Vehicle Details
- Year: 1979
- Make: Maserati
- Model: Merak SS
- VIN: AM122US2308
- Mileage: 34,550mi (5-digit odometer)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Red
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Location: Oakland, OK 73446
- Dealer Fees: None
- Lot #: V-0041605
Offered from 1972 until 1983 with 1,830 examples produced in total, the Maserati Merak is a mid-engine sports car based on the contemporary flagship Bora model and features a 2+2 seating arrangement, a 3.0-liter V6 engine, and bodywork by designed Giorgetto Giugiaro. The more powerful and lightweight SS version was introduced at the 1975 Geneva Motor Show featuring larger carburetors and higher engine compression. This 1979 Maserati Merak SS is said to be one of the last models to have been equipped with the earlier Bora-style dashboard and was recently discovered parked in long-term storage. The car has since undergone over $15k worth of service and refurbishment and is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Oklahoma.
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign, the Merak uses a steel monocoque chassis with front-end bodywork derived from the Bora. In contrast to its larger Bora sister car, the Merak features a vertical rear window and a vented engine cover flanked by open flying buttresses spanning from the roofline to the tail. The SS model is recognizable from earlier Meraks by the black front hood grille mounted between its popup headlamps. This 1979 example is finished in red and rides on factory 15” Campagnolo wheels. The seller indicates the original safety bumpers have been moved closer to the body as a noninvasive cosmetic modification. Some chip touch-ups are noted, and the exterior is described to be in good overall condition with consistent body panel gaps and lustrous paint. Detailed images are provided in the gallery,
The black interior was refurbished with reupholstered leather front bucket seats and new vinyl for the center console in 2022. Accessories include polished sill plates, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, trident emblem floor mats, power windows, a heater, and a vintage stereo. The driver’s window mechanism was repaired in 2022 along with heater service and rebuilding the turn column switch assembly. All gauges and electronics are said to be fully functional.
The Merak is powered by a 3.0-liter 90° V6 with chain-driven double overhead camshafts. The SS variant features triple 44DCNF carburetors and a 9:1 compression ratio for an output of 217 HP, sent to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transaxle. The chassis includes independent suspension with unequal-length A-arms, coil springs, and telescopic shock absorbers along with four-wheel disc brakes. Service in 2022 included the removal and cleaning of the fuel tank along with replacing the fuel hoses, pump, and filter. The carburetors were rebuilt along with the clutch master and slave cylinder, brake master cylinder, alternator, and brake calipers. The service also included new spark plugs, a new thermostat housing gasket, new front brake hoses, a right headlight motor, a right outer tie rod end, left rear CV boots, transmission fluid, and new vacuum hoses. Corresponding service records are provided in the gallery.
This sale will include service records and a clean title.
The seller would like you to know: “This Maserati Merak SS is one of the last 40 or so that were equipped with the earlier Bora dash setup versus the later Citroen-based setup, so it is rarest among the limited production run.”
Auction Results
- Sold for: $52,000
- Auction End: Mar 26, 2024 07:53:53PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 41
Comments (92)
Sold for $52,000
Congrats mjsizemore and I really appreciate the battle Sandman.
Bid in the amount of $52,000
Bid in the amount of $51,515
Bid in the amount of $51,000
Bid in the amount of $49,994
Sandman. I have to ask, what’s the random hundreds part of your bid.?
Bid in the amount of $48,000
Bid in the amount of $46,810
Bid in the amount of $46,000
Bid in the amount of $45,678
@mdammda For me it was Space Issues, or I would have definitely kept her.
Bid in the amount of $45,000
Gonna be a great deal for someone! Wrong timing for me...
Bid in the amount of $44,444
Bid in the amount of $44,000
Bid in the amount of $43,334
Bid in the amount of $43,000
Bid in the amount of $42,345
Bid in the amount of $42,000
Bid in the amount of $41,000
Really appreciate the bids guys, and I am happy to help with shipping logistics as discussed below.
Bid in the amount of $40,000
Bid in the amount of $39,500
Looks like it is Sold, let’s see where it stops.
