1972 Maserati Ghibli SS Coupe

Offered with just three previous owners and known provenance from new, this late-production Ghibli SS features the ultimate mechanical specification comprising the DOHC, Weber-carbureted 4.9-liter Maserati V-8 engine and driver-preferred 5-speed manual gearbox. Offered with just three owners and 61,500 miles, which the seller believes to be original and supported by their research and the wealth of documents on file.

The Ghibli’s gorgeous Giugiaro-designed, Ghia-built body features a black paint finish. Slim chrome bumpers, iconic Masearati ‘Trident’ badges and classical model-identification scripts, plus twin polished exhaust tips are the only embellishments. Handsome OEM-type Borrani bi-metallic wheels - mounting period-appropriate Pirelli Cinturato Blackwall radial tires - provide the finishing touch.

Exuding a driver-focused, classic Grand Touring look and feel, the Ghibli’s interior compartment maintains an honest, driver-quality presence, indicative of caring prior ownership and use. A padded Maserati steering wheel and Maserati-scripted Veglia instruments greet the driver. The supportive and comfortable black leather-upholstered front bucket seats appear in very good condition, displaying only a slight patina and quite possibly prior restoration. Door panels appear to be original, remaining complete, albeit with minor scuffs and wear evident. The leather-clad center console is in good appearance; however, the storage-compartment cover is missing. Black loop-pile carpets appear original and in overall good appearance, notwithstanding wear-through to the driver’s side, which appears consistent with the Ghibli’s indicated mileage. A period radio is in place, supplemented by an early-1970s Voxson 8-Track tape deck mounted to the rear of the Ghibli’s floor console. The clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals appear original. The trunk also looks to be in original order and remains quite presentable, housing the battery but no spare wheel/tire.

Maserati-documented comforts worthy of such a thoroughbred GT car included an adjustable steering column, anti-theft steering lock, tinted power/electric windows, reclining seats with head rests, a heated rear windscreen, dashboard clock, Blaupunkt ‘Frankfurt’ radio with a supplemental Voxson 8-track player, air-conditioning, and power steering.

Benefiting from a four-year mechanical restoration with over $60,000 invested, the Ghibli is offered in fine mechanical order. The potent DOHC, dry-sump 4.9-liter V-8 engine and surrounding engine compartment benefit from detailing and correct, factory components, parts, and finishes are present. In 2012, the engine was removed from the Ghibli and rebuilt to factory specifications, while the identification tags are also in place. As stated above, the Ghibli also features a ZF 5-speed manual transmission.

Front independent suspension, a live rear axle with leaf springs, and four-wheel disc brakes deliver the Ghiibli’s renowned driving experience. As depicted in the accompanying photographs, the Ghibli’s underbody and chassis are undercoated and appear solid and unmodified. The underside of the Ghibli’s svelte body looks solid, having also been protected with rubberized undercoating, with some light surface rust visible to several exposed areas. The full-length, factory-specification exhaust system is in complete and preserved condition with some carefully executed repairs faithfully maintaining its correct configuration.

Blessed with fully known and well-documented history, this late-production Ghibli SS 4.9 Coupe is a matching numbers, U.S.-specification example completed during June 1972. Originally finished in Argento Auteuil (Silver) paint over Black Connolly leather upholstery, its desirable features are many.

The car was delivered new to the United States and it was originally owned by Janie Weyerhaeuser Belinsky, the lumber and paper-company heiress who at the time was married to the famed 1960s Major League pitcher, Bo Belinsky. Interestingly, Belinsky established professional baseball history and created a sensation when he pitched the first no-hitter on the West Coast for the Los Angeles (later California) Angels in 1962. However, his high-profile lifestyle and public altercations ended his once-promising baseball career by 1970.

In late 1980, Janie Weyerhaeuser Belinsky consigned the Ghibli for sale at Alfa of Tacoma in Washington, where it sold on December 31, 1980 to a Mr. Snyder for $19,500 cash at 14,016 miles. Mr. Snyder retained the Ghibli for the next 36-years and the original paperwork from this transaction is included in the car's dossier of records spanning 1980-2016.

In November 1989, the Ghibli SS received an exterior repaint and freshening of the black leather upholstery. In 2012-2015, the Maserati returned to Alfa of Tacoma for a mechanical overhaul, including an engine rebuild and complete brake service, with invoices. Most recently, an annual tune-up was performed, along with installation of new stabilizer bushings, a stainless exhaust system, and a set of period-correct Pirelli Cinturato radial tires on newly refinished bi-metal Borrani wheels. Over $60,000 was invested in the Ghibli during the four-year mechanical restoration, with the invoices and documentation from Mr. Snyder's ownership included in the sale of the car.

Maserati S.p.A. of Modena, Italy confirms with the Certificate of Origin that all chassis, engine, and body numbers are matching as the Ghibli originally left the factory. Additional Maserati Classiche documents with the car include the Final Tests Data Sheet, Technical & Aesthetic Characteristics, End of Line Data Sheet, and Delivery Note. Under 61,200 miles are presently indicated and believed correct and progressively documented by the extensive service records on file with the car.

Designed to compete with the Ferrari Daytona and Lamborghini Miura, the Ghibli firmly ranks among the elite in the vintage GT/Supercar market, yet it is curiously underpriced in comparison to its Italian rivals. In addition to its stunning Giugiaro-penned styling and outstanding provenance, this matching numbers, highly documented 1972 Maserati Ghibli SS 4.9 Coupe is sure to satisfy the true collector and connoisseur with additional items including original service, spare parts, and workshop manuals, and Maserati Classiche documentation, plus period magazine excerpts. Representing incredible value, it is ready to enjoy on open excursions with exceptional road manners to match its considerable visual appeal.