Driving A 1970 Ghibli Spyder - What Makes Maseratis of This Era So Special?

Maserati used to make cars for the very richest and more powerful, it had a reputation to be envied. What made Maseratis from the 60s and 70s so special? Today I drive this 1970 Ghibli Spyder and find out what all the fuss was about!

[@C64SX]

The Ghibli Coupe is definitely one of the most beautiful cars ever, IMO. Quite simple lines, but very elegant and just perfect proportions.

[@manchegocheese997]

There is something very optimistic and aspirational about the design of many cars from this era, something that's missing in modern cars.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Sadly soon all gas cars will be illegal in EU and USA!

[@Nellis202]

There is something definitely missing in design today. 😢

[@georgebettiol8338]

May have something to do with the insatiable demand for tall, frumpy SUVs - where even the term SUV is a misnomer.

[@AlienLivesMatter]

Straight line and curve styling. Logical, sensible and it can support low drag coefficient design This swishy bubble car sh!t they are serving up is embarrassing. Look at rear headroom in lots of SUVs. The regression is real.

[@therealknapster]

It's called ' soul ' the transfer of passion by the designer into product . As there's nothing in c.a.d. ! it's dead, sterile none meaning crap . Products for profits , not passion

[@federicomalignani4957]

Exceptional and stunning car,even if it is a conversion of a fantastic Ghibli coupè. If this is a 4.7 liter it can't be an SS,because the SS was only the 5000 (with 4.9 engine). The 4.9 engine developed only 5 bhp more than the 4.7 (330 bhp for the 4.7 and 335 for the 4.9) but the 4.9 had more torque and was ideal for the automatic gearbox,that was a typical request in the U.S. market. The steering wheel is the original one but is covered of veneer instead of natural wood. Anyway this is a magnificent car,in my opinion one of the most refined and elegant granturismos ever. My father had several Maseratis and when I was a child we used to go in Greece for summer holidays. We always left home with two cars,my mother with the Lancia Flavia full of luggage and my father with the Maserati,and we stopped in Modena where he used to leave the car for the annual service... Than the trip proceeded to Ancona with the Lancia to embark in the ferry boat to Greece and the Maserati was withdrawed weeks later,when we came back.For me and my brother that was the top of our holiday,we were taken for a tour of the factory and we always met the chief tester,Mr.Guerino Bertocchi,that was the chief mechanic of Fangio in the F1 Maserati team and also had been a F1 driver for Maserati. He tested all the new cars and he always took me and my brother for a ride in a brand new Ghibli. We were both sitting on the passenger seat and he was driving for about 20 minutes or half an hour at incredible speed in the streets around Modena. Happy times,today nobody can take children for a ride at more than 200 km/h,but my father thought he was a fantastic driver,and there was no traffic so this remained as an unforgettable experience for us. I remember those Ghiblis,there were always three or four ready at the end of the production line,they had the colors of that era,not only metallic silver or metallic blue,but also Modena yellow or orange....The seats were covered by cellophane and they had the smell of a new car.Maybe this is the reason why I consider this as the most beautiful,streamlined and elegant car of all time.Unfortunately my father never had one,because he needed a four seater as the Mexico and the Indy,and I lost the opportunity to buy a coupè some years ago....Great video,Giacomo,as always.

[@thomasheitmann1804]

🔱

[@elroyfudbucker6806]

Ahh. Jack. Giacomo. I geddit.

[@federicomalignani4957]

@@elroyfudbucker6806 🤣🤣🤣 he is the man!!

[@kim007250]

That is the definition of automotive art.

[@76Aston]

A great road test comparison to get your hands on was in Car&Driver (I think) from about 1967. It was called, "The $64,000 Road Test" and compared the Ferrari 275 GTB/4, Aston Martin DBS, Maserati Ghibli and Lamborghini 400GT. Some of the testers were world renowned drivers of the time. Excellent read. I still have the original in a box somewhere in our basement! All four of these cars are among the most beautiful automobiles ever produced. But each one needs to be experienced in person for their beauty to be fully appreciated. They come from a time when rolling art, or automotive porn (whichever term you prefer) was at its zenith. A few other cars from this era also must be included in the conversation: Lamborghini Miura, Iso Grifo, Monteverdi 375, AC 428. Aston Martin DBSV8, Ferrari Daytona (365 GTB/4)... Twenty years ago, I was fortunate to have been able to obtain a 1970's Aston Martin V8 manual. It's still a truly awesome and rewarding car to drive, but it would love to have a Ghibli like this as a 'garage mate'!

