This car does not have the front hood louvers, which is strange for a 1982 model. I doubt the car is a 1974, as stated elsewhere in the ad, since it has the Bora style dash and those started in 1977. So ... what is it? Ivan
FACT: VIN AM122*297* is a Merak with the following characteristics: 1974, RHD, non-SS, EU/world, citroen. In other words, this is a 1974 car, right-hand drive, not SS, EU or "rest of the world" variant (not a US model) and with full citroen stuff. GUESS: 1) The car has had a major makeover and someone fitted a later Bora dashboard. Which probably explains the missing buttons on the console. 2) The car is not VIN AM122*297* but a stolen car of a later production year, but they used the papers from an older car to legalize it and sell it. 3) The owner made a special order and requested a Bora dashboard to come with the car from the factory. Which can be checked by giving the VIN number to Mr Fabio at the factory and asking if this really happened. There, take your pick PS: the guy who wrote the title "1982 MASERATI MERAK SS" has no idea what he is talking about, since this car is not an SS model or a '82 production.
I think so too, but that VIN number is from 1974, which at the time the Bora dashboard wasn't installed at all.
Yes, they were. All RHD Meraks (e.g. for UK, Australia, NZ) were manufactured with the Bora dashboard. From the very beginning. Gabriel
So everyone with a RHD got a beautiful leather dashboard from the Bora, while the rest got the junk from citroen, with that silly steering wheel? not fair at all
BTW, Maserati Blue; I think you should reconsider using terms like "Citroën Maserati" in a derogative way. We don't call the current models for "FIAT Maserati", do we? And, If we do, we typically use the term in a purely descriptive fashion, i.e. to refer to the corporate ownership of the marque, not in a negative manner. Why would we? Whatever lowish ideas you might have about Citroën's brand, I don't think FIAT would score significantly higher in terms of brand value Gabriel
No, not fair at all Take into consideration though that when the Merak was introduced in the early 1970s, the SM-derived aesthetics were probably regarded by many as being elegant, chic, modern, etc... Some still think the SM link is part of what makes the Merak particularly interesting. Personally, I think the Merak stands firmly on its own feet as an extraordinary 1970s car. But, to me at least, the SM connection doesn't hurt either. The Merak was conceived as a superior, more refined GT than its competitors at the time. Just like the Bora and the Khamsin (although of course for another customer segment than the Bora/Khamsin). Gabriel
Gabriel, you are right on that, I should apologize on my behalf for using the term in a derogative manner. I do have to object about the FIAT relationship, because I think the relationship is different. Maserati, like the other brands (Ferrari, Alfa, Fiat, Lancia, etc), are owned by the FIAT Group which runs as an umbrella over all brands, not exactly the same as the Citroen-Maserati relationship of that era. Not to mention that the FIAT Group includes many non-car companies which produce related (and unrelated) products, like the FPT (Fiat Powertrain Technologies, which produces engines).
You guys should just wait for Marc Sonnery's book on this topic to come out. He's done a ton of research and interviewed many of the people directly involved. It will cover the Citroen-Maserati relationship quite extensively.
Guys - my RHD 1974 Merak (AM 122 239) has the Bora dash and no LHM. I think it was imported to Australia from the UK. It has undergone some extensive modifications at some stage in its life so it is possible that it has been converted from LHM although there are no signs of any such conversion.
Have you asked the factory for the original order documentation? If you have that, it should show if the car was originally with LHM or if it was some kind of "special order". Besides that, it is a good idea to have those documents with the car, also helpful for selling the car or showing its history.
Thanks Bob that is very kind of you and nice to read as I emerge from a morning of editing one of the chapters. I am doing all I can and hope it will be enough! best regards, Marc
It would be a real surprise if the car was delivered without LHM when new. But, Maserati history is full of twists and turns, so perhaps it did? I hope you do what Maserati Blue suggests; contact the factory for information about your car. And, please pass on that information here! Gabriel
Heres another Merak for sale ... Could this be a good breaker or is someone feeling brave? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maserati-Merak-1975-/270890967856?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f125c2330 Julian
Any suggestions on the best way to go about contacting the factory to get historical information or idealy a build sheet for the car? Is there a person or division in particular that I should try to through to? Cheers
Hi Marc, Really looking forward to your Khamsin Labour of Love hitting the bookstores. I'll be sending my copy to you for an autograph! Ciao, George
Thanks George! It is not only about the Khamsin, here is the presentation: http://eaurougepublishing.com/books/detail/maserati_the_citroen_years Before anybody asks why there is also a Mangusta shown it is because the photos on the left represent the two separate books being prepared. best regards, Marc
Those of you using non-standard tires/wheels, can you please give us some idea what size of tires you are using and what kind of difference they made from the originals? The original 70 sized tires are kinda wobbly at high speeds...
Hi, How old are you tyres? I have 70-profile tyres (Michelin XWX) on my Merak, and it behaves perfectly fine at reasonable motorway speeds (i.e. 130-160 km/h). The tyres on my car are a couple of years old. Best, Gabriel
