1970 MASERATI GHIBLI 4.7 SPYDER

1 OF 125 PRODUCED | MATCHING NUMBERS 4.7L V8 | ZF 5 SPEED MANUAL | MASERATI CLASSICHE DOCUMENTATION | FACTORY HARDTOP | 2026 AACA NATIONAL FIRST PRIZE

SPECIFICATIONS

Year: 1970
Make: Maserati
Model: Ghibli 4.7 Spyder
Chassis: AM115/S 1189
Engine: AM115/S 1189, Matching Numbers
Engine: 4,719cc DOHC V8
Induction: Four Weber Carburetors
Transmission: ZF S5/325 5 Speed Manual
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Coachwork: Ghia, Giugiaro Design
Ghia Body Number: 10247
Current Exterior: Dark Blue
Current Interior: Light Tan Leather
Original Exterior: Rosso Cordoba, Salchi 106R7
Original Interior: Senape, Connolly PAC.1775
Factory Wheels: Borrani Spoked
Current Wheels: Campagnolo Alloy
Steering: Power Assisted
Brakes: Four Wheel Disc
Equipment: Air Conditioning, Power Windows
Production: July 1970
Documentation: Extensive Maserati Classiche and Factory Records
Award: 2026 AACA National First Prize

MOTORVAULT is pleased to offer this 1970 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Spyder, chassis AM115/S 1189, one of just 125 Ghibli Spyders produced.

Powered by its documented matching numbers 4,719cc quad cam V8 and equipped with a ZF five speed manual transmission, chassis 1189 is accompanied by an unusually extensive collection of Maserati factory and Classiche documentation tracing the car from its original factory order through production, testing and delivery.

Its history includes approximately four decades of continuous collector ownership, a comprehensive restoration completed around 1992, an original Maserati factory hardtop sourced during that restoration, and most recently an AACA National First Prize at the 2026 Winter Nationals.

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro during his time at Ghia, the Ghibli remains one of the defining Italian grand touring designs of its generation. The Spyder combines those proportions with Maserati's quad cam V8 and the open air character of one of the rarest Italian grand tourers of the period.

HISTORY & PROVENANCE

Factory records trace chassis AM115/S 1189 to an internal Maserati order dated April 22, 1970 for Trident Imported Motors of Rosemont, Pennsylvania. The factory order specifies a Ghibli Spyder 4700 finished in Rosso Cordoba with Senape Connolly leather, U.S. specification equipment, power steering and wire wheels. A subsequent factory shipping document dated July 7, 1970 identifies 1189 as both the chassis and engine number and records shipment by sea to Trident Imported Motors.

The Maserati subsequently entered long term enthusiast ownership and was acquired by a dedicated Italian automobile collector in the late 1970s. Remarkably, the car remained in that ownership for approximately four decades.

During this period, the Ghibli underwent an extensive restoration completed around 1992. Historical correspondence in the file associates American Auto Body in Akron, Ohio with the restoration. During the work, the original Rosso Cordoba exterior was changed to the dark blue it wears today and the interior was retrimmed in its current light leather.

An original Maserati factory hardtop was also sourced during the restoration and has accompanied the car for decades.

Following its long term collector ownership, the Maserati changed hands in 2021 and was subsequently offered through Bring a Trailer in April 2022. The car has continued to be preserved, maintained and shown, culminating most recently in national recognition from the Antique Automobile Club of America.

2026 AACA NATIONAL FIRST PRIZE

In March 2026, chassis 1189 was judged at the Antique Automobile Club of America Winter Nationals in Cartersville, Georgia, where it earned an AACA National First Prize.

The Ghibli competed in Class 25D, Sports Vehicles Open 1970–2001, and carries AACA award vehicle number W40509. The award advances the Maserati to eligibility for AACA Senior Award competition.

The distinction is particularly meaningful given the age of the restoration. Approximately three decades after the restoration was completed, chassis 1189 continues to present at a level sufficient to earn national recognition through AACA judging.

MASERATI CLASSICHE & FACTORY DOCUMENTATION

The documentation accompanying chassis 1189 is one of the strongest aspects of this particular Ghibli.

The history file includes Maserati Classiche Certificates of Origin and Technical and Aesthetic Characteristics documentation, together with Maserati certified copies of original factory records.

Included are certified copies of the original internal factory order, final test data sheet, end of line data sheet and delivery note.

Related Maserati correspondence and documentation associated with obtaining these records are also included.

