a 4.7 liter V-8 engine with 310 hp.

The car with chassis number 1001 differs from production examples by the handles that are mounted over recessed oval sections that improve hand access, as well as by the fact that the tank cover is hidden in the trunk. The rear deck lid is longer, and is characterized by a line that also increases rigidity.

The Ghibli Spyder Prototype by Ghia has had four owners so far. In 2013, the car underwent mechanical restoration by Brian Joseph’s Classic and Exotic Service in Troy, Michigan, while in 2015, it underwent further freshening measures by RM Auto Restoration. The car underwent a full rebuild of the engine with new pistons, rings, connecting rods, main bearing, valve springs, rod bearings, and intake, exhaust valve guides, carburetors, distributor and transmission. Also, new wiring harness, water pump, and hoses were installed. It is mounted on restored Campagnolo rims wrapped in new Pirelli Cinturato tires.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in brown leather. Leather is also found on the dashboard, the upper part of which is covered by mousehair fabric and new brown carpeting. The complete restoration, which took three years, cost $422,000.

Maserati Ghibli Spyder Prototype by Ghia comes with copies of factory records and correspondence, period photographs, Auto Club d’Italia estratto cronologico, period magazine articles and restoration invoices.

The auction will take place on August 18 – 20, and the car is expected to reach a price of $1.6 million.

Source: RM Sotheby’s