[@kipsome45]

Prettier than the Daytona Spyder in my opinion. Prettier than most, in fact. And sounds wonderful.

[@steveedmunds4949]

Agreed! Personally, I've never really liked the Daytona that much, always found the indicators too big

[@Bamsebrakar2011]

I agree too, much more elegant.

[@peanutbutterpadre1519]

I’m pretty sure all the Daytonas were hardtop from factory and made convertible later

[@kipsome45]

@@peanutbutterpadre1519 Not all of them. A factory convertible was produced, though in smaller numbers than the coupe’s I think (without referring to Wikipedia). However, many coupe’s were subsequently converted…the factory original convertibles command a significant premium over the modified cars.

[@preppen78]

Agreed

[@GForceVRX]

Love it, my dad had a Maserati Indy America here in Australia many years ago, what a car that was👌

[@user-sy1ed9ex5m]

Hi Jack, Just a small correction, the Ghibli was designed by Giugiaro, when he was head of Ghia. The later Khamsin was designed by Gandini (and it got rear independant suspention as well).

[@peteronay381]

Stunningly beautiful. Remember being on holiday as a newlywed in 1980 in Oahu, Hawaii, and there was one parked at the hotel. What a treat to see it every day. Living in South Africa, not something I readily saw.

[@Cheeseatingjunlista]

@@peteronay381 That must have cost a lot back then - are you E' Loon Musk's Dad? We, as a family in '72, went to visit my Uncle in Zambia from the UK, had to fly in to Pretoria where he picked us up in his own little plane, flew us all back to Kitwe in the copper belt. My old man moaned about the cost of the BOAC flight to get to RSA for the whole holiday, but that flight was cheap by comparison to getting to Hawaii - are you still paying the loan off?

[@marcelhannover3]

Correct, I think Giugiaro even owned a Ghibli himself (or maybe he still does).

[@alexardies3171]

@@marcelhannover3.. he still does. 🙋🏻‍♀️🏎️

[@neilswheels6783]

Had the pleasure of painting one of these many years ago. Absolutely beautiful car.

[@Stinger430]

What a beautiful creation. Huge thanks to the owner Mark for letting us ogle at it.

[@markgreen4234]

My pleasure it will be my AC 428 next

[@Stinger430]

@@markgreen4234 Looking forward to THAT!

[@Calilasseia]

Wow. You got your hands on an original Ghibli Spider. That car is a moving work of art. It's one of the most drop dead gorgeous cars ever made. Every car designer should be made to spend a month studying this, and then told "If you can't produce something at least as beautiful, don't bother". This is Marilyn Monroe in metal. Sadly, you'll never see the like of it ever again now that the SUV disease has infected the motor industry.

[@baasbowing]

Well, it’s a Spyder conversion…as Jack explained in the vid.

[@Calilasseia]

@@baasbowing ... he also said that technically, they all were, including the "original" ones ... :)

[@thecarnutga]

@@Calilasseia The statement that all Ghibli spyders were "converted" is absolutely incorrect. Different from the Daytona spiders, the Ghibli spyders were meant from birth to be a convertible. The original spyders were not converted by Campana or anyone else. Ghia built the spyders on frames designed for the spyders, which included differences such as double floors. I've owned 6 original spyders and still own one today. And yes, they are great cars!

[@fredmahar5431]

My absolute favorite Maserati of all ❤

[@corvettenyc72op21]

One of the most beautiful car made in the 70s

[@Mike-br8zt]

This is not a car, this is a work of art.

