Driving A 1970 Ghibli Spyder - What Makes Maseratis of This Era So Special?
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- čas přidán 30. 08. 2023
- 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!
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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
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
Had the pleasure of painting one of these many years ago. Absolutely beautiful car.
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!!
That is the definition of automotive art.
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. 🙋🏻♀️🏎️
Love it, my dad had a Maserati Indy America here in Australia many years ago, what a car that was👌
This is not a car, this is a work of art.
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!
One of the most beautiful car made in the 70s
My absolute favorite Maserati of all ❤
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’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
In other words, a real gentleman’s car.
Thanks Jack, 8 instruments, leather, manual, 4.7 V8, engine noise, convertible, with great shape & just right for trips away - peak Maserati! 🙏🙏
Actress Diana Dors had the convertible! A compliment from someone who DID like amazing cars!
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.
I'd have to say to my eye it's the most beautiful looking car I've ever seen.
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.
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.
My all time number one on the wish list car!! A true beauty!!
Absouletly beautiful car! The Italians just hit one home run after another.
My father had a 1970 white ss coupe. The sound it made was glorious!
I think the coupe looks even better .
@@MrCapri78 I agree.
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.
Daytona vs Ghibli: spyder, the Maserati is better looking, coupe it's the Ferrari. That engine note is beautiful.
Thank you Jack
What an absolutely beautiful car, inside and out, stunning.
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 😊
60ies and 70ies Maseratis are unbelievably gorgeous, Ghibli, Bora, Kamshin, Merak…
Absolute perfection and beautiful cars! I've Always loved the Ghibli!
OMG Jack, to keep this family friendly all I can say is, "I am "moist"! What a stunning classic, thank you!
My God this car is gorgeous!
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.
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 💪👍
Enjoyed watching you drive this stunningly gorgeous car. A masterpiece by Maserati…
One of my super favorites by far!!!
Fabulous Car, Maseratis circa 60s and early 70s were dream vehicles.
Thank you for this fantastic video.
Hats off to the owner. It's in immaculate condition
Just drop dead gorgeous, no further comments required.
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.
One of my favorites when I was a little kid.
Wonderful review Jack, these videos are so interesting, thanks 👍
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
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!
What an absolutely beautiful car! Great video, too. Love Jack's enthusiasm.
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.
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.
It has so many different tones of v8 it's amazing and beautiful 😍
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.
Getting Spirited Away in a Ghibli - very nice👍🏻
I’m loving the new format😊
beautiful timeless design
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.
Fabulous car, really nice interior, the fact that it is being compared to the Daytona shows its importance and quality.
Bellissima. Great video Jack, bravo.
I think this is one of the most beautiful grand tourers you've ever reviewed, absolutely phenomenal!
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 😁
One of my all time favorites!!!! Just an incredibly beautiful car from every angle.
One of my top 10 most beautiful post war road cars!
A stunning car design for sure. Great video...
Stunningly beautiful car.
That’s my kind of car, it’s styling and design are impeccable……. Keep on rockin.
Wow, stunning! When Maseratis’s we’re soo special! 🙏🏽
Fantastic job thanks 🙏🏼 ❤
I like the doggy reflection at 1:44!
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.
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.
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!
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.
Wow, you’re really taking us to petrolhead heaven with these cars Jack!
Absaloutly brilliant video jack ❤👍 what an amazing looking car absaloutly beautiful brilliant
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
You justified your existence with this episode alone
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.
Every true car guys loves Maseratis, Jack.
This was a fine episode...the challenge now is to get hold of a Bora / Khamsin or (I'm reaching for the stars here) a 300S or 450 S (I know, I know, but divine intervention or blind luck might intervene)
Perhaps some fabulously rich collector has a red 450S as in the video, you could exercise it for him ;)
Very fine lines on this... Sweet as..
Beautiful car, great review.
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!!
"So un-Italian of you" Oh Jack, you made me spill my drink. Yeah, the parking brake handle, the size of the clock on the dash, the offset of the gear lever...yeah, so un-Italian ;) On the other hand, that thing is stunningly beautiful. It is so much better looking than a coupe, that I didnt even realize it is not the same car. Who cares if drives a bit low-rent. Park it in front of a cafe and watch car guys trip on their own shadows as they pass by. In comparison to that, Daytona looks like Fiero.
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.
Nice sound. Very elegant looking.
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.
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
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.
I’ve seen them in magazines
It’s just a beautiful classy machine 👍
Absolutely beautiful!
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.
Looks stunning very nice interior goes very well and sounds great what a maverlouse grand tourer
What a lovely car! Looks and sound! What more to ask for? Thank you! Oh! Nice drive in the heart of England ! Miss it !
Bloody Nora! Love that car!
Lovely choice and again, enjoyed the history lesson as well as the ride. Try some other old Maseratis...The Indy, Mistral, Kamsin...would love to hear and see how them compare with this Ghibli. Also the new Ghibli 4 door.
Utterly beautiful car.
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
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!
That is gorgeous, I want one!
Lovely review beautiful car I love Maseratis. An Italian friend once told me that pimps drive Ferraris, pop stars drive Lamborghinis but a gentleman in Italy drives a Maserati! Never forgot that little tale. Also love the Khamsin be nice if you could drive one of those and a Lancia Gamma coupe or saloon.
Beautiful, stunning car!
My dad's friend owned the yellow prototype Ghibli Spyder until he sold it a few years ago at RM Monterey Auction. Really neat car compared to production ones, all kinds of subtle differences.
Sporty, elegant, super exclusive, powerful, reliable, deliciously sonorous: highly desirable!
Brutally stunning gorgeous