One knows he is developing something iconic when completely revolutionary thinking is infested in all parts of the manufacturing process. One such paragon of exquisite artwork was the Maserati Ghibli which saw the light of the day on the 3rd November, 1966 at the Ghia stand of the Turin Motor Show. The two-seater coupe was the consequence of pain-staking effort of the legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. An interesting story surrounds the name ‘Ghibli.’ The word denotes a vehement, warm wind which carries with it large tracts of sand. This resonates well with what the car was intended to do.
What really brought it to the climax of popularity is its 330 hp liberated by the 4,700-cc version following which an even more powerful 4,900-cc iteration was launched with ludicrous power and torque figures to put other tall claiming coupes to shame.
Italians are known for their unique but vivacious styles. To reiterate that here, its hood was purposely lowered down for a hunkered and wrapped up stance. The engine was equipped with dry sump, a solution used in racing cars and was stacked above the tubular chassis. Combined, it provided the car with a taut and low slung, extremely coveted stance.
Unlike other cars of the time where occupant cubicles were separated from the frame, this car was literally a one piece design which enhanced its agility on the road and minimised body roll. Giugiaro’s legerity maintained that the structure was sinuous enough despite the geometrical conception of its design.
A retro element: retractable headlights which were a hallmark feature back in the day, was present in this car. Something which went exist by the dawn of the millennium. In addition to this, a slender grille as the throne for the logo occupied the car’s width.
To bring about mind-blowing articulation, low bonnet, a heavily oblique wind screen and great girth were all thought and fused together during its development. A signature element became the triangular rear pillar which also flanked on other models from Maserati.
Its cockpit was equally special and unique with great quality switchgear and instrumentation making up the interior. All this spouted great style, comfort and luxury without being oblivious to its prime objective of being a true-blue race car, this melange made it to be endeared by everyone.
Following its launch in 1967, its interior saw a rehash just a year later and it provided the customisation of an automatic transmission which could be fitted upon request along with a 5-speed manual gearbox. An update which everyone would’ve fancied and taken the most notice of is the inclusion of Spyder or a hard-top version which became available from the year 1969. Following this, the 4,900-cc engine was made standard on both the trims and got the suffix ‘SS’ attached to the name.
They tout that they sold 128 Spyder body styles of the car and over 1,200 coupe body styles between 1967 and 1972. In fact, one of these examples was even purchased by Henry Ford’s grandson who had parked it at the Ford Product Development Centre in Detroit for the staff to take impetus from such a futuristic and iconic design for its cars.
As all good things come to an end, the Ghibli also faced the wrath of time and made way for better and modern cars to keep the trident’s energy intact. However, fast forward to 2013 and we laid our eyes on a compact sports sedan which recuperated the iconic name. It draws eyeballs with its striking design and crouched profile, in addition to the mind-boggling performance and opulence it has on offer. Will it be able to be the trailblazer for others to inspire from? Let us know in the comments.
