Driving A 1970 Ghibli Spyder - What Makes Maseratis of This Era So Special?
2023 ж. 30 Там.
105 256 Рет қаралды
Maserati used to make cars for the very richest and more powerful, it had a reputation to be envied. What made Maseratis from the 60s and 70s so special? Today I drive this 1970 Ghibli Spyder and find out what all the fuss was about!
The Ghibli Coupe is definitely one of the most beautiful cars ever, IMO. Quite simple lines, but very elegant and just perfect proportions.
There is something very optimistic and aspirational about the design of many cars from this era, something that's missing in modern cars.
Sadly soon all gas cars will be illegal in EU and USA!
There is something definitely missing in design today. 😢
May have something to do with the insatiable demand for tall, frumpy SUVs - where even the term SUV is a misnomer.
Straight line and curve styling. Logical, sensible and it can support low drag coefficient design This swishy bubble car sh!t they are serving up is embarrassing. Look at rear headroom in lots of SUVs. The regression is real.
It's called ' soul ' the transfer of passion by the designer into product . As there's nothing in c.a.d. ! it's dead, sterile none meaning crap . Products for profits , not passion
That is the definition of automotive art.
Prettier than the Daytona Spyder in my opinion. Prettier than most, in fact. And sounds wonderful.
Agreed! Personally, I've never really liked the Daytona that much, always found the indicators too big
I agree too, much more elegant.
I’m pretty sure all the Daytonas were hardtop from factory and made convertible later
@@peanutbutterpadre1519 Not all of them. A factory convertible was produced, though in smaller numbers than the coupe’s I think (without referring to Wikipedia). However, many coupe’s were subsequently converted…the factory original convertibles command a significant premium over the modified cars.
Agreed
Exceptional and stunning car,even if it is a conversion of a fantastic Ghibli coupè. If this is a 4.7 liter it can't be an SS,because the SS was only the 5000 (with 4.9 engine). The 4.9 engine developed only 5 bhp more than the 4.7 (330 bhp for the 4.7 and 335 for the 4.9) but the 4.9 had more torque and was ideal for the automatic gearbox,that was a typical request in the U.S. market. The steering wheel is the original one but is covered of veneer instead of natural wood. Anyway this is a magnificent car,in my opinion one of the most refined and elegant granturismos ever. My father had several Maseratis and when I was a child we used to go in Greece for summer holidays. We always left home with two cars,my mother with the Lancia Flavia full of luggage and my father with the Maserati,and we stopped in Modena where he used to leave the car for the annual service... Than the trip proceeded to Ancona with the Lancia to embark in the ferry boat to Greece and the Maserati was withdrawed weeks later,when we came back.For me and my brother that was the top of our holiday,we were taken for a tour of the factory and we always met the chief tester,Mr.Guerino Bertocchi,that was the chief mechanic of Fangio in the F1 Maserati team and also had been a F1 driver for Maserati. He tested all the new cars and he always took me and my brother for a ride in a brand new Ghibli. We were both sitting on the passenger seat and he was driving for about 20 minutes or half an hour at incredible speed in the streets around Modena. Happy times,today nobody can take children for a ride at more than 200 km/h,but my father thought he was a fantastic driver,and there was no traffic so this remained as an unforgettable experience for us. I remember those Ghiblis,there were always three or four ready at the end of the production line,they had the colors of that era,not only metallic silver or metallic blue,but also Modena yellow or orange....The seats were covered by cellophane and they had the smell of a new car.Maybe this is the reason why I consider this as the most beautiful,streamlined and elegant car of all time.Unfortunately my father never had one,because he needed a four seater as the Mexico and the Indy,and I lost the opportunity to buy a coupè some years ago....Great video,Giacomo,as always.
🔱
Ahh. Jack. Giacomo. I geddit.
@@elroyfudbucker6806 🤣🤣🤣 he is the man!!
A great road test comparison to get your hands on was in Car&Driver (I think) from about 1967. It was called, "The $64,000 Road Test" and compared the Ferrari 275 GTB/4, Aston Martin DBS, Maserati Ghibli and Lamborghini 400GT. Some of the testers were world renowned drivers of the time. Excellent read. I still have the original in a box somewhere in our basement! All four of these cars are among the most beautiful automobiles ever produced. But each one needs to be experienced in person for their beauty to be fully appreciated. They come from a time when rolling art, or automotive porn (whichever term you prefer) was at its zenith. A few other cars from this era also must be included in the conversation: Lamborghini Miura, Iso Grifo, Monteverdi 375, AC 428. Aston Martin DBSV8, Ferrari Daytona (365 GTB/4)... Twenty years ago, I was fortunate to have been able to obtain a 1970's Aston Martin V8 manual. It's still a truly awesome and rewarding car to drive, but it would love to have a Ghibli like this as a 'garage mate'!
