1974 Maserati Merak – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 19.03.2019

Guigiaro-designed, 70s Italian thoroughbred

Maserati is a brand steeped in motorsport, from its early years as a world-class racecar manufacturer.

By the 70s however, many niche high-end carmakers were struggling business-wise and the powerful Trident was no exception.

The Merak was introduced at the 1972 Paris Motor Show, as a slightly reigned in and more affordable model that would be more of a volume-seller and underpin the larger company through the oil crisis; similar to Lamborghini’s Urraco, and Ferrari’s 308 GT/4.

The Merak’s Giugiaro-designed body can be visually linked to its spiritual big-sibling, the Bora.

The baby Maserati is a 2+2 seater, though the rear seats are quite novel and best used when absolutely necessary or for golf clubs or shopping.

The car was powered by a transverse 3.0lt V6 sourced from Citroen, its parent company at the time. Citroen also lent its lauded hydraulic systems.

From 1972 to 1983, Maserati produced 1820 units; low-production by today’s standards, but just the injection of sales the marque was looking for.

This 1974 Maserati Merak is presented in completely original condition.

While many Maseratis of old have been treated to various restorations, it’s rare to see one in such honest condition.

The body is straight and the original paint remains in very good condition. Meraks are notoriously prone to rust however the sellers state that the car looks to be structurally sound, with a small spot of rust present on the right-hand buttress where it meets the roof.

Exterior trim and glass remain in good condition, however some wear is present on emblems and badging. Thecar sits on new old stock wheels that were fitted by the previous owner-collector in 2015.

Inside, the interior is completely original, with some sun-fading on the tops of the doorcards, but overall presents unrestored and true to time.

In its life, the car has been fitted with a fresh engine from Maserati, though the sale will include the original block should its new owner seek that "matching numbers" panache.

Overall, the car offers original and unrestored 70s motoring with true Italian-designhouse provenance, all for under six-figures.

The car is based in Queensland and is listed for $89,950.

You can check out the full listing here!

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