1975 Maserati Merak with factory installed SS motor

1975 Maserati Merak Description

This numbers-matching Merak has a factory installed SS motor (verified by Maserati). The motor was completely rebuilt and the mechanical/suspension restoration was performed by a Merak specialist who has rebuilt more than 210 Maserati V6 motors. Numerous performance upgrades also reduced weight. (I estimate more than 130 pounds of weight has been removed.)

This Merak had 31,250 miles when purchased. The transmission was removed to put in a new clutch, but it ended up stored in a garage for 16 years without running. The restoration was started in 2013, but because of long-term storage, the motor was rebuilt without trying to start it (because of the hollow exhaust valves that are a weak point for this motor).

All potential weak points with the Maserati V6 were corrected. The original hollow exhaust valves were replaced with solid valves. Modern timing chains, a thicker oil pump drive shaft and other improvements that specialists in this motor developed over the years were installed. The SS motor has the latest/best timing chain tensioner provided by Maserati for this motor. We intended to keep the Merak “forever,” as shown by the extensive work done to make this Merak a dependable and great running car. We thought we could keep the Merak, but are selling it to help with a planned property purchase.

The restoration includes rebuilt Weber 44 DCNF carbs, new clutch, euro headers, stainless steel Larini performance exhaust system, new custom double adjustable rear shocks/springs, new front shocks, new suspension bushings, new steering damper/tie rods, new hoses (including metal pipes from the motor to radiator), a Pertronix high energy electronic ignition conversion, a lightweight/high torque starter, rebuilt headlight risers, rebuilt electric window motors (with brass gears), rebuilt brake calipers, recored radiator, rebuilt radiator fans, new ignition switch, and a new/custom choke cable. This Merak will start up immediately, idle smoothly, and runs great.

The LHM pump is new. The LHM system (for clutch/brakes/headlight lifts) was rebuilt. An all-new A/C system uses a more efficient and lighter rotary compressor, a new dryer and all new A/C hoses. The transmission was opened and inspected before reinstallation.

Common but hidden rust problems found on most Meraks (even those in excellent shape) were corrected. Rusted metal in the gas tank enclosure areas was removed and new metal welded in place. The gas tanks were sent to Gas Tank Renu for refurbishment (at $450 each/$900 for both). Rusted metal at the front lower edge of the trunk (boot) floor was removed and new metal welded in place. Several pictures taken as the restoration was in progress can be provided to show this work. Body work was also done to correct any minor paint flaws to get the Merak ready for Concorso Italiano last year. (The last picture was taken before the body work, and a paint bubble in front of the right front wheel in the last picture was corrected, as seen in the second picture.)

The Merak is in Monterey, CA. If you buy it, you could drive it during Monterey Car Week through Monterey, Carmel, Pebble Beach and Big Sur, take it to the Concorso Italiano in Seaside, CA on August 17, and drive it or ship it home.

New components installed as the suspension, A/C system, exhaust system, and motor were restored can be seen in the pictures.

Meraks already handle exceptionally well. With the suspension rebuild and custom adjustable rear shocks and springs, two specialists in the Merak with extensive experience driving many different Meraks both indicated this was the best handling Merak they had driven.

For overseas buyers, last year enclosed container shipping from Oakland, CA to the UK was $1,245. Because the Merak is over 30 years old, in the UK a lower “historic” VAT rate of 5% would be charged, and there would be no duty charged. Port handling fees at the UK docks were estimated by the shipping firm at 375 pounds. Other countries probably also have reduced tax rates for vintage/historic cars.

The starting bid for the Merak is $47,500. For potential overseas buyers I can provide contacts for two shipping firms with great prices on enclosed container shipping, and also discuss helping with getting the Merak to a shipping terminal in Oakland, CA.

I can also provide a contact with a shop that knows this Merak well and can verify it is in excellent condition. Please call 703-822-1831 if you have questions or need further information. You can also provide my phone number to anyone you would like to contact me to verify that I am the owner of this Merak, and that can inspect the Merak for you. This Merak is also for sale locally (at a dealer in Monterey, CA), and the ad will be cancelled if it is sold through the dealer.

Note: A scam ad for this Merak was on the “hotclassicdeals” website, which appropriated my pictures and some of my ad language. That website was advised that their ad is a scam, but it may still up. Be sure any car you are considering buying is inspected by you (or for you by a friend, family member or other trusted source), and you verify you are dealing with the owner of the car. Thanks for checking out my ad, and reading through a long description.