Hi Jack, Just a small correction, the Ghibli was designed by Giugiaro, when he was head of Ghia. The later Khamsin was designed by Gandini (and it got rear independant suspention as well).
Stunningly beautiful. Remember being on holiday as a newlywed in 1980 in Oahu, Hawaii, and there was one parked at the hotel. What a treat to see it every day. Living in South Africa, not something I readily saw.
@@peteronay381 That must have cost a lot back then - are you E' Loon Musk's Dad? We, as a family in '72, went to visit my Uncle in Zambia from the UK, had to fly in to Pretoria where he picked us up in his own little plane, flew us all back to Kitwe in the copper belt. My old man moaned about the cost of the BOAC flight to get to RSA for the whole holiday, but that flight was cheap by comparison to getting to Hawaii - are you still paying the loan off?
Correct, I think Giugiaro even owned a Ghibli himself (or maybe he still does).
@@marcelhannover3.. he still does. 🙋🏻♀️🏎️
In other words, a real gentleman’s car.
Love it, my dad had a Maserati Indy America here in Australia many years ago, what a car that was👌
Had the pleasure of painting one of these many years ago. Absolutely beautiful car.
What a beautiful creation. Huge thanks to the owner Mark for letting us ogle at it.
My pleasure it will be my AC 428 next
@@markgreen4234 Looking forward to THAT!
I remember actor James Laurenson driving a Ghibli round Paris in an early 70's TV production. He played a decadent playboy publisher who would park up and leave the door ajar in the Paris streets.
Wow. You got your hands on an original Ghibli Spider. That car is a moving work of art. It's one of the most drop dead gorgeous cars ever made. Every car designer should be made to spend a month studying this, and then told "If you can't produce something at least as beautiful, don't bother". This is Marilyn Monroe in metal. Sadly, you'll never see the like of it ever again now that the SUV disease has infected the motor industry.
Well, it’s a Spyder conversion…as Jack explained in the vid.
@@baasbowing ... he also said that technically, they all were, including the "original" ones ... :)
@@Calilasseia The statement that all Ghibli spyders were "converted" is absolutely incorrect. Different from the Daytona spiders, the Ghibli spyders were meant from birth to be a convertible. The original spyders were not converted by Campana or anyone else. Ghia built the spyders on frames designed for the spyders, which included differences such as double floors. I've owned 6 original spyders and still own one today. And yes, they are great cars!
Actress Diana Dors had the convertible! A compliment from someone who DID like amazing cars!
Thanks Jack, 8 instruments, leather, manual, 4.7 V8, engine noise, convertible, with great shape & just right for trips away - peak Maserati! 🙏🙏
My father had a 1970 white ss coupe. The sound it made was glorious!
I think the coupe looks even better .
@@MrCapri78 I agree.
My all time number one on the wish list car!! A true beauty!!
Absolutely stunning, what an amazing car. Stunning coachwork and an absolutely beautiful interior. Spyder would definitely be the one to have for GT cruising on a Summer's day without having to worry about Italian AC in the Coupe, plus of course that delicious engine sound.
I’ve been a poster on Ferrarichat for 20 years, have owned several carbureted Ferrari’s from that era, but recently I bought a 1980 Maserati Merak SS, and I’ve driven an early Ghibli. These cars are FAR better to take on long drives, better seating, and for the late Merak, handles better than a 308. That said, they are totally different cars and IMO, you need one of each to properly scratch the itch depending on what your itch is that day. They are both just that good
What an absolutely beautiful car, inside and out, stunning.
Hats off to the owner. It's in immaculate condition
One of my super favorites by far!!!
One of my favorites when I was a little kid.
Excellent, thanks Jack. That is one beautifully styled vehicle, it sounds fantastic not over the top loud but really "hairy chested" and "ballsy". The styling so typical of it's time and my 20's, just love it. Thank you for the ride.
Such a beautiful car and so well designed. The engine sounds so sweet, just right.Yes Maserati had problems but their cars of this era are so well thought through with just the odd blip (hand brake!). Thank you Jack for bringing us another gem. 👍👍
Love the new format 😊
beautiful timeless design
Just drop dead gorgeous, no further comments required.
The Ghibli Spider has been one of my ultimate dream car designs ever since I first laid eyes on it (30 years ago?). It has a stunningly beautiful exterior and interior, and a lovely sound too. Love it in dark blue with cream interior. Thanks for sharing this.
Back in the 80s someone in my area (Central Ohio of all places) owned one of these. It was metallic silver and I will never forget the first time I saw it: it was pulling out of a driveway of a mobile home, a trailer. Yes, an expensive exotic Maserati Ghibli Spyder driving away from a poor man's domicile. The incongruity of this sight astonished me. A few years later, in the opposite end of the same county I saw it once again fleetingly and I've not seen it since.