Bid in the amount of $39,000
Bid in the amount of $38,500
Guys. I am dropping the Reserve to $38k, let’s give it a great home.
Bid in the amount of $38,000
Bid in the amount of $36,750
Another funny styling observation. Has anyone else notice the front end of the Merak is a blend of Ferrari 328 and the Pantera? Really look, it is as if the Merak was an offspring of both, and screams Italian design
Bid in the amount of $36,500
Bid in the amount of $36,000
Bid in the amount of $35,000
Bid in the amount of $34,543
Bid in the amount of $34,250
Don’t forget guys, this Merak SS is one of the last few of the run, which had the earlier classic Bora Dash brought back to replace the less classic Citroen configuration, which makes this one the rare of the rare.
Bid in the amount of $34,000
@AV Could be, but the year range of his surprises me, as most of the world transitioned to unleaded capability, with leaded fuel still being available at the pumps for a bit longer.
@240zGuild Thank you for the information. I wonder if my father's was an import than since it ran on leaded fuel. This is a beautiful Merak SS. GLWTA!
I have a very fair and below market reserve for sure, so let’s hope it crosses the finish line.
Thanks for the action guys, and do know if anymore details are needed, as we all know this car has a bit more to climb before meeting reserve.
@AV This Maserati is a U.S. Model, so it met all fuel and emissions standards of the day, and unleaded fuel was the start way earlier world wide.
@AV 1979 is Unleaded Fuel worldwide
Bid in the amount of $33,333
Bid in the amount of $33,000
Sorry if this may have been answered earleir or is posted in the document photos but I'm assuming this car was designed using leaded fuel, has the engine and exaust been converted for unleaded fuel? Or are there additives that are added when filling ? My late father has a '78 Merak SS (same color) and I am trying determine how to proceed with his car now.
Thank you in advance for any insigth!
@Long007 just posted pics of the front trunk area also, and should be able to enlarge the bottom side pics to get an idea also, as the bottom of the car is actually very straight and original.
I just added some front trunk shots with the bottom carpet removed also, so I hope that answers one of the bidders previous question, just ignore the dust as it is a front trunk.
I also added pics of the cars stamped Vin Number and pic of the Oklahoma title, as it is typical for the dash plate only to show the stamped car number part of the Vin due to generic beginning painted vin section fading or flaking away due to age.
@mjsizemore Yes, unlike both the Ferrari’s, the Merak power windows are fast and smooth operating.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Power windows working correctly?
Bid in the amount of $30,000
@mdammda The honest answer would be No, but it can’t be too far off of the cost our Datsun 240z retro fit compressor/components is at $1500, being the upgraded and more efficient Sanden brand compressor is the standard in basically all upgrade or replacement kits. Which I would highly recommend as it is way more efficient than the original, but the local parts stores can order the original style compressor for a couple hundred dollars, as it was also a very common compressor used on American cars also.
Any idea on cost to get the AC in working order?
Ok guys, we are about 5 hours out from auction end, so please do let me know if there are any last minute needs or questions, while I will also offer to assist with any shipping logistical needs with my shipping broker.
I there is a delayed ship time need for whatever reason, I am more than one storing the car in my climate controlled building to make things easier.
@Doc18015 Great insight for sure, and I will add that the V6 based platform isn’t a slouch at all, along with having a more comfortable cockpit than my Testarossa, Ferrari 308, and most definitely my previous Pantera, which also being a lower production vehicle than all of them.
This particular car is the Merak SS with the revisited Bora Dash setup, which were less than 50 cars offered this way, which screams future collectibility by the exclusivity with such a low offering.
The Merak was way ahead of its time with many innovative advanced placements. As a mid engine auto, well designed and engineered by both Maserati and Citroen, their historical racing success precede the street versions and just add to the rare collectability factor. They are selling in the upper seventies to 6 figures in Europe with the earlier 74/75 Citroen based models leading the way. They can do nothing but gain in value while maintaining timeless styling and roadability. This one could use the European bumpers as well as the Ansa style exhaust systems. At current bidding, doubled, a steal . Where can one buy a mid engine sports car for this price?
