Lot details Registration No: TYU 2S Chassis No: AM122A507 Mot Expiry: None
Introduced at the October 1972 Paris Motor Show, the Maserati Merak (Tipo 122) was intended to rival the Ferrari 308 GT4 and Lamborghini Urraco. Named after a star from the Ursa Major constellation, the compact 2+2 sportscar's styling deliberately aped that of its Bora supercar sibling (both models being penned by Giorgetto Giugairo). Based around a steel monocoque chassis equipped with all-round independent double-wishbone suspension, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes and rack and pinion steering, the Merak was powered by a longitudinally-mounted 'quad-cam' 2965cc V6 engine allied to a five-speed transaxle. Fed by triple Weber carburettors, the powerplant (a smaller capacity version of which had already seen service in the Citroen SM) was credited with 190bhp and 188lbft of torque. Reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds and 140mph in standard tune, an even quicker Merak - the SS - made its debut at the March 1975 Geneva Motor Show. Notably more powerful (220bhp / 199lbft), the revised variant was held to be a 150mph machine. Always something of a rarity in the UK, just 231 Meraks are thought to have been officially imported between 1973 and 1982. While, total Merak SS production is generally put at less than a thousand units.
Finished in red with beige leather upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (paintwork, wheels / tyres) or "very good" (2965cc engine, five-speed manual transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis) condition. Though, he considers that the bodywork "needs some attention". First registered in London (or so its number plate would suggest), 'TYU 2S' is believed to have covered just 43,821 miles from new. A comparatively late SS that utilises vacuum rather than hydraulic assistance for its braking system, it is understood to have last been serviced by Auto Shield Ltd of Chorlton-cum-Hardy (nr Manchester). A true Italian thoroughbred, it sports chrome bumpers, dark grey alloy wheels and a radio-cassette player. Part of a museum collection for some years, 'TYU 2S' will require recommissioning prior to road use.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a brake and ignition problem with this vehicle.
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