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The Maserati Ghibli has had three different production runs, with the classic 1969 Maserati Ghibli as part of the first run. This model was also known as the AM115 and was a V8 grand tourer available from the 1967 through 1973 model years. As such, the 1969 version is more or less in the center of the production run. This means some minor issues had already been ironed out but it maintained the classic styling many automotive enthusiasts love.
Exterior Styling
1967 Maserati Ghibli
The exterior of the Maserati Ghibli is sometimes described as decadent, with a very low hood line and nose plus a long fastback profile. It was designed by Giorgio Giugiaro, a GHIA employee, before the 1966 Turin Motor Show, and perfectly represents that year’s desired style. The overall shape is that of a front-engine GT car with four seats, but the introduction of the Ghibli affected what people wanted in a grand tourer. Thanks to the Maserati Ghibli, they were in search of near-flat glass on the windows, defined corner edges, and sharper surfaces.
The Ghibli’s front shows off a hood that extends to the end of the nose before sloping downward – a sharp contrast to the soft noses on racing autos before this. The full front fascia sits within a broad horizontal grille. It is complemented by pop-up headlamps featuring Le Mans-style lamps that were round and cutting edge at the time. The hood was also unique with an integrated center bulge vent. On the front flanks, you also can spot chrome-trimmed side vents.
Powertrains
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You can find a 1969 Maserati Ghibli with one of two powertrains, both of which are V8s. The 4,719 cc version delivers 306 horsepower. The 4,930 cc version found in the Ghibli SS delivers 330 horses with 355 pound-feet of torque. The Ghibli SS earned the title of quickest Maserati road car ever at the time. It reached up to 174 mph.
Ghibli Spyder
For 1968, Maserati added the Ghibli Spyder, meaning this was available as a 1969 model as well. This new body style got rid of the chunky roofline. It showed off the delicate and long profile of the Ghibli without the large C-pillars getting in the way. Interestingly enough, there were only 125 Ghibli Spyders ever made, including the 25 Spyder SS in 1973.
Inside the Ghibli
Inside the 1969 Maserati Ghibli, you can find pure white leather and a thin-rimmed wood steering wheel complete with a gold lacquer finish. The dashboard could also come fully trimmed with leather. This dash mimics the sharp cutoff of the exterior front, with the vents, console items, and switchgear below the drop. The leather is not just limited to the dashboard, also covering the other interior elements. The Ghibli also had a spacious trunk measuring 24 cubic feet in the coupe and 18 in the Spyder. You might be able to find a Ghibli with a three-speed automatic, air conditioning, a radio, and power steering, as these were all options.
