Every Maserati Ghibli Series Ranked

Maserati is going electric, which makes this a good time to look at the Ghiblis of the internal combustion engine era. The name has graced one of the iconic grand tourers of the 1960s as well as Maserati’s most popular model ever. But if you wanted a Ghibli in your garage, which one should you go for? Surprisingly, money isn’t everything, or even the only thing, to consider.

There have been three model types to wear the Ghibli nameplate, but several submodels. That’s where engine differences in particular help determine our ranking.

Last place: Ghibli Type M157 Hybrid

Introduced in 2021 as a replacement for the six-cylinder diesel-powered entry-level vehicles, the hybrid Ghibli has flown under the radar somewhat. The third series of Ghibli has been around since 2013 and has turned heads ever since, except for this one. Why?

The hybrid might save some fuel, but with Maserati, the emphasis is on the performance boost. The Ghibli needs it, as the engine is a 2.0 liter engine built for Alfa Romeo called upon to push almost 4,000 lbs from 0-60 in 5.7 seconds. Moreover, because this is a mild hybrid, there is no all-electric range. The electronic engine is there to help the internal combustion engine, not replace it.

Mild hybrid is a technology that can be found in everything from the Cadillac Escalade to the VW Golf. Maserati is one of the few to emphasize the improved performance over non-hybrid versions of the same engine, and their claim is accurate. Test drivers point to its mid-range punch when the electrical system kicks in. It befits Maserati in a way, given that they were the first to put twin turbos on a passenger car’s engine, and in the 1980s, turbo equaled mid-range boost. At Maserati, going their own way to produce a driving experience is what they do best.

If you’re going to actually drive your Ghibli out of the garage, the hybrid experience might haunt you. It’s a little slower than the six-cylinder versions, but just as important; it lacks even the diesel’s exhaust note, much less the siren song of the V8. The current generation of the Maserati, with window buttons used in Chrysler, is perfect for the haptically challenged - the focus is simply elsewhere. But the engine note can make you turn off the sound system just to listen to it. The eight cylinder versions are stunning to listen to; even the diesel six growls. Not so the four. If you’re going to buy a third generation Ghibli to love and adore, get at least six cylinders under the hood.

Second place: Ghibli AM136 (1992-1998)

The early 1980s offerings from Maserati were, and still are, much unloved, with the possible exception of the Quattroporte. By the end of the decade, though, the wrinkles were ironed out. Over the years, the company had built successively stronger engines, and owners were tuning the twin turbos and adding intercoolers to the point that they caught Maserati’s attention and some of these modifications, such as intercoolers, were put onto production cars. Four door versions came out, and the series was much improved.

In 1991, Maserati designer Marcello Gandini updated the line, and in 1992 the Ghibli II appeared. Italian market cars had a twin-turbo 2.0 liter V6, and export versions carried a twin-turbo 2.8 liter V6; both sat on 16-inch wheels. Transmissions included a 4-speed automatic, 5-speed ZF manual for foreign markets, and a 6-speed Getrag manual transmission that was available world-wide starting in 1995. A 1994 update changed the wheels to 17-inch, and more importantly, introduced anti-lock brakes to the series. All this came to a head in 1997 with the Ghibli II GT. This was a BMW hunter, with its favorite prey being the M3 variety of the E36.

The main problem with the Ghibli these days comes down to the availability of parts. Interest in them is rising, which is making prices climb as well. Expect to pay over $25,000 for one in good shape. For comparison, you can find an early ‘80s Biturbo in running condition for as little as $10,000, and a 2015 Ghibli III can be found for $15,000 without much of a problem.

First place: Ghibli AM115 (1967-1973)

It’s no surprise; the most collectable series of Maserati Ghibli is the first one. There are a number of them available at any given moment, but demand is high. Good original examples start at the price of a new Ghibli III hybrid and one after a ground up restoration can run several hundred thousand dollars. A cottage industry has sprung up to support their owners and keep them running.

In many ways, the first series Ghibli’s competition isn’t its successors but contemporary Italian grand tourers such as the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 and Lamborghini Miura. In the end, Maseratis compete with themselves first and foremost, and “Well, that’s nice, but I am driving a Maserati, so I don’t really care,” can end most conversations. Comparing the technical advancements of the other two cars with one sporting a solid rear axle and leaf springs needs a good comeback, and the Ghibli’s lines are all that’s needed.

This attitude explains why Maserati offered the first Ghibli with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 3-speed automatic. It wasn’t the fastest car on the road, even with the stick shift. With the 4.7 liter engine, it could manage a 6.8 second 0-60, and top out at over 150mph. The 3-speed would have been much slower, but it is a Maserati. In 1969, the Ghibli SS came out with a 4.9 liter engine and a top speed of 175mph. Both engines were fed by four sets of Weber twin carburetors. Overall, the 4.7 liter is considered a more reliable engine.

Along with the coupes, there was the 2-seat Ghibli Spyder, which entered production in 1969. The convertible’s top folded into a compartment under a flush fitting body-color tonneau cover. Maserati also sold a detachable hardtop, and this option is very rare. In total, Maserati produced 1,170 coupés and 125 Spyders before ending production in 1973.

Conclusion

Which Ghibli do you get? With new ones running at the same purchase price as the oldest, the question isn’t as strange as it sounds. Just remember, if the Ghibli II is the target, buy two. Not only will you have spare parts, you’ll have the bragging rights that come with, “Well, actually, I own two Maseratis.”