Maserati raised the curtain on its new Ghibli coupe at the 1966 Torino Motor Show, introducing a modern evolution of its exclusive gran turismo line. The car’s long and lean styling was nothing short of breathtaking. A new 4.7-liter V-8 motor utilized a dry sump lubrication system, which sat lower in the chassis, achieving a low hood line on the new coupe. A sharply raked windshield and pop-up hidden headlights – the first seen on a production Maserati – contributed to the sleek appearance. Drafted by a young Giorgetto Giugiaro while at Carrozzeria Ghia, it has been reported that the master designer considers the Ghibli his most beautiful creation.

The Ghibli Spider was introduced in 1969, sharing nearly all of the coupe’s specifications and performance, but taking its beauty to new heights. Strictly a two-seater, the Spider’s fabric roof could be completely folded away underneath a rear deck panel behind the seats, preserving its smooth profile. Of the total Spider production, only 100 4.7-liter and 25 4.9-liter examples were built, making these cars among the most exclusive Italian GTs of their day.

The Ghibli shared its front-engine, rear-drive layout, and tubular steel-frame chassis construction with the Quattroporte and the Mexico models. In contrast to more complex suspension designs favored by Ferrari and Lamborghini, the Ghibli employed Maserati’s tried-and-true setup consisting of a front independent suspension, a rear live axle on semi-elliptical leaf springs, and four-wheel disc brakes. Testers during the period described the model’s handling as wonderfully predictable and balanced.

Descended from the tipo 450S sports racer, the Ghibli’s 4.7-liter V-8 featured hemispherical combustion chambers, dual overhead camshafts, and four twin-choke Weber carburetors. Mated to a five-speed ZF manual gearbox or three-speed Borg-Warner automatic, the V-8 provided intoxicating noises as it neared redline and developed 310 hp at 5,500 rpm and 340 lbs./ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. It could achieve 0–60 mph in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of over 150 mph.

The example offered here was specially ordered from Maserati by Bruce McCashin, a nephew-in-law of famed sports car racer and privateer team owner Briggs Cunningham. Best known for the American-built sports cars which bore his name, Cunningham also had an affinity for Maseratis, having owned three 300Ss, a tipo 60 “Birdcage,” and a tipo 151. Mr. McCashin’s family emigrated from London to Brooklyn, New York, in 1848, owning real estate at first but later becoming prosperous in the oil business, which afforded Mr. McCashin an overseas education and a taste for the finer things.

That refined taste led Mr. McCashin to Bob Grossman’s dealership, Foreign Car City in West Nyack, New York, and records indicate he ordered this car in July 1969. For special clients, Maserati could still be a bespoke atelier, and this US-specification 1970 Ghibli Spider was dispatched with quad exhaust tips, bolt-on Borrani wire wheels, a Becker Grand Prix AM/FM radio with electric antenna, seat belts, and a left-hand door mirror.

A build sheet sourced by Maserati historian Adolfo Orsi on file confirms these options and the special-ordered paint color of Mercedes-Benz Tobacco Brown (DB 423) over Senape (Mustard) leather interior, with matching tunnel and dashboard upholstery.

Mr. McCashin made plans to pick up the car at the Maserati factory in Modena – going as far as requesting “EE” tourist registration and plates – but that never came to pass. Foreign Car City eventually took delivery of the car in March 1970 before placing it with a new owner. The Ghibli has continued to reside in the New York area since that time.

Now wearing lovely silver paint with red interior and a standard Ghibli twin-tip exhaust, this exceedingly rare Maserati offers an intriguing proposition: to enjoy as is or restore it to its original configuration as shown on its included factory order form, build sheet, and shipping receipt.

Uniquely outfitted and historically documented, this is a special opportunity to acquire one of Maserati’s great gran turismo icons. In any flavor, a Maserati Ghibli Spider is both an exhilarating top-down event car and a stunning concours standout, sure to turn the head of even the most seasoned Italian car enthusiast.