The surviving factory records identify:

Chassis: AM115/S1189
Engine: AM115/S1189
Displacement: 4,719cc
Configuration: 90 Degree V8
Fuel System: Carburetors
Gearbox: ZF S5/325 Manual
Coachwork: Ghia, Giugiaro Design
Body Number: 10247
Original Exterior: Rosso Cordoba, Salchi 106R7
Original Interior: Senape, Connolly PAC.1775
Original Wheels: Borrani Spoked

The original production and testing records provide an unusually detailed look into the car's manufacture and preparation in Modena, with handwritten factory information associated directly with chassis 1189.

An owner's and service manual also accompanies the car.

MATCHING NUMBERS & IDENTIFICATION

The matching numbers designation on this Maserati is supported by both surviving physical identification and Maserati factory documentation.

The engine carries identification corresponding to 1189, matching the engine number recorded by Maserati Classiche and in the surviving factory documentation.

The chassis plate identifies the car as Tipo AM115 S, No. 1189, while the U.S. identification plate carries AM115.1189.

The Ghia coachbuilder plate identifies Carrozzeria No. 10247, corresponding with the body number recorded by Maserati.

Additional factory, casting and component markings remain visible throughout the car and have been photographed as part of MOTORVAULT's documentation.

Together, the physical identification points and extensive factory records provide strong support for chassis 1189's matching numbers presentation.

EXTERIOR

The Ghibli is finished in Dark Blue, paired with a light tan interior and convertible top.

Giugiaro's Ghibli design is defined by its exceptionally low hood line, concealed headlights, sharply tapered nose, long proportions and restrained detailing. The Spyder translated those lines into an open car without sacrificing the dramatic profile that made the original Ghibli so distinctive.

Factory documentation establishes that chassis 1189 was originally finished in Rosso Cordoba, Salchi code 106R7.

The current Dark Blue finish dates to the restoration completed around 1992 and should therefore be viewed as an older restored finish rather than a recently completed restoration.

More than three decades later, the car's overall presentation was recognized with an AACA National First Prize in March 2026.

Brightwork, trim, badging and exterior finishes are shown extensively in the accompanying gallery.

FACTORY HARDTOP & CONVERTIBLE TOP

A particularly desirable addition to chassis 1189 is its removable original Maserati factory hardtop.

Historical documentation indicates that the hardtop was sourced during the car's restoration. It is not represented as having been delivered new with chassis 1189, but is an original Maserati component that has accompanied the car for decades.

The hardtop is included with the sale.

The Ghibli is also equipped with its folding convertible top, allowing the car to be enjoyed in open, soft top or hardtop configurations.

INTERIOR

The cabin is trimmed in light leather complemented by dark carpeting, a black upper dashboard and wood rimmed steering wheel.

Maserati factory documentation establishes that chassis 1189 was originally delivered with Senape Connolly leather, code PAC.1775. Historical records indicate that the interior was retrimmed during the restoration completed around 1992.

Jaeger instrumentation is positioned ahead of the driver, while auxiliary gauges are arranged across the dashboard.

Equipment includes air conditioning and power windows, along with a period style audio system.

The interior remains consistent with the character of the car's older restoration and complements the exterior presentation recognized by AACA judging in 2026.

4.7 LITER QUAD CAM V8

At the heart of the Ghibli is Maserati's 4,719cc aluminum V8. The engine utilizes dual overhead camshafts for each cylinder bank, four Weber carburetors and dry sump lubrication. Period output was approximately 310 horsepower.

More significant to this particular example is its identity. The engine carries identification corresponding with chassis 1189, while Maserati Classiche documentation independently records the original engine as AM115/S1189.

Power is delivered through a ZF S5/325 five speed manual transmission to the rear wheels.

The combination of a naturally aspirated Maserati V8, four Weber carburetors and a five speed manual gearbox is central to the Ghibli's character as a true Italian grand touring automobile.

SERVICE & MECHANICAL

A substantial round of mechanical service was completed in November 2021 prior to the car's 2022 sale.

Documented work included replacement of the air conditioning compressor, shock absorbers, V belt and rear axle limiting straps. The power steering pump, fuel level gauge and clock were rebuilt, while an engine oil service was completed and transmission fluid was topped off.

New tires were also installed.

A compression test performed at that time reportedly showed readings of approximately 140 to 160 psi across all eight cylinders.

Current photographs of the engine compartment and underside are included in the gallery. As can be seen in the current underside photographs, areas of fluid seepage are present around portions of the drivetrain. MOTORVAULT has intentionally documented the underside as part of the vehicle's presentation and welcomes independent inspection.

CHASSIS, SUSPENSION & BRAKES

The Ghibli combines independent front suspension with a leaf sprung live rear axle, reflecting its original role as a high speed grand touring automobile. Four wheel disc brakes provide stopping power.

