1979 Maserati Merak SS

Serial number: AM122AUS 2340

In the early 1970's Maserati introduced two mid-engine cars: the Bora and the Merak. Both cars had very similar appearance and shared many body components. The Merak and Bora were developed during the period when Citroen (the French auto maker) owned Maserati. The V6 Maserati engine used on the Meraks was also used by the Citroen SM. Unfortunately, the early Meraks had the Citroen high pressure hydraulic braking system which over time have given some owners problems, primarily die to lack of maintenence. The Citroen hydraulic system itself is quite good, but finding parts and knowledgeable mechanics is a challenge.. Also the early Meraks suffered from reliability problems, these were rectified on the later "SS" cars. Merak interiors have gone through three variations. The early cars used many components from the Citroen SM, which looked out of place on an Italian car. The mid-70s "SS" had a redesigned interior that still used many plastic components. The late model "SS" cars (like this example) use the much more attractive leather interior which was also used on the Bora. Only 277 Merak SS were built with the Bora style interior and are the most desirable.

This 1979 Maserati Merak SS is fly yelow (original color) with black interior. It is a late production car and has no Citroen hydraulics and the Bora style interior. I bought this car from an estate in Florida after the prior owner passed away while the car was in a paint shop. The paint job was never completed and the car went into storage for eight years. New paint was applied, new tires, brakes rebuilt, gas tanks removed and cleaned, carbs rebuilt, clutch was replaced, fuel line replaced and all fluids changes The good news is when checking valve clearances I found signs of a very recent engine rebuilt .... the valve clearances were perfect, great compression and oil pressure. Interior is good, seats were redone in vinyl and nicely done, the rest is the original material in very good condition.