@Long007 I have been all over the chassis and bottom overall, and the car doesnt exhibit what you are asking about, which I am very familiar with the traits as we restore Datsun 240z’s that also tend to have the same issues.
Thank you for your previous answers- the front of these cars were prone to rust ..
The front shock mounts in particular - has the car been completely inspected under carpets and the undercarriage front to rear ? Sorry to be so picky but rust is an expensive issue ….. Thanks in advance
Bid in the amount of $27,500
Bid in the amount of $25,000
Bid in the amount of $23,500
Bid in the amount of $20,250
Bid in the amount of $20,000
@Epicmc We are a lot alike. lol
I wouldn’t help myself
Bid in the amount of $15,000
Mama Mia, that’s Italian! I owned and enjoyed a SS for a bit and it was a Fantastic machine. Great ride and handling, plenty of power, good visibility, decent serviceability. This low mileage well sorted SS is a rare find. If anyone is looking for a sexy Italian ride this is it. Good luck bidders!
Bid in the amount of $10,000
Bid in the amount of $8,000
For the guys who didn’t catch it, the U.S. bumpers have been moved in tighter to the body for a much better look also, and that was done by collapsing the 5mph bumper shocks with all factory mounting still intact
@dongood The American Import didn’t have the Citroen hydraulic setup, so it is just the basic conventional master/slave type setup, which works smooth.
Hello, how is the condition of the clutch?
I believe that the Merek SS's had the Citroen hydraulic activated clutch system, and that the clutch was operated hydraulically within the same hydraulics that also operated other systems (sorry if I have something incorrectly stated here), so since the clutch is very expensive to replace, I am wondering if you have any information on this. Thanks
@Long007 The car is super solid with original floors and body, and even under the battery is in nice shape.
@Long007 The issue was the fuel tanks that had to repaired, and that was isolated to the fuel tanks that were repaired and cleaned. The rest of the system wasn’t dry, and was flushed, and all fluids are clean with no issues.
This is an AC equipped car, as you can see with the AC compressor mounted next to the alternator, but will need to be serviced and compressor updated to a more efficient unit like a Sanden.
You don't mention AC but numerous US Merak's came with AC. Any AC history in this car. Great appearance!
Hello - in the receipts it says car was stored dry on fluids causing massive rust issues.
Was that contained to radiator and fuel system only and were the fuel tanks replaced ? Water pump / radiator etc ..
Is there any rust or rot on body of car ?
Thank you
@rhmoritz No history on the car other than recent repairs, and hasn’t given me trouble for the need of additional work while driving, other than another oils change/service.
The motor was really “Old Clean” overall if that makes sense, which I would normally explain that by being well maintained or a major overhaul before slumber, at least that has been my experience with other vehicles over the years.
@rhmoritz The listing basically says it all, along with the documented services done after storage. I have been driving the car around, and also provided day and night driving videos, and all the electrical works nicely.
Any history on the car other than sitting for a long time? Significant post storage service to remedy deferred maintenance. Any electrical gremlins due to removal of rodent nest in dash?
@mjsizemore No, the American cars didn’t, so it’s all good.
Whew!!
Does it still have Citroen hydraulic components?
@mjsizemore It is a typo that I am having them edit. Thanks
"The Merak is powered by a 2.0-liter 90° V6"?? I thought the SSs were all 3-liter?
I owned one of these back in the late 80’s. Exact same model and spec. It was a lot of fun to drive, really ahead of its time, and it always got lots of looks. This one looks incredibly well preserved and with all the recent service it is as good an example as you will find. GLWTA
Sorry guys, I thought I had posted the bottom side pics, and I just noticed they were not in the gallery, so I just added them and the Motor Number to verify it is the correct SS motor.
With that being said, these cars are very rare on their own, especially this Merak SS variation with the Bora dash/steering wheel.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Bid in the amount of $7,500
Pretty high-power output for the day with the size of the motor and no turbo!!! Great car and I am sure it will do well.
Bid in the amount of $5,000