Ghibli is defined as a hot and dusty wind that descends from the interior highlands of Libya toward the Mediterranean Sea, although to most, it’s a Maserati. First introduced in November 1966 at the Turin Motor Show, the Ghibli followed the Trident Brand’s convention of naming some of their models after particular winds, befitting of the Ghibli name, then, when one considers the speed and the ‘warmth’ of its technical and stylistic specifications.
Sporting gracious lines and a newly designed engine, the Ghibli offered a sporty yet unostentatious character with its typically assertive and slender appearance stemming from its low bonnet line, possible thanks to the 4,7-litre (later 4,9-litre) V8’s then state-of-the-art dry sump lubrication system and tubular chassis.
Giorgetto Giugiaro’s penwork was responsible for the Ghibli’s taut and geometric lines which differed from its predecessors by integrating its volumes: there was no distinction between the car’s body and the passenger compartment; they were neither separate nor overlapping, rather they were joined together as a single surface.
The end result was a grand tourer that remained true to the exclusive, luxury style, power and comfort – yet with an over-arching theme of racing – for which all Maserati cars have stood out.
In 1977, a year after being unveiled, this model landed on showroom floors. In 1979, the Spyder version became available and all in all, over 1 200 Coupé’s and 128 Spyders were produced. In 2013, Maserati resurrected the Ghibli name for their new sports sedan model, ushering in a new era of series production for the cherished Italian manufacturer.