Power steering was specified from new on chassis 1189, as confirmed by the original Maserati factory documentation. The shock absorbers and rear axle limiting straps were replaced as part of the documented 2021 service.

WHEELS & TIRES

The Maserati currently rides on Campagnolo alloy wheels fitted with Michelin XWX tires.

Maserati factory documentation establishes that chassis 1189 was originally ordered with wire wheels, while the Classiche Technical and Aesthetic Characteristics documentation identifies the original specification as Borrani Spoked.

The Michelin tires were installed in connection with the 2021 servicing and carry 2020 date codes.

RESTORATION & PRESERVATION

Historical documentation indicates that chassis 1189 underwent an extensive restoration during its approximately four decades of long term collector ownership, with the work completed around 1992. The restoration included changing the exterior from its factory Rosso Cordoba to Dark Blue and retrimming the interior in its current light leather.

An original Maserati factory hardtop was also sourced during this period.

The age of the restoration is an important part of the car's story. Rather than evaluating a freshly completed restoration, more than three decades have passed to demonstrate how the work has aged and how the car has subsequently been preserved.

That preservation was recognized on a national level when chassis 1189 earned an AACA National First Prize in March 2026.

MOTORVAULT does not represent the car as a freshly restored example. It is instead an older restored and carefully preserved Ghibli Spyder with substantial documentation, long term collector history and recent national recognition.

PREVIOUS MARKET HISTORY

Chassis 1189 was publicly offered through Bring a Trailer in April 2022 following its long term previous ownership and documented mechanical servicing. The auction generated significant interest and resulted in a remarkable sale. The previous auction presentation forms part of the car's public history and provides an additional extensive photographic record of chassis 1189 at that time.

WHY WE LOVE IT

The Ghibli Spyder occupies an unusual place among the great Italian automobiles of its era.

It carries the unmistakable proportions of a Giugiaro designed Ghia body, but underneath is a large displacement Maserati quad cam V8, four Weber carburetors and a ZF five speed manual gearbox. This was built as a true Italian grand tourer, combining performance with the ability to cover long distances in a way very different from a more focused sports car.

And there simply aren't many of them.

Only 125 Ghibli Spyders were produced, making the open Ghibli considerably rarer than many of its better known Italian contemporaries.

Chassis 1189 adds another layer.

Its matching chassis and engine numbers are supported by Maserati factory documentation. Its original factory order, production records, final testing information and delivery documentation survive. Its history includes approximately four decades of continuous collector ownership, and an original Maserati factory hardtop accompanies the car.

Perhaps most telling is that this is not a recently completed restoration prepared specifically for sale. The restoration dates to approximately 1992, yet in March 2026 the Maserati earned an AACA National First Prize.

That combination of rarity, documentation, matching numbers, long term ownership and preservation is what makes chassis 1189 particularly compelling.

It is exactly the type of automobile we enjoy representing at MOTORVAULT: historically significant and worthy of a serious collection, while remaining fundamentally a machine intended to be experienced.

CONTACT MOTORVAULT

For additional information, photographs, videos, financing assistance, trade evaluations, or to schedule a private viewing, please contact:

Brian Henry
Managing Partner | Sales & Client Relations
(317) 522-8260
sales@motorvault.com

Ralph Haga
Sales & Client Relations
(309) 721-9725
sales@motorvault.com

MOTORVAULT
520 W. McCarty Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46225

www.motorvault.com

TERMS, DISCLOSURE & BUYER INFORMATION

At MOTORVAULT, transparency and accurate representation are our priorities. Vehicle descriptions are prepared using owner-supplied information, service records, vehicle history reports, manufacturer documentation, and our own inspection. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, buyers are encouraged to independently verify any information they consider important.

As one of only three Bring a Trailer Local Area Partners (LAPs) in Indiana, MOTORVAULT applies the same attention to detail and documentation to every vehicle we represent, whether sold through Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, or directly through MOTORVAULT.

Unless otherwise stated, all vehicles are sold as-is, where-is, with no expressed or implied warranties. Mileage may vary slightly due to transport, detailing, photography, inspections, or test drives.

Independent pre-purchase inspections are welcomed, and we are happy to coordinate inspections with the buyer's preferred dealership or specialist. We also assist with financing, trade-ins, nationwide enclosed transportation, and international shipping.

Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Indianapolis International Airport (IND), MOTORVAULT welcomes buyers from across the country and can assist with airport transportation and enclosed vehicle delivery.

We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business and welcome any questions regarding this vehicle before purchase.