Newbie Looking at a Ghibli

NickBe

New Member
Messages
1
Hi, we're looking at an early pre abs Ghibli, as it's our first Biturbo era car what should be the main things we should look out for.

The cars we've seen all have great Maintenance/Resto & Service histories, I just don't want to miss something that's crucial to the ghibli.

I've noticed that some early cars have mesh grilles on the bonnet and some have louvres, was this specific to certain years or a modification?

Also what is general service/parts availability right? heard even things like oil filters can be hard to come by, is it really that bad?

Many thanks
 
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Ewan

Member
Messages
6,756
The louvres came after the grills.
There are very few cars of this era to choose from at any given time, so its slim pickings. If you find one you like, have it checked by one of the few specialists that actually know about them (so forget main dealers). Try McGrath or Emblem.
 

Wally

Member
Messages
244
Original oil filters may be sparse, but there are easy-to-find replacements. The mesh grilles are for the modelyears '92-'93. After that: the other version. In general: spares are hard to find, so be prepared. Headlights cost around 1000 euro's (if you can find them,) sometimes the lenses can be found, but almost as expensive. I advise you to trace a sample of magazine "Auto Italia" (UK) they featured the Ghibli long ago, magazine can sometimes be found on Ebay...

And read this too: http://www.maseratighibli.co.uk/home51.htm
 
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del mar

Junior Member
Messages
257
parts availability is becoming an issue, there are after market oil filters, but things likes bonnets and head lights are really tricky.

Rust is the big issue, i have had mine 13 years and it has only been on a lorry twice, and once was for a puncture, they are not that unreliable......

Try to remove the a pillar covers on the interior and look down into where the bulkhead / firewall is, you can see the other side by removing the plastic scuttle cover that covers the windscreen wiper mechanism.

Rear of the sills where the touch the rear wheel arch, leading edge of the bonnet.

try to look underneath, the exhaust is stupidly low and will be scrapped.
the layshaft bearing on the 6 speed box rattles, but doesnt appear to cause any issues.

LHS Exhaust manifolds crack, they are available but it is a big job to change.

Cam belt is easy but cam chains is a bigger job, although i reckon it can be done without taking the engine out.

Other than that just normal second hand car things.
 

dt95aac

Member
Messages
116
As mentioned above, parts availability is a major issue now.
I would look for rust in the bulkhead, and make sure everything works.
Sorting these cars out is difficult as they tend to be temperamental and expert assistance is scarse.
Mine has been utterly reliable though.

I would look for a later Ghibli however. GT cars with the updated rear subframe and diff are much better cars to drive.
I would buy the best example I can find.
 

ian roberts

Member
Messages
70
I have a 94 2.0 LHD manual and a 99 2.8 RHD Auto and would echo 'the buy the best example' comment. A good one is a sublime car to drive, a bit dated now but that's the attraction and they are just a brilliant thing to have. Get an inspection and someone to take good care of it. If you are around Essex or Kent then Mark at Prestige and performance cars is the man, he also has a great Maserati collection so is the 'man'.
 

Nayf

Member
Messages
2,734
I have a 94 2.0 LHD manual and a 99 2.8 RHD Auto and would echo 'the buy the best example' comment. A good one is a sublime car to drive, a bit dated now but that's the attraction and they are just a brilliant thing to have. Get an inspection and someone to take good care of it. If you are around Essex or Kent then Mark at Prestige and performance cars is the man, he also has a great Maserati collection so is the 'man'.
His purple Shamal is a thing of wonderment.
Even more than Shamals generally are!
 

Crofty

Member
Messages
317

If only that had three pedals.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah that’s my old one. A good honest car......BUT does need some money spent. I sold it because A) I had finance on the 4C to pay B) I didn’t have the motivation or skills to carry out the work myself C) in my opinion the cost to pay someone to do the works would far outweigh the value of the car. For someone with the skills & motivation it would be a great buy.....for the right money, there can’t be many left.
Ref the third pedal, really not necessary it has a locker auto box, so can be driven like a Manual. Could be hustled along too
 

P5Nij

Member
Messages
2,367
Hi, we're looking at an early pre abs Ghibli, as it's our first Biturbo era car what should be the main things we should look out for.

The cars we've seen all have great Maintenance/Resto & Service histories, I just don't want to miss something that's crucial to the ghibli.

I've noticed that some early cars have mesh grilles on the bonnet and some have louvres, was this specific to certain years or a modification?

Also what is general service/parts availability right? heard even things like oil filters can be hard to come by, is it really that bad?

Many thanks

Hi Nick, have you found the right Ghibli yet...? I’ve just noticed that the RHD auto one I’ve had my eye on has just sold on Autotrader, ‘L299 RTP’ and was wondering if you’d beaten me to it.... ;)
 

Arfa

Member
Messages
338
Hi Nick, have you found the right Ghibli yet...? I’ve just noticed that the RHD auto one I’ve had my eye on has just sold on Autotrader, ‘L299 RTP’ and was wondering if you’d beaten me to it.... ;)
My old carIMG_0778.JPG