It has so many different tones of v8 it's amazing and beautiful 😍
Enjoyed watching you drive this stunningly gorgeous car. A masterpiece by Maserati…
OMG Jack, to keep this family friendly all I can say is, "I am "moist"! What a stunning classic, thank you!
At the time of sale this was accepted to be the most beautiful car money could buy and 50+ years later you'd have to say it's possibly the most beautiful of all time. One of Guigiaro's finest pieces of work when he was at Ghia.
Fabulous Car, Maseratis circa 60s and early 70s were dream vehicles. Thank you for this fantastic video.
One of the dream super Cars of my youth, along with the Iso Grifo. Gorgeous. And you literally drove past the House I grew up in, Watford Road!! Great Video.
Stunningly beautiful car.
I haven’t seen one in person, but even in the video this spider is one of the most beautiful cars I’ve ever seen. Much prettier than the coupe.
I’ve seen them in magazines It’s just a beautiful classy machine 👍
One of my top 10 most beautiful post war road cars!
WOW what a fantastic looking motor! ....not sure black would be my choice but is definitely a beautiful car. You're knocking it out the park with the contents Jack, well done buddy..... keep it coming 💪👍
This is my first time seeing this car and it's unbelievably beautiful! I cant stop looking at it. Even the "cream" color of the interior is next level
One of the most beautiful car made in the 70s
What a gorgeous droptop the Ghibli Spyder was/is. The sound of the unstressed V8 is also fabulous. Amazed to see a car from that era with fully adjustable steering even telescopically too. I have to agree with you that Maserati succeeded in making a car that easy to own and drive unlike other Italian exotics. But the other surprise was the leaf spring rear suspension. Pity about that. Great video!
Awesome car. Love the design of these. Hopefully one day you can make a video with a coupe. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
Such a beautiful car, very rarely seen, even in period. I do remember the great motorcycle racer Bill Ivy owned one for a while. He used to call it his "gobbler!" No idea why.....
What an absolutely beautiful car! Great video, too. Love Jack's enthusiasm.
Wow. This is one of those cars so gorgeous I remember the moment I first saw one. I was 9 years old and it was in a syndicated forgotten sitcom called 'Love American Style'. Recall nothing of the show but the car burned into my brain forever. I still slightly prefer it over the Ferrari Daytona Spyder.
I think this is one of the most beautiful grand tourers you've ever reviewed, absolutely phenomenal!
Maserati has made a huge step in the right direction with the MC20 and the Grecale. I hope they will keep up the great work.
Absolutely gorgeous!
Wonderful review Jack, these videos are so interesting, thanks 👍
One of my all time favorites!!!! Just an incredibly beautiful car from every angle.
Daytona vs Ghibli: spyder, the Maserati is better looking, coupe it's the Ferrari. That engine note is beautiful. Thank you Jack
Jack, you never fail to impress with the cars you review. I used to re-tune one of these roughly every two weeks every summer back in the early 80s. it would come in popping and farting and leave sounding like a symphony. the best bit was the road test, especially as I was a long-haired spotty teenager back then 😁
Brutally stunning gorgeous
Getting Spirited Away in a Ghibli - very nice👍🏻
Fabulous and such a tasteful and stylish car, I don't think they've bettered it since. Imagine in the early 70's owning that a Range Rover and a Royal Oak watch all design classics!
What an absolute stunner of a car.The Bora was another top Maserati from that time too,and,according to certain tester's,was quicker than a Lambo Muira!
Would love to do a Bora!!
My absolute favorite Maserati of all ❤
I very much enjoy your takes on these classics from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. I'd love for you to pull apart the concepts a bit more on a grand tourer vs a sports car.
Absolutely beautiful!
Wow, stunning! When Maseratis’s we’re soo special! 🙏🏽
That’s my kind of car, it’s styling and design are impeccable……. Keep on rockin.
I'd have to say to my eye it's the most beautiful looking car I've ever seen.
2:08 Very elegant interior ! A dashboard with outstanding materials, carefully crafted, with all the necessary gauges. The Italian style of those times is unmistakable.
I’m loving the new format😊
Absolute perfection and beautiful cars! I've Always loved the Ghibli!
If this is not pure poetry in motion, then I don;t know what is
I was at Brands Hatch in 1968, and while I loved the Ford P68 and the Lola T70 on the track, it was the glamour in the car park that got my 15 year old self energised. A very elegant Gordon Keeble, for instance, or my first glimpse of a DBS, or the superstar of all, a Maserati Ghibli (not drop-top). The advertising at the time was all about its 186 mph claim, and I'm sure there were one or two other cars at the time making similar claims. Bit too much of a coincidence, till I finally twigged that what they were all going for was, naturally, 300kph. Did anyone really get there, 55 years ago, apart from at Le Mans? Dubious. Thanks for the excellent vid.