[@etoineschrdlu9382]

Back in the 80s someone in my area (Central Ohio of all places) owned one of these. It was metallic silver and I will never forget the first time I saw it: it was pulling out of a driveway of a mobile home, a trailer. Yes, an expensive exotic Maserati Ghibli Spyder driving away from a poor man's domicile. The incongruity of this sight astonished me. A few years later, in the opposite end of the same county I saw it once again fleetingly and I've not seen it since.

[@nygelmiller5293]

Actress Diana Dors had the convertible! A compliment from someone who DID like amazing cars!

[@mercoid]

In other words, a real gentleman’s car.

[@eze8970]

Thanks Jack, 8 instruments, leather, manual, 4.7 V8, engine noise, convertible, with great shape & just right for trips away - peak Maserati! 🙏🙏

[@auchenshoogle7233]

I remember actor James Laurenson driving a Ghibli round Paris in an early 70's TV production. He played a decadent playboy publisher who would park up and leave the door ajar in the Paris streets.

[@Selmerpilot]

I’ve been a poster on Ferrarichat for 20 years, have owned several carbureted Ferrari’s from that era, but recently I bought a 1980 Maserati Merak SS, and I’ve driven an early Ghibli. These cars are FAR better to take on long drives, better seating, and for the late Merak, handles better than a 308. That said, they are totally different cars and IMO, you need one of each to properly scratch the itch depending on what your itch is that day. They are both just that good

[@MrCarrera28]

Absolutely stunning, what an amazing car. Stunning coachwork and an absolutely beautiful interior. Spyder would definitely be the one to have for GT cruising on a Summer's day without having to worry about Italian AC in the Coupe, plus of course that delicious engine sound.

[@oohmeconkers1968]

My all time number one on the wish list car!! A true beauty!!

[@gazzafloss]

Excellent, thanks Jack. That is one beautifully styled vehicle, it sounds fantastic not over the top loud but really "hairy chested" and "ballsy". The styling so typical of it's time and my 20's, just love it. Thank you for the ride.

[@MontanaYeti406]

My father had a 1970 white ss coupe. The sound it made was glorious!

[@MrCapri78]

I think the coupe looks even better .

[@MontanaYeti406]

@@MrCapri78 I agree.

[@stephenricketts7764]

Such a beautiful car and so well designed. The engine sounds so sweet, just right.Yes Maserati had problems but their cars of this era are so well thought through with just the odd blip (hand brake!). Thank you Jack for bringing us another gem. 👍👍

[@kiwiwifi]

Love the new format 😊

[@ajay-xjs]

What an absolutely beautiful car, inside and out, stunning.

[@anthonypetty9288]

The Ghibli Spider has been one of my ultimate dream car designs ever since I first laid eyes on it (30 years ago?). It has a stunningly beautiful exterior and interior, and a lovely sound too. Love it in dark blue with cream interior. Thanks for sharing this.

[@iansmeath8674]

OMG Jack, to keep this family friendly all I can say is, "I am "moist"! What a stunning classic, thank you!

[@ryanmccormick2150]

WOW what a fantastic looking motor! ....not sure black would be my choice but is definitely a beautiful car. You're knocking it out the park with the contents Jack, well done buddy..... keep it coming 💪👍

[@danieljames2015]

One of the dream super Cars of my youth, along with the Iso Grifo. Gorgeous. And you literally drove past the House I grew up in, Watford Road!! Great Video.

[@Frank-pc2rs]

Absouletly beautiful car! The Italians just hit one home run after another.

[@wjack4728]

I'd have to say to my eye it's the most beautiful looking car I've ever seen.

[@albertseabra9226]

Fabulous Car, Maseratis circa 60s and early 70s were dream vehicles. Thank you for this fantastic video.

[@fritz4345]

One of my favorites when I was a little kid.

[@AaronRandolphChen]

What a gorgeous droptop the Ghibli Spyder was/is. The sound of the unstressed V8 is also fabulous. Amazed to see a car from that era with fully adjustable steering even telescopically too. I have to agree with you that Maserati succeeded in making a car that easy to own and drive unlike other Italian exotics. But the other surprise was the leaf spring rear suspension. Pity about that. Great video!

