1975 Maserati Merak

The Maserati Merak (Tipo 122) is a sports car produced between 1972 and 1983. Sharing many parts with the Maserati Bora and designed by Giorgio Guigiaro for Ital Design, it was intended as a ‘junior’ version akin to the Ferrari Dino range of cars. It has a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration and a 2+2 layout. The car was aimed at the high-performance sports car market.

The Merak was unveiled at the 1972 Paris Motor Show, a year after the Bora was unveiled in Geneva. A product of Citroen’s ownership of Maserati, it was an idea suggested by Guy Malleret and developed by Giulio Alfieri. Citroen were already using Alfieri’s Maserati 6-cylinder2675cc engine in the Citroen SM, but using an enhanced version in a mid-mounted sports car was intended to rival both the Ferrari 308 and the Lamborghini Urraco.

The Merak was outwardly very similar to the Bora, although a flat rear deck replaced the sloping rear end and two ‘flying buttresses’ maintained the sweeping body lines. The chassis is a monocoque, and the rear suspension and engine are mounted on a subframe. It has rear inboard disk brakes and front standard disks on independent front suspension.

The Merak has a 2965cc double overhead cam V-6 engine with triple Weber 42DCNF carburettors mated to a five-speed Citroen (after 1975 ZF) gearbox, producing 190hp. In 1975 the updated Maserati Merak SS (Tipo 122A) was released, with engine output increased to 220bhp through uprated cams and the use of Weber 44DCNF carburettors. Between 1977 and 1979 a 1999cc ‘Merak 2000’ was sold, aimed at the Italian market to make the most of tax concessions, but was unpopular.

Inside the Merak features two leather front seats and two tiny back seats. Early cars featured their own unique interior but later Merak SS cars borrowed the Bora’s dashboard. Under the front bonnet is a surprisingly large luggage space, and under the back engine deck is a space-saver spare wheel. Initially the Merak had Citroen hydraulic clutch and brake systems, but these were replaced by conventional systems on many later cars.

Only in recent years has the Maserati Merak been recognised for the superb sports car that it is. Jeremy Clarkson’s destruction of one on Top Gear did nothing to improve its reputation, but it compares well to the Ferrari 308. When set up properly, the engines rev freely and produce a superb engine note, despite lacking the outright power of their Bora brothers. Suspension and steering are precise, and brakes good. Many Merak engines were fitted with sodium exhaust valves, and with age this led to heads sheering off under stress. Any purchaser should check that these have been replaced with stainless valves. Rust is also a problem- check sills, floor pans, and around the fuel-tank pods (as water drops in through the back deck louvres). Tyres of the correct size for the SS can be very hard to find in the correct speed rating, and parts can be expensive. That said, well maintained they are robust and comfortable sports cars which are a delight to own.

Today the late right-hand drive Merak SS with the Bora style dash is the one everybody wants. Prices have risen considerably for these cars. The Merak 2000 is very rare but not well regarded, and US imports have very ugly bumpers and restrictive headers.

Similar Maseratis include the Bora and the Indy. Alternative sports cars from the era include the Ferrari 308 GTB, the Lamborghini Urraco and the Porsche 911.