Well looking at (more aerodynamically-honed, but with greater frontal-area) modern sports cars, you need around 450bhp to get past the magic 300km/h marker. The 350-ish bhp as was typical from big Italian engines in the ‘70s seems likely to get you to about 275km/h.
Utterly beautiful car.
Fantastic job thanks 🙏🏼 ❤
60ies and 70ies Maseratis are unbelievably gorgeous, Ghibli, Bora, Kamshin, Merak…
Great video, probably the rear springs are rated for the coupe, ie, stiffer, a spring company who did my interceptor springs had all the specs for virtually every leaf sprung car, so some could be made, I fitted green stuff pads and the brakes squeaked exactly the same.
Hi it's my ghibli. There are no specs for rear springs so it's a very suck it and see. It's going in for retempering this month so the front and back work together not against each other.
@@markgreen4234 great bud, I've had a few classics and like say the mgb gt has a leaf extra over the roadster, great car by the way, I've had e types, interceptors but the maserati is a cut above.
Jack, does it drive like a hot desert wind? Looks gorgeous
To me, these are quite a bit more beautiful than the Daytona, which I always found to be a bit plumb. This seems more modern than the Daytona. A very nice car, even if I find the coupe even more appealing.
The Daytona was an Italian Copy of the C3 Corvette!
@@Schlipperschlopper Stevie Wonder has better eyesight than you
One of the most beautiful convertibles/spyders of the sixties and seventies for my taste. The other candidates would the Aston Martin Volante, the Ferrari Daytona and the Monteverdi Palm Beach.
Nice sound. Very elegant looking.
A stunning car design for sure. Great video...
we didn't see this beauty with the roof up, neither with the lights on
You might not want to see it with the lights up. They stick up high. It’s not pretty.
I always fancied one of these. A nice thing i reckon. Thanks for all the reviews & nice to meet you the other day. Keep up the good work. i can only see the channel going from strength to strength. Best wishes.
Great to see you too Robin!!
I should of been a little more social, but was nursing a minor hangover!. @@Number27
That interior is beautiful and very advanced for the 70's.
A stunning design, among the top 10 of beautiful cars ( Miura, Dino, Mangusta, E type, Stratos etc) but when I met someone who owned one and i was drooling over it, his first comment was "It drives like a truck". Having driven around in it several times, he's pretty much right. Low reving engine, poor steering and antiquated suspension. Among exotics of the time it got worse gas mileage than any of the others. Sure is easy on the eyes though!
Beautiful car, great review.
Sporty, elegant, super exclusive, powerful, reliable, deliciously sonorous: highly desirable!
Usually I much prefer the style of the closed version of any car, but that spyder looks delicious...so classy, great colors. In profile, there's a lot of C3 corvette too...but not as exaggerated. most car guys want rack and pinion but I prefer the lightness and reduced harshness of recirculating ball and some degree a worm roller...less kickback...perfect for a GT
You justified your existence with this episode alone
Thanks Jack, lovely car. A Ghibli coupe was the first exotic I saw in person: north of NYC on the Palisades parkway in a something of a traffic jam while dad drove the family wagon. Perfect conditions for oogling the Maser.
Gorgeous!
A lovely car, used to compare those to a Daytona - you say it's a 4,7 however it says SS everywhere which is the 4,9 - badge engineering on a Maserati? Another great video, keep them coming
*I loved the Triumph Stag*
Beautiful, stunning car!
Thank you for reviewing the Ghibli. Beautiful car. I would place it in the European automotive elegance trifecta of the 60s and 70s next to Bizzarini GT Strada and Ferrari Daytona.
Makes a 250 Cali look like an MGB, Jack! Genuinely awesome looks, (and even a snazzy interior) and that 4xcam engine is perhaps the finest noise ever made by burning petrol. You're a lucky chap to drive one - we're lucky to enjoy you doing so...😊
Are you insane? A California spider is widely considered to be one of, if not THE, Most beautiful cars in the world. Values pushing north of 20 million USD. You can pick up one of these for just north of $500k. Beautiful for sure… but but it’s no California Spyder. And there is no call for ever comparing a California Spyder to an MG, ever. Just… no.
Ahhhh - A lottery win would see me scouring the market for one of these. I have lusted after one since the 70's as a teeneager, and the desire still burns mightily.
Bellissima. Great video Jack, bravo.
Wow that interior!
Loved the brake squeal.
I have cured it now. All new ss brakes and the pads needed some edges removed
Wow, you’re really taking us to petrolhead heaven with these cars Jack!
Very fine lines on this... Sweet as..
Would love it if you could test an AC Frua 428 please Jack?