[@slchance8839]

This is my first time seeing this car and it's unbelievably beautiful! I cant stop looking at it. Even the "cream" color of the interior is next level

[@arthurdardalis]

Just drop dead gorgeous, no further comments required.

[@davyboy888]

At the time of sale this was accepted to be the most beautiful car money could buy and 50+ years later you'd have to say it's possibly the most beautiful of all time. One of Guigiaro's finest pieces of work when he was at Ghia.

[@danishaftab2464]

Enjoyed watching you drive this stunningly gorgeous car. A masterpiece by Maserati…

[@Aleiza_49]

My God this car is gorgeous!

[@martinehrlich3908]

One of my super favorites by far!!!

[@sib923]

Absolute perfection and beautiful cars! I've Always loved the Ghibli!

[@devonmask5192]

Wow. This is one of those cars so gorgeous I remember the moment I first saw one. I was 9 years old and it was in a syndicated forgotten sitcom called 'Love American Style'. Recall nothing of the show but the car burned into my brain forever. I still slightly prefer it over the Ferrari Daytona Spyder.

[@mooneepondsmassive7016]

Hats off to the owner. It's in immaculate condition

[@longbeachcarguy]

60ies and 70ies Maseratis are unbelievably gorgeous, Ghibli, Bora, Kamshin, Merak…

[@skeligun]

I think this is one of the most beautiful grand tourers you've ever reviewed, absolutely phenomenal!

[@terrybeechener5992]

What an absolute stunner of a car.The Bora was another top Maserati from that time too,and,according to certain tester's,was quicker than a Lambo Muira!

[@Number27]

Would love to do a Bora!!

[@scottfineshriber5051]

I haven’t seen one in person, but even in the video this spider is one of the most beautiful cars I’ve ever seen. Much prettier than the coupe.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Great video, probably the rear springs are rated for the coupe, ie, stiffer, a spring company who did my interceptor springs had all the specs for virtually every leaf sprung car, so some could be made, I fitted green stuff pads and the brakes squeaked exactly the same.

[@markgreen4234]

Hi it's my ghibli. There are no specs for rear springs so it's a very suck it and see. It's going in for retempering this month so the front and back work together not against each other.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

@@markgreen4234 great bud, I've had a few classics and like say the mgb gt has a leaf extra over the roadster, great car by the way, I've had e types, interceptors but the maserati is a cut above.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Awesome car. Love the design of these. Hopefully one day you can make a video with a coupe. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@nickwebb9290]

Wonderful review Jack, these videos are so interesting, thanks 👍

[@ian2armannduccio]

I was at Brands Hatch in 1968, and while I loved the Ford P68 and the Lola T70 on the track, it was the glamour in the car park that got my 15 year old self energised. A very elegant Gordon Keeble, for instance, or my first glimpse of a DBS, or the superstar of all, a Maserati Ghibli (not drop-top). The advertising at the time was all about its 186 mph claim, and I'm sure there were one or two other cars at the time making similar claims. Bit too much of a coincidence, till I finally twigged that what they were all going for was, naturally, 300kph. Did anyone really get there, 55 years ago, apart from at Le Mans? Dubious. Thanks for the excellent vid.

[@neilturner6749]

Well looking at (more aerodynamically-honed, but with greater frontal-area) modern sports cars, you need around 450bhp to get past the magic 300km/h marker. The 350-ish bhp as was typical from big Italian engines in the ‘70s seems likely to get you to about 275km/h.

[@syntetiskvag4458]

It has so many different tones of v8 it's amazing and beautiful 😍

[@cornishrider]

Fabulous and such a tasteful and stylish car, I don't think they've bettered it since. Imagine in the early 70's owning that a Range Rover and a Royal Oak watch all design classics!

[@richardbrayshaw570]

What an absolutely beautiful car! Great video, too. Love Jack's enthusiasm.

[@kiwiwifi]

I’m loving the new format😊

[@vincecaporale3544]

beautiful timeless design

[@TheWildlifeFanatic]

One of my top 10 most beautiful post war road cars!

