£40,000 - £50,000
1982 Maserati Merak SS
Registration Number: MXI 514
Chassis Number: AM122A.659
Recorded Mileage: c.21,500 miles
- 1 of 140 UK-supplied examples
- Subject of much specialist maintenance in previous ownership
Launched at the Paris Auto Show of 1972 as a competitor to the Ferrari Dino 246 and Lamborghini Urraco, Maserati’s new Merak model drew heavily from its elder sibling the Bora, with much of the latter’s steel monocoque chassis being carried over to the new car. The use of a suitably adapted version of the Giulio Alfieri-designed 3-litre V-6 - as opposed to the 450S-derived V-8 of the Bora - enabled the fitment of two occasional rear seats, with the design process being sensitively managed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign. Fed by triple Weber carburettors, the engine was credited with 190bhp and 188lbft of torque. In 1976, the higher specification Merak SS entered production, offering a power increase to 220 horsepower and a weight reduction of some 50 kilograms relative to the standard car. As such, the ‘Super Sport’ was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds and 155mph. Praised by the contemporary motoring press with Motor magazine observing that: 'Performance and handling are the raison d'être of a mid-engined sports car, and the Merak's astounding cornering power is a match for its straight-line punch,' the diminutive Maserati remained on the market until 1983.
This later genuine SS model benefits from much mechanical attention in previous ownership, such as an engine rebuild by Stanwood Engineering at just under 21,000 miles, new clutch and attention to the brakes by McGrath Maserati at around 16,000 miles, refurbished steering rack, new LHM tank, full stainless steel exhaust system, front shock absorbers, front disc brakes, gearchange linkage bushes and previously four new tyres. We understand the Maserati has also benefitted from a partial restoration prior to being professionally repainted by Malton Coachworks in 2018. The Merak was again serviced by McGrath in April 2021, also the carburettor and fuel system refurbished.
The coachwork is very clean with just the odd minor blemish, the interior presents well, having been treated more recently to a minor amount of trim work. The V6 engine fed by triple Weber carburettors provides the soundtrack to match the looks.
This unusual and attractive mid-engined Maserati is offered for sale with a UK V5C and history file.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
14.4% inc VAT*
Online and Autobids:
15.6% inc VAT*
