1979 Maserati Merak SS

By the beginning of the Seventies every 'supercar' manufacturer needed a mid-engine design, and Maserati was no exception, so they employed the services of 'Designer of the Decade', Giorgetto Giugiaro. His eloquent pen was put to good use and the resultant Bora, and subsequent Merak were launched to much international acclaim. By 1975 Maserati had shrugged off the restraints of ownership by Citroën and were revitalised with De Tomaso as a partner. Fortunately for the Merak, this would see an increase in power from the three litre Maserati unit and further weight saving - the 220bhp Merak SS was the ultimate evolution - meant that the Merak could now fulfill its design brief to provide an alternative to the Lamborghini Urraco and the Ferrari 308/GT4. Like the Bora, the Merak was comfortable and refined and really only differed by engine size and the treatment to the engine cover. The 2+2 design did offer occasional seating in the rear. When production ceased nearly a thousand Merak SS had been delivered.

This Maserati Merak SS has recently been imported from the dry climate of Johannesburg, South Africa. The car is now UK registered, has passed its MoT with no advisories, and has recently been serviced complete with a fluid change and new battery.

Finished in the traditional colour combination of red with cream leather interior, the paintwork is generally bright but there is some evidence of shrinkage, some scratches to the finish and room for improvement. The car could be used in its current aesthetic condition or restored to a high standard, depending on the requirements of the buyer.

The Merak SS is a rare car and they are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Supplied with its original paperwork from South Africa, UK V5C, current MoT, all taxes and duties have been paid on this vehicle. A useable Merak that would benefit from some mechanical fettling and aesthetic improvements. Prospective purchasers are welcome to inspect this Maserati prior to the auction and should contact the office for further details.