[@gord307]

Getting Spirited Away in a Ghibli - very nice👍🏻

[@gregmccandless3872]

I like the doggy reflection at 1:44!

[@James-ld2jc]

Daytona vs Ghibli: spyder, the Maserati is better looking, coupe it's the Ferrari. That engine note is beautiful. Thank you Jack

[@chalesnu]

I very much enjoy your takes on these classics from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. I'd love for you to pull apart the concepts a bit more on a grand tourer vs a sports car.

[@thatcheapguy525]

Jack, you never fail to impress with the cars you review. I used to re-tune one of these roughly every two weeks every summer back in the early 80s. it would come in popping and farting and leave sounding like a symphony. the best bit was the road test, especially as I was a long-haired spotty teenager back then 😁

[@aris1956]

2:08 Very elegant interior ! A dashboard with outstanding materials, carefully crafted, with all the necessary gauges. The Italian style of those times is unmistakable.

[@maryannmoran-smyth3453]

That’s my kind of car, it’s styling and design are impeccable……. Keep on rockin.

[@Lemma01]

Makes a 250 Cali look like an MGB, Jack! Genuinely awesome looks, (and even a snazzy interior) and that 4xcam engine is perhaps the finest noise ever made by burning petrol. You're a lucky chap to drive one - we're lucky to enjoy you doing so...😊

[@MDC_1985]

Are you insane? A California spider is widely considered to be one of, if not THE, Most beautiful cars in the world. Values pushing north of 20 million USD. You can pick up one of these for just north of $500k. Beautiful for sure… but but it’s no California Spyder. And there is no call for ever comparing a California Spyder to an MG, ever. Just… no.

[@ComeJesusChrist]

Fabulous car, really nice interior, the fact that it is being compared to the Daytona shows its importance and quality.

[@perseus9428]

Maserati has made a huge step in the right direction with the MC20 and the Grecale. I hope they will keep up the great work.

[@tombassman]

Wow, you’re really taking us to petrolhead heaven with these cars Jack!

[@nigelbullock9039]

A stunning car design for sure. Great video...

[@MegaSkypes]

Fantastic job thanks 🙏🏼 ❤

[@mikecyc72usa]

My dad's friend owned the yellow prototype Ghibli Spyder until he sold it a few years ago at RM Monterey Auction. Really neat car compared to production ones, all kinds of subtle differences.

[@davidjonorato3554]

One of my all time favorites!!!! Just an incredibly beautiful car from every angle.

[@francescorochira773]

Bellissima. Great video Jack, bravo.

[@free_gold4467]

Stunningly beautiful car.

[@GM-fh5jp]

Every true car guys loves Maseratis, Jack. This was a fine episode...the challenge now is to get hold of a Bora / Khamsin or (I'm reaching for the stars here) a 300S or 450 S (I know, I know, but divine intervention or blind luck might intervene) Perhaps some fabulously rich collector has a red 450S as in the video, you could exercise it for him ;)

[@2702simmo]

I’ve seen them in magazines It’s just a beautiful classy machine 👍

[@ogisgarage9721]

"So un-Italian of you" Oh Jack, you made me spill my drink. Yeah, the parking brake handle, the size of the clock on the dash, the offset of the gear lever...yeah, so un-Italian ;) On the other hand, that thing is stunningly beautiful. It is so much better looking than a coupe, that I didnt even realize it is not the same car. Who cares if drives a bit low-rent. Park it in front of a cafe and watch car guys trip on their own shadows as they pass by. In comparison to that, Daytona looks like Fiero.

[@Tinker2006]

A lovely car, used to compare those to a Daytona - you say it's a 4,7 however it says SS everywhere which is the 4,9 - badge engineering on a Maserati? Another great video, keep them coming

[@chevyimp5857]

Very fine lines on this... Sweet as..

[@horsepower288]

Thank you for reviewing the Ghibli. Beautiful car. I would place it in the European automotive elegance trifecta of the 60s and 70s next to Bizzarini GT Strada and Ferrari Daytona.

