25 February 2022
In 1972, Maserati introduced what could be considered a Bora ‘Junior’, the Merak, not named after a wind this time but after a star from the constellation ‘Ursa Major’.
Maserati introduced the Merak in 1972 to compete with the Ferrari Dino GT4 and the Lamborghini Urraco in the junior Supercar market; based on the larger Bora, it featured a 2995cc V6 engine rather than a V8 and came with two small rear seats.
Designed by the Italian maestro Giorgetto Giugiaro, the slender wedge shape is characteristic of the period. The bonnet line flows seamlessly to the tail through the distinctive flying buttresses to complete the perfect silhouette. Technically advanced, the Merak drew on the Hydropneumatic system of its owners Citroën for the brakes, clutch and pop-up headlights.
In 1975 the more powerful SS was introduced. In 1977 Maserati introduced the 2000 GT with its 2-litre engine (1999 cc) when de Tomaso bought Maserati.
Having outlasted the Bora by six years, production ended in 1983 with around 1,830 produced.
The new cost was £12,390; it had a top speed of 155mph and reached 60mph in 7.1 seconds.