We have seen plenty of classic cars being saved from a very sorry state but the pictured 1979 Maserati Merak SS that is listed on eBay is probably not one of them. The mid-engined sportscar is dubbed as a “mostly complete” vehicle that needs a “total restoration” but from the looks of it, there is little one can do to bring it back to life.
The once shiny Maserati looks like a shipwreck, as the frame is split in half with wooden pieces supposedly holding it together and the entire bodywork being taken over by rust. It must have been involved in an accident as time itself can’t be so cruel on an automobile, even if it is left to rot without any kind of weather protection. The windshield is gone and the cabin has detached itself from the nose leaving the interior exposed.
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Maserati produced a total of 1,830 examples of the Merak between 1972 and 1983. The V6-powered sportscar with a 2+2 layout was a cheaper and more practical alternative to the V8-powered Maserati Bora of the same era. The pictured example is a late US-spec Merak SS, which was a lighter and more powerful variant that debuted in 1975.
When it left the factory floor 44 years ago, the 3.0-liter V6 produced 217 hp (162 kW / 220 PS). Today, it still exists, although it sits outside the engine bay. A number of components from the suspension and the interior are sitting next to the vehicle, waiting for someone to reassemble them. The seller suggests that the vehicle retains the original Campagnolo alloy wheels and the SS-specific dashboard. It is also equipped with power windows although we doubt that this could be a major selling point.
Surprisingly, the Merak comes with its original US documents and was legally imported back to Europe as it has paid all customs fees. According to the listing it is currently located in Krakow, Poland. Interested parties can examine it in person, while the seller suggests they could help with transportation. Having said that, we don’t know if anyone will be crazy enough to undertake such a restoration ordeal, especially if they hear about the €15,000 ($16,274) price tag that comes with it.