[@bennyhannover9361]

We are not sure whether Leonardo Fioravanti was inspired by Giorgetto Giugiarp but the are both artists and we shall be thankful that they have been on this earth to create driving art. Marcello off course too and Franco Scaglione and many more…

[@ranjanaluwihare1511]

Wow, stunning! When Maseratis’s we’re soo special! 🙏🏽

[@BobGeogeo]

Thanks Jack, lovely car. A Ghibli coupe was the first exotic I saw in person: north of NYC on the Palisades parkway in a something of a traffic jam while dad drove the family wagon. Perfect conditions for oogling the Maser.

[@dallisb1047]

Nice sound. Very elegant looking.

[@witofthestaircase1]

You justified your existence with this episode alone

[@robinkirke1702]

I always fancied one of these. A nice thing i reckon. Thanks for all the reviews & nice to meet you the other day. Keep up the good work. i can only see the channel going from strength to strength. Best wishes.

[@Number27]

Great to see you too Robin!!

[@robinkirke1702]

I should of been a little more social, but was nursing a minor hangover!. @@Number27

[@davebarron5939]

Beautiful car, great review.

[@johnchurch4705]

Would love it if you could test an AC Frua 428 please Jack?

[@mrdainase]

What a gorgeous Ghibli Jack, and I'd never noticed the speedboat theme until you pointed it out, how right too. A little fun fact for you - in 1964 Adolfo Orsi was trying to get Jaguar to buy Maserati, but because he wasn't prepared to give full details about the business Sir Williams Lyons wasn't going to make an offer. Orsi then changed tack slightly and suggested Jaguar buy a stake in Maserati in the form of a loan to fund 'future model development', which turned out to be the Ghibli. However, Lyons still wasn't budging until he saw the full books, and he politely closed the matter. You can't help but wonder how a Ghibli with some detailed input from Jaguar - their IRS and some further fettling by Norman Dewis - might have put right the foibles you mentioned. Then again, the idea of Maserati suddenly being consumed into the nightmare that was British Leyland really doesn't bear thinking about!

[@indyvignale-wu9qk]

Fascinating adjunct to the Orsi era Maserati story… and considering that Maserati of this ear had a Salisbury diff, Jaguar front suspension and various Lucas made electrical parts it would have been a good partnership😊

[@AlienLivesMatter]

So often to me it appears that the path we got was never the pathway to best outcomes. This rings true in many examples

[@daniellee9015]

Absaloutly brilliant video jack ❤👍 what an amazing looking car absaloutly beautiful brilliant

[@rolfsvensson5777]

What a lovely car! Looks and sound! What more to ask for? Thank you! Oh! Nice drive in the heart of England ! Miss it !

[@rolfsvensson5777]

Bloody Nora! Love that car!

[@stephenshipley1066]

"Not competing with anybody, just making the best car they could". This says everything about what was right then and is wrong nowadays.

[@greggharris3284]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@serenoYdesprendido]

we didn't see this beauty with the roof up, neither with the lights on

[@stuffhappens5681]

You might not want to see it with the lights up. They stick up high. It’s not pretty.

[@sameebah]

Ahhhh - A lottery win would see me scouring the market for one of these. I have lusted after one since the 70's as a teeneager, and the desire still burns mightily.

[@mariog4707]

Loved the brake squeal.

[@markgreen4234]

I have cured it now. All new ss brakes and the pads needed some edges removed

[@paulnicholasen3069]

A stunning design, among the top 10 of beautiful cars ( Miura, Dino, Mangusta, E type, Stratos etc) but when I met someone who owned one and i was drooling over it, his first comment was "It drives like a truck". Having driven around in it several times, he's pretty much right. Low reving engine, poor steering and antiquated suspension. Among exotics of the time it got worse gas mileage than any of the others. Sure is easy on the eyes though!

[@bennyhannover9361]

Peter Ustinov said also once that he did not love the hysterical sound of a screaming v12 and therefore stayed with his 3.500 GT and other Maserati cars. He even wasn’t shocked by an engine burning in his early Biturbo Maserati he let it rework I. Switzerland with a new engine and transmission which was as expensive as a new car nearly.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Jack, does it drive like a hot desert wind? Looks gorgeous