1977 Maserati Merak SS

If you have been following classic car values lately. you know they have been “going through the roof”. with Italian exotics right at the forefront. Problem is. in my mind. this leaves the small collector out in the cold: prices are simply too high. and even if you could afford them. you will probably never enjoy the driving experience of your car because it's just too big a risk. Sad. but as the song says. “What's a poor boy to do?”.  Well. here's where the Maserati Merak SS comes in: this is a true. Giugiaro-designed thoroughbred from Modena. perhaps the best car neighborhood in the world. but one which is priced within reach. solidly reliable. and surprisingly practical.    But as with any exotic purchase. a key consideration must be the credentials of the specific car being evaluated. This low-mileage. well kept. 1977 Merak SS is a true US spec car which has been thoroughly vetted by Excelsior Motors. David Hume's premier Merak and SM restoration shop. Guided by his 30 years of experience. particularly with this robust twin-cam 3. 0l V6. David and his crew made sure all the critical engine components were it proper order. particularly the DOHC drive system.  Of course. many classic Italian sports cars would be deemed to be too fragile. too uncomfortable. and too persnickety to be “drivers”. So the recommissioning of this car was undertaken to further enhance the durability and usability of the car. For instance. to help bring the engine into the modern era. the power hungry York AC compressor was replaced by a light load Sanden. the alternator was upgraded to a single-wire GM type. and all the cooling system was reconditioned with new belts and hoses. “Ice cold AC” and “cool running” are not terms often heard about Italian sports cars. but with these upgrades and a new AC evaporator and climate control blend valve. but you'll find it true. And. of course. the suspension received new suspension and brake components for a safe. secure ride and handling. Attention was then turned to the body to banish any sheetmetal issues and to return the car to its classic Euro design elegance. After bodywork. the car received a full. trim-off repaint with a modern Rosso Red basecoat/clear. The hideous US-mandated 5mph bumpers were pitched. replace with beautiful stainless steel Bora style bumpers. And the real. correct. and unscarred Campagnola “mags” were refinished in a complimentary color and topped with new Michelins. A hard-to-find correct Tornado outside mirror was sourced. The interior was completely refreshed with the front and rear seats were recovered in new Black leather in the original pattern but with a subtle Red contrast stitching. the center console and door panels  were likewise recovered in leather. custom floormats were made also with Red piping. and the “piece-de-resistance”. the steering wheel was treated to a hand-stitched leather cover. also with gorgeous Red contrast lacing. Remarkably. the headliner. dash fascia. and dash top are original materials in top original condition. All gauges. with the exception of a cantankerous fuel gauge. and all other electrical functions. from window lifts to taillights. work as they should. In summation. the Merak SS. particular these late high HP cars from the DeTomasa ownership era. is perhaps the most accessible Italian exotic available today. And with an entry price only a fraction of the similar Dino. but the comfort of a true 2+2 and the confidence of a bullet-proof V6. it may well be the smartest “buy” in the Italian Classic category today. Please feel free to send me your questions. which we will answer on the eBay page for everyone to see. Or call me. Jay. at 404-281-6468. Thanks. and Good Luck!But as with any exotic purchase. a key consideration must be the credentials of the specific car being evaluated. This low-mileage. well kept. 1977 Merak SS is a true US spec car which has been thoroughly vetted by Excelsior Motors. David Hume's premier Merak and SM restoration shop. Guided by his 30 years of experience. particularly with this robust twin-cam 3. 0l V6. David and his crew made sure all the critical engine components were it proper order. particularly the DOHC drive system. To further enhance the durability and usability of the engine. the power hungry York AC compressor was replaced by a light load Sanden. the alternator was upgraded to a single-wire GM type and all the cooling system was reconditioned with new belts and hoses. “Ice cold AC” and “cool running” are not terms often heard about Italian sports cars. but you'll find it true. Attention was then turned to the body to banish any sheetmetal issues and to return the car to its classic Euro design elegance. After bodywork. the car received a full. trim-off repaint with a modern Rosso Red basecoat/clear. The hideous US-mandated 5mph bumpers were pitched. replace with beautiful stainless steel Bora style bumpers. And the real. correct. and unscarred Campagnola “mags” were refinished in a complimentary color and topped with new Michelins. Finally. a proper Stainless Steel Euro-style dual exhaust was installed. The interior was completely refreshed with the front and rear seats were recovered in new Black leather in the original pattern but with a subtle Red contrast stitching. the center console and door panels  were likewise recovered in leather. custom floormats were made also with Red piping. and the “piece-de-resistance”. the steering wheel was treated to a hand-stitched leather cover. also with gorgeous Red contrast lacing. Remarkably. the headliner. dash fascia. and dash top are original materials in premium condition. All gauges. with the exception of a cantankerous fuel gauge. and all other electrical functions. from window lifts to taillights. work as they should. In summation. the Merak SS. particular these late high HP cars from the DeTomasa ownership era. is perhaps the most accessible Italian exotic available today. And with an entry price only a fraction of the similar Dino. but the comfort of a true 2+2 and the confidence of a bullet-proof V6. it may well be the smartest “buy” in the Italian Classic category today. Please feel free to send me your questions. which we will answer on the eBay page for everyone to see. Or call me. Jay. at 404-281-6468. We will help you expedite secure shipping. Thanks. and Good Luck!

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