The Ultimate Enthusiast’s Gamble: A £50k Maserati Merak SS with a Secret
2026 Maserati Merak SS: The £50,000 Mid-Engine Masterpiece with a ‘Free’ Restoration
Image: 2026 Maserati Merak SS: The £50,000 Mid-Engine Masterpiece with a ‘Free’ Restoration – Performance and Specifications
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“When you’re a car enthusiast, you’re always looking around for your next purchase.” These words from Shan Habib perfectly capture the itch every petrolhead feels. But rarely does that search lead to a Maserati Merak SS that effectively comes with a “free” £50,000 restoration. In the 2026 classic car market, where values have stabilized but restoration costs have skyrocketed, finding a deal like this is akin to finding a unicorn in a suburban garage. Habib, already a Maserati Gransport owner, stumbled upon this particular Merak SS through the owners’ club—a move that secured him one of the most iconic mid-engine silhouettes of the 1970s.
Today, the Merak SS isn’t just a vintage Italian exotic; it’s a strategic alternative to its V8-powered sibling, the Bora. Priced around £50,000 to £70,000 in 2026, it offers the Giugiaro-penned ‘flying buttress’ aesthetic without the six-figure maintenance headache of the larger Bora. However, as any veteran collector will tell you, a ‘cheap’ Maserati is usually the most expensive thing you’ll ever own—unless you find one with the work already done.
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Design: Giugiaro’s Sculptural Perfection
The Maserati Merak SS is a masterclass in 1970s wedge design. Penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign, it shares its front-end sheet metal with the Maserati Bora. However, where the Bora has a glass-covered engine bay, the Merak utilizes a unique set of flying buttresses. These extend from the rear of the cabin to the engine deck, creating a visual profile that is both aggressive and airy.
The SS Advantage: Lighter and Meaner
The ‘SS’ (Spinto Spinto) badge isn’t just marketing fluff. For the 2026 enthusiast, the SS remains the most desirable variant because it addressed the standard Merak’s weight issues. By shedding 50kg, Maserati transformed the car’s agility. In a world of heavy modern EVs, a sub-1,500kg mid-engine Italian classic feels remarkably tactile and connected.
Exterior Features in 2026
Restored models in 2026 often feature upgraded LED lighting integrated into the original Carello housings and modern ceramic coatings to protect the notoriously rust-prone Italian steel. The 15-inch Campagnolo alloys remain the gold standard, though many owners now opt for modern high-performance rubber that fits the vintage rim size.
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Performance: The V6 Heart with a V8 Soul
Under the engine deck lies a 3.0-litre V6, a derivative of the unit found in the Citroën SM. In SS trim, this engine is bored out and fitted with three larger Weber 44 DCNF carburettors and a higher compression ratio (9.0:1). This setup pushes the power from a modest 185bhp to a much more respectable 215bhp.
2026 Market Performance Updates
Owners in 2026 are increasingly moving toward electronic ignition systems and ethanol-compliant fuel lines. The “Merak Group” has recently released updated PTFE-core fuel hoses to ensure these classics can handle modern E10 and E20 fuels without degrading the fuel system. Performance-wise, a well-tuned SS will still hit 60 mph in roughly 7.5 seconds—not fast by modern standards, but the mechanical symphony of those Webers makes it feel twice as quick.
| Feature | Maserati Merak SS (2026 Specs) |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L V6 90° (Mid-Mounted) | Power Output | 215 bhp @ 7,000 rpm | Torque | 270 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | Transmission | 5-Speed Manual (Citroën/ZF) | Weight | 1,400 kg (approx.) | Top Speed | 152 mph (245 km/h) |
Interior & Tech: The Citroën Connection
Inside, the Merak is surprisingly spacious for a 1970s supercar. The shorter V6 engine allowed Maserati to squeeze in a pair of rear seats, making it a legitimate 2+2—though the back seats are best reserved for luggage or very small children. One of the most distinctive features of early Meraks was the use of Citroën’s high-pressure hydraulic system for the brakes, pop-up headlights, and even the clutch.
