1969 Maserati Ghibli - The Resurection
Discussion
Going back through this thread I was shocked to see I've been on this project for what is approaching 20 years! Wow how time flies and how many significant changes in life have occurred in that time, the most pertinent with regard to the Ghibli is I've now retired. That means I now have the time and head space to cack on with it but also funds will have to be spent wisely.
The last meaningful posts were April 2017 regarding rebuilding the back axle and May 2019 when the fuel tanks and radiator were refurbished.
The fuel tanks and rad are still packed away for safe keeping and ready to install when the time is right, the back axle however was quite involved and I didn't post any pictures at the time so that will be the next subject.
Here are a few photos taken yesterday of where we are:
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The last meaningful posts were April 2017 regarding rebuilding the back axle and May 2019 when the fuel tanks and radiator were refurbished.
The fuel tanks and rad are still packed away for safe keeping and ready to install when the time is right, the back axle however was quite involved and I didn't post any pictures at the time so that will be the next subject.
Here are a few photos taken yesterday of where we are:
[url][url][url]TR4man said:
What a stunning colour!
Is it an original Maserati colour?
Yes the car left the factory with Verdi Bosco (forest green) paint and I too think its great, it was repainted in resale red in the 80's.Is it an original Maserati colour?
The interior was originally white leather, changed at the same time it was repainted to white with red piping. The interior is a task I'm putting out of my mind for the time being.
Hurricane52 said:
Welcome back to the fold Chad Speed. Verde Bosco looks awesome. I’ve been through a similar process whilst you’ve been away, so if you need any pointers, let me know. Don’t want to hijack your thread, but just by way of encouragement, here’s a pic. Best of luck with your retirement.
That looks fantastic Chris, right hand drive too. Was it 13 RHD cars they made, I've seen various figures quoted?Really happy for all to post Ghibli pictures and their experiences.
I'd be interested in what condition your Magnesium alloy Campagnolo Starburst wheels are in and any work you've had done on them.
Not sure how many RHD SS were made - I too have heard 13 with 9 coming to the UK. My car has lead a very gentle life, about half of its 51 years with me and half with the original owner. As far as I know it has only left the UK twice - a trip to Ireland in 2004 as a last minute stand in for my old Elan which wouldn’t start just before we were due to leave for the ferry and for our honeymoon to Le Marche back in 2005.
I painted and lacquered the wheels myself for that occasion, but they were in pretty good order anyway. The spinners (which only serve to hide the wheel bolts) are a little pitted, but I made the decision to preserve everything that wasn’t broken or rusty, so only the bumpers and over-riders went to the chrome shop. The rest is as it left the factory.
The eagle eyed might spot the big tyres - 225/70 VR 15. It had Cinturatos of the same size when I bought it and I there are pictures in some books showing it wearing them. I doubt it left Modena that way, so I guess they were changed in the 70s or 80s. One day I’ll dig out the invoices to see if I can pinpoint the date. Before going to Italy I thought it wise to change them, but back then the Pirellis were no longer available so I plumped for plump Michelins (an option new I believe). The Cinturatos are now available again I think.
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/AWqrSyyR.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/ppebyHWn" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/ppebyHWn.jpg)
I painted and lacquered the wheels myself for that occasion, but they were in pretty good order anyway. The spinners (which only serve to hide the wheel bolts) are a little pitted, but I made the decision to preserve everything that wasn’t broken or rusty, so only the bumpers and over-riders went to the chrome shop. The rest is as it left the factory.
The eagle eyed might spot the big tyres - 225/70 VR 15. It had Cinturatos of the same size when I bought it and I there are pictures in some books showing it wearing them. I doubt it left Modena that way, so I guess they were changed in the 70s or 80s. One day I’ll dig out the invoices to see if I can pinpoint the date. Before going to Italy I thought it wise to change them, but back then the Pirellis were no longer available so I plumped for plump Michelins (an option new I believe). The Cinturatos are now available again I think.
Great to see some progress on the Ghibli 
I read somewhere that there were eight coupes and four spiders built in RHD in the factory, but a few more have since been converted from LHD to RHD since then. Happy to be corrected though.
One of the RHD cars featured in a cigarette advert c.1970 and one of the RHD Spiders was driven by Peter Wyngarde in a 'blink or you'll miss it' appearance in 'Jason King', complete with fake number plates and a factory hardtop.
I read somewhere that there were eight coupes and four spiders built in RHD in the factory, but a few more have since been converted from LHD to RHD since then. Happy to be corrected though.
One of the RHD cars featured in a cigarette advert c.1970 and one of the RHD Spiders was driven by Peter Wyngarde in a 'blink or you'll miss it' appearance in 'Jason King', complete with fake number plates and a factory hardtop.
Edited by P5BNij on Wednesday 27th April 15:15
Chad speed said:
TR4man said:
What a stunning colour!
Is it an original Maserati colour?
Yes the car left the factory with Verdi Bosco (forest green) paint and I too think its great, it was repainted in resale red in the 80's.Is it an original Maserati colour?
The interior was originally white leather, changed at the same time it was repainted to white with red piping. The interior is a task I'm putting out of my mind for the time being.
Hurricane52 said:
Welcome back to the fold Chad Speed. Verde Bosco looks awesome. I’ve been through a similar process whilst you’ve been away, so if you need any pointers, let me know. Don’t want to hijack your thread, but just by way of encouragement, here’s a pic. Best of luck with your retirement.
I note from the motorcycle in the background that you like all things Italian, they are cracking little bikes.Chad speed said:
Here are a few photos taken yesterday of where we are:
Wow - your car looks stunning in that colour! Congratulations on retiring too.
It's great to have the time to spend doing whatever you want, even if it does limit the budget. But I hope you can keep making progress.
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