Ghibli Restoration - slow progress but getting there

[hilts uk]

So its been more than two years since I bit the bullet and started the full restoration of my 1969 4.7 Ghibli. She was resale red with black interior. Stripping to bare metal revealed accident damage from the early 1990's and a cheap fix with filler. There are no panels available so the metal needed to be beaten and leaded. In total the bodywork was more than 500 hours (including three coats of paint). The colour is an Alfa / Fiat colour but makes the car really stand out. The chrome work is now back and will be fitted soon. McGrath re-trimmed the interior and also made new cushions for the "emergency seats" which were missing. I've also had proper seat belts fitted. New Bushes and springs and have been fitted to the front as well as EZ power steering.
Finally, the engine was in a poor state. There are no parts available so we had to make new sprockets for example. I sourced a crank from a guy in Modena for a stupid price but the alternative was 6-9 month delay to make a new one. I am hoping it is finished in 3 months time so I can get some road time in this year. I'm not sure I would ever take this on again to be honest... much easier to buy a restored car.

 

[zagatoes30]

It looks stunning and once finished it will be worth it as at least you know everything has been done properly. Over the time the money spent and the pain getting there will just be history.

 

[2b1ask1]

Stunning paintwork and such dedication, it will as Andy says, be worth it in the end, such a low mileage too, is that verified?

 

[CatmanV2]

How very lovely!

C

 

[Nayf]

Think I saw this being worked on when I was there. Lovely thing

 

[hilts uk]

Stunning paintwork and such dedication, it will as Andy says, be worth it in the end, such a low mileage too, is that verified?

No, sadly its a US car with little history. To be honest at 50yrs mileage becomes less relevant as all cars will have been restored in some way. Paint is amazing. Full marks to the guys at Autofficina in Chessington (they did say they would never do another given the hours they had to put in!)

 

[hilts uk]

Think I saw this being worked on when I was there. Lovely thing

Yes it was at McGrath from Feb to last week. Now at Autofficina.

 

[lifes2short]

lovely machine and gorgeous colour, true labour of love and must be a keeper

 

[doodlebug]

That's lovely. Hats off to you for a fantastic effort. The metallic colour really shows off the shape much better than the solid red ever did.

There is a chap on Pistonheads who is writing about his restoration of a 1969 Ghibli in red with a white interior. This is the thread and is a very interesting read.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=140&t=1139816

Coincidentally he changed the colour from red to a metallic green.

 

[philw696]

She is certainly looking good and hats of to you for taking it on.
Will be Great for a European tour.

 

[hilts uk]

That's lovely. Hats off to you for a fantastic effort. The metallic colour really shows off the shape much better than the solid red ever did.

There is a chap on Pistonheads who is writing about his restoration of a 1969 Ghibli in red with a white interior. This is the thread and is a very interesting read.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=140&t=1139816

Coincidentally he changed the colour from red to a metallic green.

Yes I've been following that one! Its been a long journey for him. Big issue is total lack of parts. Maserati do not support their classics in any way unlike most other brands.

 

[Hurricane52]

That’s glorious. Mine is being repainted too. I knew it was painted a darker blue Maserati Sera in the eighties and we found the original brighter metallic blue under the door handles.I’ve had mine twenty years and love it to bits. Here’s the old colour:

 

[hilts uk]

That’s glorious. Mine is being repainted too. I knew it was painted a darker blue Maserati Sera in the eighties and we found the original brighter metallic blue under the door handles.I’ve had mine twenty years and love it to bits. Here’s the old colour:View attachment 58137

Looks great. They really suit blue,

 

[Ewan]

Good work! Great to see another one being so lavishly restored.

 

[Wagons-Lits]

fantastic car and great going. Separate subject, is that yellow Bentley (Conti T) beside your car the Continental T special "Personal Commission"? I think they only did one in that colour, to highlight what MPW could do

 

[GeoffCapes]

That is stunning Mike!
I liked it in red, but I like it even more in blue!

 

[lifes2short]

That’s glorious. Mine is being repainted too. I knew it was painted a darker blue Maserati Sera in the eighties and we found the original brighter metallic blue under the door handles.I’ve had mine twenty years and love it to bits. Here’s the old colour:View attachment 58137

gorgeous and loving the number plate as well

 

[hilts uk]

fantastic car and great going. Separate subject, is that yellow Bentley (Conti T) beside your car the Continental T special "Personal Commission"? I think they only did one in that colour, to highlight what MPW could do

Could be. I'll ask next time I'm down there. You can't miss it for sure. !

 

[Hurricane52]

gorgeous and loving the number plate as well

Thanks- the number plate is a moot point. When I bought the car from its first owner, he wouldn’t let his private plate come with it (DOJ1C), so the dvla gave me a rather dull J reg plate. I found the misspelt one and thought it ok, but the older I get, the more irritated I get with misspelt/illegal plates. On balance, it was the best I could manage.

 

[Wagons-Lits]

Could be. I'll ask next time I'm down there. You can't miss it for sure. !

thank you, was really just curious. I have a thing for 90s Turbo Bentleys. I see another member recently posted a pic of Autofficina's garage as his avatar and it looks like the Alan Clark Bentley Continental S (with black wheels) is in there under a dust sheet as well.

Here's hoping your Ghibli is done soon and you can enjoy it.