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Tech Upgrades for 2026
While purists prefer the original dashboard (which later models swapped for the Bora’s interior), many 2026 restorations include hidden Bluetooth units and improved air conditioning systems. The “melting interior” syndrome—a common complaint on forums regarding the 70s-era plastics—is often solved during restoration with modern UV-resistant leathers and Alcantara dash-toppers.
Safety and Reliability: A Vintage Reality Check
It is important to note that the Maserati Merak SS does not have a modern Euro NCAP rating. In the 1970s, safety meant a steel frame and a hope for the best. However, modern owners in 2026 frequently upgrade to high-performance disc brakes and reinforced seat belt mounting points. The biggest ‘safety’ concern for a Merak is its hydraulic system; a leak can lead to a loss of both braking and steering assistance, making regular inspections of the LHM fluid lines mandatory.
The Rivalry: 2026 Classic Comparison
The Merak SS competes in the “Entry-Level Supercar” segment of the 1970s, often compared with the Ferrari 308 GT4 and the Lamborghini Urraco.
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| Specification | Maserati Merak SS | Ferrari 308 GT4 | Lamborghini Urraco P250 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.0L V6 | 3.0L V8 | 2.5L V8 | Horsepower | 215 hp | 240 hp | 220 hp | Seating | 2+2 | 2+2 | 2+2 | 2026 Price (Good) | £55,000 – £75,000 | £65,000 – £90,000 | £70,000 – £100,000+ | Maintenance Level | Medium-High | High | Very High |
Variant-Wise Pricing (2026 Estimate)
While the Merak is no longer in production, the 2026 market values vary significantly based on the variant and condition. All prices are for “Condition 2” (Excellent/Restored) examples.
| Variant | Market Price (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Maserati Merak (Standard 190hp) | £42,000 – £50,000 | Maserati Merak 2000 GT | £48,000 – £58,000 | Maserati Merak SS | £55,000 – £78,000 |
| Maserati Merak SS (Euro Spec) | £65,000 – £85,000 |
People Also Ask (FAQ)
- Is the Maserati Merak SS reliable? It requires frequent maintenance. The Citroën hydraulics and Weber carbs need expert tuning to remain reliable.
- How much does a Merak SS cost in 2026? A good example ranges from £50,000 to £80,000 depending on history and restoration status.
- What is the difference between a Merak and a Merak SS? The SS is 50kg lighter, has larger carburetors, and produces 215hp compared to the standard 185hp.
- Can the Merak SS run on E10 fuel? Only if the fuel lines have been replaced with modern ethanol-compliant hoses.
- Is the Maserati Merak a 4-seater? Technically it’s a 2+2, but the rear seats are extremely tight.
- What are the common problems with the Merak SS? Rust, hydraulic leaks, and electrical grounding issues are the most frequent complaints.
- Where can I find parts for a Maserati Merak? Maserati Classiche and specialist shops like Candini Classiche offer extensive parts catalogs in 2026.
- How fast is the Maserati Merak SS? It has a top speed of 152 mph and a 0-60 mph time of ~7.5 seconds.
- Who designed the Maserati Merak? It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign.
- Is the Merak SS a good investment? Yes, prices have shown a steady 3-5% annual growth as buyers are priced out of the Bora and Ferrari 308 markets.
Verdict: Should You Buy a Maserati Merak SS in 2026?
If you can find a car like Shan Habib’s—essentially a £50,000 car with a prior £50,000 restoration—the answer is a resounding YES. The Merak SS is one of the last few 1970s exotic mid-engine cars that remains somewhat attainable. It offers a more mechanical, raw experience than any modern Maserati, wrapped in one of the most beautiful bodies ever created.
Pros: Stunning Giugiaro design, mechanical V6 soundtrack, lighter SS chassis, appreciating asset.
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Cons: Complex hydraulic systems, high cost of engine parts, rust-prone bodywork.