Lot 462

Chassis Number: AM122.A.583
Registration Number: YOU 533

In the creative environment that coincided with the beginning of the 1970s, Maserati began work on the design of a car with high performance sporting characteristics capable of dominating the hard-fought 3 litre class of the market. In order to avoid risks, the layout of the Merak, the name of a star in the constellation of Ursa Major, had more than one point in common with the company‚ successful flagship, the Bora, and something beyond a simple resemblance. From its sister it took the undercarriage up to the doors, the same body and, with slight modifications, also the suspension and steering. The engine was the already classic 90° V6 of some three litres, initially developing 190bhp for a maximum speed of 240km/h. Road holding and handling were both excellent; the car was quick and nimble, and great fun to drive.

The example on offer here today is described by the vendor as being in very good to excellent overall condition, having benefitted from a recent comprehensive service project undertaken at specialist restorers Motorvation of Hertfordshire, which ran to some £7,750 in early 2004.

Finished in its original red with a beige leather interior, YOU 533 comes complete with current V5 certificate and a comprehensive history file including previous MoT certificates, invoices from the considerable works which have been carried out on the car over the years, and the original owner’s manual.

Estimate: £20000 - £25000