The first example ever shown to the public

Arguably the most significant Maserati Ghibli Spyder in existence, RM Sotheby’s will offer chassis AM115/S 1001 at its Pebble Beach auction on 14-15 August, the first example of this late 1960s convertible ever shown to the public. Featuring styling by Ghia and offered in its original ‘Giallo’ yellow, with contrasting ‘Testa di Moro’ brown interior, the prototype model also carries numerous subtle differences from the later production model, including a longer boot lid and slight recesses in the door panels.

Meeting its first owner in Italy in 1969, the Spyder was imported to the United States in 1975. In 1986, showing 41,000 miles on the clock, it was 'properly stored' for nearly 30 years before being bought by its current owner, who arranged for a slight re-commissioning in order to bring chassis 1001 back to life. The car comes with a pre-sale estimate of $1,200,000 - $1,800,000.

Ian Kelleher, Managing Director, RM Sotheby’s West Coast Division, said, “We’re thrilled to have been entrusted with the car’s sale by its gentleman owner. For the astute Maserati collector, its offering represents a singular opportunity to acquire a very significant automobile – the first Ghibli Spyder.”

The RM Sotheby's Pebble Beach sale will also showcase the original U.S.-specification Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Prototype, estimated at $900,000 - $1,200,000.

Photos: Darin Schnabel ©2015 Courtesy of RM Sothebys