PROVENANCE
Bill Brown, Los Angeles, California (acquired new in 1972)
Larry Goltz, Los Angeles, California (acquired from the above in 1982)
Ivan Ruiz, Atlanta, Georgia (acquired from the above in 2008)
Cary Cooper, Birmingham, Alabama (acquired from the above in 2008)
Ivan Ruiz, Atlanta, Georgia (acquired from the above)
Al Ritchie, West Palm Beach, Florida (acquired from the above)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)

THIS CAR
Maserati was going strong in the late 1960s, building some of Europe’s finest grand touring cars. Among the most widely appreciated models was Giorgetto Giugiaro’s stunningly proportioned Ghibli. Introduced to the public at the Torino Auto Show of November 1966 – deliveries started in March 1967 – pop-up headlamps smoothed the nose and dual 13-gallon gas tanks ensured a proper touring range. The Ghibli was Maserati’s fastest road car to date, with a top speed approaching 170 mph.

The Ghibli offered here is distinguished by its factory options, such as power steering, Borrani wire wheels and quad-tipped exhaust. Numbered 2112, this Ghibli is the more powerful 4.9-liter SS version, as designated by the “49” prefix in the chassis number. Ordered new by Los Angeles music producer Bill Brown, the Ghibli joined a stable of several fine sports cars, each one finished in black on black. Originally red, 2112 was repainted prior to delivery with 15 coats of hand-rubbed deep-gloss black lacquer, matching the black leather interior.

In 1982, and showing approximately 21,000 miles, Mr. Brown sold his prized Ghibli to Larry Goltz. Under Mr. Goltz’s care, maintenance records indicate an emphasis on preservation, with parts such as the starter motor and water pump being rebuilt, not replaced. Mr. Goltz applied Connolly Hide Food to the interior monthly, hand glazed and waxed the paint every two to three months, and never hosed 2112 down, instead wiping the finish with a damp cloth in an effort to prevent corrosion.

In February 2009, now under the care of Cary Cooper of Birmingham, Alabama, and showing 32,195 miles, Old World Motorcars of Georgia performed an engine rebuild. The documentation of this work runs over a dozen pages and totals over $28,000. Other, smaller service work from this period indicates a keen attention to detail and concern for 2112.

Today, this Ghibli presents very well inside and out. The black leather interior is beautifully preserved, and there is matching, fitted luggage and an impressive factory tool kit. The recent mechanical work, and documentation continuing from one fastidious owner to the next, make this among the most charismatic surviving Ghiblis. With known ownership from new, and possessing the desirable 4.9 SS specification, this Ghibli calls for close inspection and serious consideration.