The 1969 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 stands as a definitive peak of Italian grand touring, blending Giorgetto Giugiaro’s sharp-edged steel styling with the race-bred mechanicals of the Trident brand. This specific example, chassis 1322, carries a prestigious history that includes a Best in Show win at the 1991 International Maserati Meet. Originally delivered in Rome, it transitioned to the US where it underwent a meticulous refurbishment. Now finished in black over tan leather, it represents a rare opportunity to own one of just 1,170 coupes produced during its limited six-year production run.
Giugiaro Steel and Low-Profile Silhouette
The exterior design of this Ghibli showcases the transition of Maserati into the “folded paper” era of automotive design, featuring a long, low hood and a fastback roofline. Originally blue, the car now wears a deep black finish that highlights the single-plane trunk lid and rounded-edge headlight covers. Design details include clear front turn signals tucked low in the grille and rectangular side markers that signify its period-correct styling. It rides on 15-inch Campagnolo bolt-on alloy wheels fitted with fresh Michelin XWX tires, maintaining the authentic stance that earned it international accolades.
Tan Leather Luxury and Mouse Fur Trim
Inside the cabin, the environment is defined by high-quality tan leather that covers the seats, center console, and lower dashboard. The upper dash features the signature black “mouse fur” trim, a period-correct material designed to reduce glare during high-speed continental touring. Modernized for usability, the air conditioning system was overhauled in 2025 with R134 refrigerant. A wood-rimmed steering wheel and a Becker Europa radio provide a tactile and auditory connection to the car’s 1960s heritage. Every toggle switch and gauge, including the 200-mph speedometer, serves as a functional piece of Italian automotive art.
Quad-Cam V8 and ZF Five-Speed Precision
Mechanical performance is anchored by the 4.7-liter Tipo AM115 V8, an aluminum-block engine featuring dry-sump lubrication and dual overhead camshafts on each bank. Breathing through four Weber carburetors, the engine delivers its power with a sophisticated, mechanical growl characteristic of Maserati’s grand touring lineage. Recent technical service in 2026 included a new rear main seal and a comprehensive overhaul of the ZF five-speed manual transmission’s clutch assembly. This setup provides a direct connection to the rear wheels, while servo-assisted four-wheel disc brakes and independent front suspension ensure the chassis handles the V8’s output with composure.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.7L Quad-Cam V8 |
| Induction | 4x Weber Carburetors |
| Transmission | ZF 5-Speed Manual |
| Brakes | Servo-Assisted 4-Wheel Disc |
| Wheels | 15-inch Campagnolo Alloy |
Italian Iconography and Market Positioning
The 1969 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 remains a blue-chip favorite among collectors, often compared to the Ferrari Daytona and Lamborghini Miura for its visual drama and performance. While its rivals often leaned toward extreme track-focused dynamics, the Ghibli carved a niche for being the more refined and comfortable long-distance cruiser. Its value is consistently bolstered by its low production numbers and the Giugiaro design pedigree. This particular car’s Best in Show history and recent mechanical refreshening make it a standout candidate for enthusiasts who prioritize both concours eligibility and road-going reliability.
A Masterpiece of the Trident Legacy
Acquiring a 1969 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 is a commitment to a specific era of uncompromising Italian luxury and mechanical sophistication. This chassis, with its award-winning past and extensive documented refurbishment history, represents the very best of the AM115 lineage. Whether it is the visceral thrill of the quad-cam V8 or the timeless elegance of its black-over-tan aesthetic, the car offers a sensory experience that modern grand tourers struggle to replicate. It remains a definitive statement of Maserati’s golden era, ready to continue its journey on the world stage.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
