One of the most beautiful designs of Giorgio Giugiaro, the styling both outside and inside is quite simply breathtaking. Only 1170 coupés were made, of which the large majority were 4.7 liter cars, so the high power SS variant is considerably rarer. This car is chassis number AM115/49*1612*, the 1970 "SALONE DI BARCELONA" car, ordered 20 january 1970 according to the official Maserati factory order. Many original factory dcuments are coming with the car. Being an early SS, it is very desirable variant. Indeed, what not everyone realizes is that there were numerous changes during Ghibli production. Therefore many Ghibli's have less desirable features: early cars had a strange drop down hatch, the complicated dual clutch and dual front calipers, ugly Smiths gauges, unreliable Girling brake boosters, dual thermostats, DCNL carbs which are harder to tune and service, no ignition amplifier, Lucas cooling fans, etc. This car, being an early SS (the Salon of Barcelona car), ticks almost all boxes regarding the desirable features: European car, 4.9 engine with DCNF carburetors, Bonaldi brake booster, Bosch radiator cooling fans, Campagnolo starburst wheels, pure style bumpers without overriders, no ungainly side reflectors as on US cars, a beautiful steering wheel adjustable in reach and height, seats with headrests, rounded headlamp panels, beautiful inner door panels. And, best of all, it has the really desirable option of power steering. From the specifications standpoint, this is top of the line, close to "the perfect Ghibli coupé". Before being purchased by the current owner it was sitting in a long time in a Museum. That Museum bought the car from the first owner in Barcelona. This is believed to be a 3 owners car showing 65.000 km since new. The color is "rame metallisato", being "metallic copper", with interior in black Connolly leather, as confirmed by the official build sheet from Maserati. The bodywork is generally in good condition, with no accident damage, dents or scratches. While the paint is certainly not concours and close scrutiny will reveal the odd paint imperfection, the car presents very well in its spectacular color combination of copper over black. Floors and sills are very sold with the typical thick black underbody rustproofing applied by the Maserati factory largely intact. While the car has received a repaint in the past, the interior is still 100% original and in really nice condition, with supple black leather showing just the right beautiful patina after 40 years. Wheels and tires (correct Michelin XWX 215/70) are very good. Chrome bumpers / window surrounds are near perfect. The original engine was running fine but found low on oil pressure when hot. It was completely dismantled by one of the most reputed engine shops in the Benelux. During this process it was decided to source a replacement 4.9 SS block, since the condition of the engine block was not optimal. (The original, matching numbers, block comes with the car). A perfect replacement 4.9SS block was sourced in California at considerable cost, and the engine was completely rebuilt. The crank was ground and balanced, with new bearings, and a new front chain wheel. The conrods were individually balanced, also with new bearings. 8 brand new liners were installed with new seals. New top quality, custom made (!) pistons from Wössner were bought. The cylinder heads were also completely overhauled, with 16 new stainless steel valves, new valve guides, valve seats and seals, and all 3 new chains with new tensioner and chain pads. Brand new head bolts were used. Each and every bearing in the engine was replaced, the pressure and scavenge oil pumps were replaced, the water pump was replaced, etc etc at a cost of over 25.000€ for the engine alone. The carburetors and were completely overhauled and tuned. A new MSD multi spark discharge ignition system was installed with new spirally wound HT ignition leads. A battery cut-out switch was installed conveniently behind the driver seat. Of course all filters, spark plugs etc are new. Before installation the engine was completely pre-oiled under pressure so as to avoid any wear during startup. The engine rebuild was finished september 2013, and it is basically brand new and still running in. Two longer trips of /- 150 km have since been made and everything is running smoothly and perfectly with stable oil pressure of 4.5 bar when hot. It has tons of torque and will cruise effortless in 5th gear all day. The gearbox is perfect. The exhaust is brand new stainless steel front to rear. The brakes are powerful (rebuilt previously) and the power steering is a delight to use. The airconditioning has not been refilled yet after the engine-out job but it was working fine before removing the engine. All lights, wipers, fans, instruments, radio with electric areal work fine. The car is very comfortable and rewarding to drive, with that soundtrack only a healthy Maserati V8 can make. If you are looking for a low mileage Ghibli SS with interesting history, in a fabulous color, with beautiful interior and basically a brand new engine, with many desirable features and the option of power steering, this is the car to have. It will not be long before Ghiblis start commanding prices in the vicinity of what Daytona's are going for