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Model history and curiosity

Created under the supervision of engineer Alfieri from the internal Tipo AM115 project, the Ghibli was presented on the Ghia stand at the 1966 Turin Motor Show. As was customary for Maseratis of the time, its name was that of a wind: in this case, Ghibli, a dry Libyan sirocco. The first units were produced in March 1967. The first Ghibli had a 4.7-liter V8 engine producing 310 hp, fed by four carburetors. It reached 100 km/h from a standstill in about 6.5 seconds; its top speed was 270 km/h. The transmission was available as a five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic. A unique feature was the 100-liter fuel tank, which was split in two: the driver could choose which of the two tanks to feed the engine. The Ghibli also featured pop-up headlights, leather sports seats, and alloy wheels.

The Ghibli Spider was introduced in 1969. The open-top version is rare: just 125 examples were built, compared to 1,149 coupés [citation needed]. Over time, Ghibli Spiders multiplied: several coupés were transformed by chopping off the roof.

The restyled Ghibli debuted at the 1970 Turin Motor Show, featuring slightly modified headlights, dashboard, and headrests.

The same year, the Ghibli SS (Tipo AM115/49) went into production, powered by a new 4.9-liter, 335 hp dry-sump V8 that allowed it to reach a top speed of 280 km/h. In addition to this high performance, the SS also offered luxury features: it came standard with an adjustable steering column, steering lock, leather upholstery, tinted windows with power windows, reclining seats with headrests, a rear window defroster, a dashboard clock, and air conditioning. Finally, twenty-five examples of the rare Ghibli Spider SS were produced, highly sought after by collectors.

In 1973, the Ghibli went out of production, replaced by the Khamsin. The Ghibli name was revived in 1992 for the final version of the Biturbo and in 2013 for the eponymous sedan.

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