Opportunity: ’77 Maserati Merak SS
This Maserati Merak will scare most buyers away and perhaps they are smart shoppers. But wouldn’t it be cool if you do a thorough PPI at a reputable shop near the seller and discover the issues are no big deal? For argument’s sake, let us say this car has no needs. The Merak SS is a beautiful car and in a rare color for an Italian exotic. The Merak was originally conceived to be a lower priced alternative to the Bora. It did use many parts from the Bora, however the cost savings came by using parts designed for the Citroen Maserati SM. The compact V6 from the SM is nestled behind the cockpit. The US version has 220hp and catalysts but it is said to still have carbs. All of the SM interior bits were replaced by Bora bits in the US version. There is a little extra room in the interior so Maserati threw in a rear seat but it isn’t fit for human occupancy. There are a few other distinguishing features of the SS and they all add up to an exciting alternative to a Ferrari 308/328 from the same period. Now this car has been in storage for awhile and shows only 14,000 miles. The driver’s seat is toast and will need to be redone. But the real danger comes from the powertrain so you should focus there. The seller says they have done some work to get it roadworthy but we would start from scratch, and make sure the chain tensioners are in good shape because that is a biggy. Did we say how much we love those Campy wheels? You can buy this one for $28,500 asking price. That means you’ll get it for less, hopefully $25,000. Hagerty has #4 cars valued at that price. and the valuation soars all the up to $47,000. If the body and interior is as perfect (except the driver’s seat) as it looks, you have about $10,000 to get it going again. Maybe that’s enough. Click here for the eBay auction.