1983 Maserati Merak SS

Lot details
Registration No: A86 SCX
Chassis No: AM122A637
Mot Expiry: Oct 2004

Following their taking of a majority shareholding in 1968, Citroen strongly influenced both design and engineering at Maserati. Soon the Italian firm had abandoned their engine at the front driving the rear wheels layout and bravely joined the mid-engined market, with the 1970-launched Bora 4.7 (4.9 from 1975) which was soon joined by its smaller-engined sister, the Merak 3-litre. Bora production totaled 571 cars between 1971 and 1980, while 1832 Meraks were built 1972-1983. The Merak employed a Bora chassis and Citroen's SM engine, the 190bhp power output of which was increased to 220bhp with the 1975 Merak SS option. With Peugeot-controlled Citroen wanting out of bankrupt Maserati during the OPEC oil crisis, the historic marque was only saved by Government grant assisted Alejandro De Tomaso taking over.
This De Tomaso era Merak, an SS 2-door coupe, first left the Modena factory in 1983. Painted blue with matching blue leather interior, the exotic Italian has featured in both Penthouse and Car Classics magazines in its time. On file is the vendor's purchase invoice, which, he says, substantiates the 47,012 total kilometers displayed on the odometer when entered for this sale, pointing out that further mileage evidence is clearly shown in the Car Classics photoshoot (which is included with the document package available for inspection at the sale).
Current condition of bodywork and paintwork is described as being very good, the engine, a 2965cc six, reportedly in superb order and the 5-speed manual transmission excellent. All the electrical equipment is said also to be functioning correctly. The current MOT for this exotic, but entirely practical to own Italian is valid until October.