Maserati Merak – With No Wind In Sight … A Star Was Born
Modena’s Trident has certainly not always sailed calm waters: the many changes in ownership over the years, with not always bright periods, despite the continuous efforts and the production of
always interesting models, although sometimes perfectible. In 1968, the passage into Citroën orbit and, in 1971, an epochal revolution: the arrangement of the engine in the rear center position, with the arrival on the market of the Bora (already designed in ’69, by Giugiaro). The French property had in fact instructed Eng. Alfieri to study solutions in order to modernize the production and battle the evolution of the high-end competitors in the sports cars segment. The V6 and V8 engines, developed in Modena, were the right choice for this new mechanical layout and their relative compactness allowed to design lower, sleek and bold bodywork. The new branch was precisely inaugurated with the Bora, appreciated and high performance coupe and soon developed with the Merak (1972), given that the market was also clamoring for a “less challenging” model.
Merak, no longer just the name of a wind, as usual, but that of a star, destined to well fit in the firmament of the sports cars of the era and then remain there to this days. Looking at it you can’t help but notice how it recalls the lines of the Bor, but thanks to some clever tricks, it’s easy to see the differences in here. A slender silhouette, which expresses dynamism. A sharp nose, well-connected to the windshield and roof, a vertical rear window that abruptly stops the tail, but still a sleek and seamless line, thanks to the two arches which slope down to the back.
All complemented by bumpers not aesthetically invasive and pop-up headlights.
Under the skin we find a 3-liter V6 engine (derived from the 2.7 already used on the Citroën SM), 5-speed gearbox, independent suspension on all wheels, 4 ventilated discs brakes. Assistedbraking system with a high-pressure circuit, classical thing for Double Chevron brand, devoted to handle the retractable headlights. The cabin is cozy, also equipped with two small back seats (the small size of the V6 made it possible to design a 2+2 layout). At front the situation is very comfortable, once one has fallen into the seats, space is not lacking and in fact you can appreciate the well dimensioned and ergonomic seats. The atmosphere on board is welcoming, the wrap-around dashboard, clearly Citroën-derived (as well as the monospoke steering wheel), it is definitely a different approach than that of other contemporary sports cars. The equipment is very complete and clear. The driving position is relaxed, with a steering wheel and pedals correctly aligned and the short gearbox lever in an ideal location, on the high central tunnel. Once you perfectly fit at the wheel is then the sound of the engine that takes us back in time again, a voice of the past: present but not rude at minimum revs, metallic and “important”, as soon as you push the throttle.
The very Merak photographed here is a 1973 specimen and for 35 years has been faithful companion of adventures for Agostino, cars enthusiast residing in Emilia Romagna (the Motor Valley par excellence) and deep lover of all the great pleasures of life. Agostino tells us that he has always been attracted by this car, until he decide to buy it, as soon as he found the right one for his tastes. At that time he also had to overcome some bureaucratic issues, because of not updated documents, but the decision was already taken and the purchase had to be completed. Since that day, the V6 has sung regularly during trips through various Italian roads, on Sunday’s gatherings, or just a simple drive around the countryside. Basically, because sometimes time runs out, to enjoy a Maserati and what she can offer, a few minutes a week can be enough… when the Merak-Star definitely shines, as well as the eyes of those who have the good fortune to play with it.
Words by Gianluca Torini
Photos by Simone Resca
Model Paulina Bien