1975 Maserati Merak SS

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-liter 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’s 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-degree V6 of some three liters, initially developing 190 bhp for a maximum speed of 150 mph. Road holding and handling were both excellent; the car was quick and nimble, and great fun to drive.

The Geneva Salon of 1975 saw the debut of the most desirable Merak, the SS. Improvements included a reduction in overall weight...