Affordable Exotics: Maserati

Ghibli
(1966-1973) The Ghibli ignited the automotive press when it was first shown in 1966. Gone was the old six, replaced by a 4.7-liter, twin-cam V-8. The chassis was nothing special, with a live axle in back, but the looks were stunning. In 1970 a 4.9-liter engine with 335 hp was introduced and top speed climbed to around 155 mph. Maserati sold 1,149 Ghibli coupes and 125 spyders, and today the coupes fetch $45,000 to $60,000. Rough cars can be had in the $15,000 range, but high restoration costs make them no bargain. Spyders are typically over $100,000.

Indy
(1969-1974) The Indy shared running gear with the Ghibli, but was a more sedate 2+2 for the country club set. It lacked the grace of the Ghibli, yet sold in reasonable numbers anyway (1,136 total). Neglected by collectors, their low value has led many Indys to be poorly maintained or subjected to domestic engine swaps. A correct Indy should sell for $20,000 to $30,000.

Khamsin
(1974-1982) This unusual coupe featured asymmetrical styling and replaced both the Ghibli and the Indy. At the time, Maserati was owned by Citroen, which was responsible for some of the engineering on the Khamsin. The same 4.9-liter V-8 from the last Ghiblis was standard with a 5-speed gearbox or a 3-speed automatic. The Khamsin tanked in the marketplace against the new wave of mid-engined supercars. Only 421 were built and they sell for about the same as the Indy.

Bora
(1971-1980) The Bora was Maserati's first mid-engined GT car, built in response to the Lamborghini Miura. A steel unibody chassis mounted the familiar Maserati V-8 in 4.7-liter and 4.9-liter form. Coupled with a 5-speed transaxle, the 320-horse V-8 would push the new supercar over 160 mph. Only 571 were built before the Bora was overtaken by more modern cars from Ferrari and Lamborghini. Boras currently sell for $50,000 to $60,000.

Merak
(1972-1983) In 1972, a nearly identical model to the Bora (except for the rear window treatment) was introduced at a much lower cost. The Merak used a V-6 Citroen engine with less than 200 hp. Performance for the 3,200-pound sportster was marginal at best. Still, the price was much lower than the Bora and 1,832 were sold. Compared to Boras, Meraks are still bargains in the $20,000 range.