The Merak was the result of Maserati’s decision to market a lower cost alternative to the V-8 Bora. Introduced at the Paris show in 1972, the beautiful Giugiaro-penned Merak shared most of its sheet metal with the Bora, the notable difference being a buttress treatment behind the cockpit as opposed to the Bora's complicated and costly clamshell engine cover. Cost was kept in check by utilizing a 3-liter, 190-hp version of the V-6 that Maserati had developed for (Maserati's then-owner) the Citroen SM. Similarly, the car's dashboard, steering wheel, transaxle, and hydraulic boosted steering and brakes were sourced from Citroen. The combination of a smaller V-6 riding in the Bora chassis allowed Maserati to nominally add a small pair of rear seats to the Merak, making it a 2+2.
The original Merak's three-litre engine was rated at 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 255 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Three twin-choke Weber carburetors fed the engine, and the compression ratio was 8.75:1. Maserati declared a top speed of over 240 km/h (149 mph).
Early left hand drive Meraks (1972 to 1975) were fitted with the same dashboard as the Citroën SM, characterized by oval instrument gauges inset in a brushed metal fascia and a single-spoke steering wheel. 630 cars were made in this configuration up to 1974.
The Merak represents a bargain for those looking to experience a mid-engined Maserati, and they are an attractive alternative for those looking to experience a 1970s Italian exotic that isn't quite as ubiquitous as the Ferrari 308.
This two owners car was first registered in Italy and was imported to Holland in the 90s, where the paint was later renovated. The car came in 2017 to Czech Republic, where it was registered on historic registration plates.
Production date | 06.06.1973 |
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Body Type | Coupe |
Engine | 2.965 ccm, 190 PS, V6 |
transmission | Manual |
Steering | Left Hand Drive |
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Layout | Rear Wheel Drive |
Color - exterior | Red |
Color - interior | Grey / Black |
Miles/Kilometers shown | 28.586 kms |
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Chassis / VIN | AM1220076 |
Location - Country | Czechia |
Location - City | Pisek |
• 2-door coupe body type; • RWD (rear-wheel drive), manual 5-speed gearbox; • gasoline (petrol) engine with displacement: 2965 cm3, advertised power: 140 kW / 188 hp / 190 PS ( DIN ), torque: 255 Nm; • characteristic dimensions: outside length: 4335 mm, width: 1768 mm, wheelbase: 2600 mm; • reference weights: base curb weight: 1320 kg; • top speed: 240 km/h (149 mph) (declared by factory); • accelerations: 0-60 mph 7.4 s, 0-100 km/h 7.8 s (declared by factory)
Hradec Kralove, Czechia
Hradec Kralove, Czechia
Hradec Kralove, Czechia
Hradec Kralove, Czechia
Prague, Czechia
Prague, Czechia