1975 Maserati Merak by Saurer

Arguably the most civilised, not to mention usable, of the 1970s crop of Italian supercars, Maserati’s stunning mid-engined Merak combined a powerful V6 engine with the practicality of occasional rear seats and a decently sized boot. Sharing its basic architecture and floorpan with the V8-powered Bora, the Merak was similarly penned by the talented Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Ital Design studio in Turin, but instead of the Bora’s rear clamshell, there was a flat decklid and novel flying buttress arrangement.

In a break with tradition, the new Merak was named after a star in the Plough constellation and saw the greatest influence of the Modenese firm’s new relationship with Citroën yet, particularly the 90° V6 engine, a unit Maserati originally engineered for the SM. As used in the Merak, the Tipo C114 V6 was bored out from 2,670cc to 2,965cc greatly improving both torque and flexibility. With twin overhead camshafts per bank and fed by triple Weber 42 DCNF carburettors, the alloy V6’s 190 horses were delivered to the rear wheels through the SM’s 5-speed transaxle, while the brakes (discs all round) also used an adaptation of Citroën’s patented hydraulic power-operated system. The interior was typical of Italian exotics from the era, with low-slung seats and plenty of luxury features, while the compact V6 engine allowed a surprising amount of rear passenger space - even the usual Italian offset driving position was largely overcome thanks to a fully adjustable steering wheel and decent seat travel.

However, no matter how desirable something is perceived to be there is always someone who believes they can improve it. Paul Saurer of Carrosserie Saurer in Switzerland was a fan of the Merak but felt that the design was a little conventional and that he, as a creative automotive designer, could do better. This 1975 example was delivered to the Carrosserie in 1984 and was the subject of a complete restoration, with a unique hand-crafted body formed from aluminium to the highest standards, creating what Paul Saurer considered his "ideal hot Merak". The majority of the original running gear was retained and the new bodywork made space for exceptionally rare 12-inch and 15-inch Gotti 3-piece, split-rim alloys shod in very expensive 345 x 35 bespoke rubber.

 Full details to follow.