Maserati Ghibli / Tipo AM115 (1967–1973)

The name Maserati Ghibli has since been used by Maserati for three different cars. The first was the Ghibli I, which was built between 1966 and 1973. In the 1990s, Maserati introduced the Ghibli II, including a Cup version and a Primatist version. The newest variant of the Ghibli followed in 2013.

Maserati Ghibli I Spyder

History and background

On November 3, 1966, the Maserati Ghibli made a striking entrance at the Turin Motor Show, exhibited at the Ghia stand. Designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, the two-seater coupé redefined the gran tourer concept with a bold blend of performance, elegance, and innovative design. The V8-powered Ghibli proved to be the most popular Maserati vehicle since the automaker withdrew from racing in the 1950s, surpassing its two biggest rivals, the Ferrari Daytona and the Lamborghini Miura, in sales figures.

To achieve a lower hood line and enhance the sleek profile, Maserati adopted a racing-inspired dry-sump lubrication system, allowing the engine to be placed exceptionally low in the tubular chassis.

The name Ghibli: a wind that blew three times at Maserati

Maserati has always had a soft spot for names that exude power, speed, and mystique. These often come from the world of winds, and the Ghibli—a hot desert wind from North Africa—is perhaps the finest example of this. The fun part is that Maserati dusted off this name not once, not twice, but three times. And each time, the Ghibli symbolized a very different kind of Maserati.

De first Ghibli Appeared in 1966, it was a classic grand tourer such as only the Italians could design. Giorgetto Giugiaro delivered a razor-sharp design that was as low and wide as a predator poised to pounce on its prey. Under the long hood lay a mighty V8, capable of performance that made many a Ferrari driver nervous. This Ghibli was not a car, but a rolling work of art – elegant, brutal, and irresistible.

interior Maserati Ghibli I Spyder from 1970

Design and interior

Giugiaro's design for the Ghia introduced a groundbreaking concept: the body and the cabin were no longer treated as separate volumes but united in a single fluid form. The geometric, clean surfaces were softened by his signature touch, creating a form that was both elegant and unmistakably sporty. The retractable headlights and ultra-narrow front spoiler marked a new stylistic direction for Maserati.

The steel body of the Ghibli, characterized by its low, shark-snout nose, was designed by a young Giorgetto Giugiaro, who was working at Ghia at the time. All variants used rear-wheel drive and shared the model's distinctive styling, including leather interiors, wood trim, and power-assisted disc brakes on all four wheels.

Model variants

Ghibli Coupé 4.7 (1967–1973):

The standard Ghibli coupe, built from 1967 to 1973, had the 4,7-liter V8 engine that produced 330 hp at 5.500 rpm and 461 Nm of torque at 3.500 rpm. Approximately 1.270 units were produced.

Ghibli Spyder (1969–1973):

The Ghibli Spyder, introduced in 1969 and running until 1973, was a two-seater convertible variant with the same 4,7-liter engine, albeit slightly detuned to 310 hp for structural reasons. Only 128 examples were made.

Ghibli SS (1970–1973):

From 1970 to 1973, the Ghibli SS was upgraded to a 4,9-liter V8 engine producing 335 hp at 5.500 rpm and 483 Nm of torque, with minor exterior changes such as a revised front spoiler and bumper. SS-powered cars feature an additional /49 designation (e.g., AM115/49).

Ghibli Spyder SS:

Rarest variant — only 25 examples built with the 4,9-liter SS engine in open configuration.

V8 Maserati Ghibli I Spyder from 1970

Competitors

The V8-powered Ghibli surpassed its two biggest rivals, the Ferrari Daytona and the Lamborghini Miura, in sales figures. Direct competitors were:

• Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona (direct competitor)
• Lamborghini Miura (mid-engine, technically more advanced)
• Aston Martin DBS V8
• The Tomaso Pantera (lower segment)

Successor model

The Ghibli went out of production in 1973 and found a successor the following year with the Bertone-designed Khamsin. The Khamsin was technically more modern — with independent rear suspension — but lacked the dramatic proportions of the Ghibli. Later, Maserati used the Ghibli name again for two completely different cars: the AM336 two-seater coupe in 1992 and the M157 four-door sedan in 2013.