ixo-MODELS
Series - ROAD CARS (Classic)
CLC085 – MASERATI MERAK SS
1977, Yellow
Die Cast
1:43 Scale
Retails up to $35.00
ixo Release Schedule – May 2006, US Released June 2006
"Sold Out" - NO longer available from the manufacturer and distributors
LAST ONE IN MY INVENTORY
Please inquire discounts available for regular customers and multi models order.
The model featuring chrome trim on windows, rear view mirror, etc. Really nice model, that displays great. As all ixo Maserati model is packed in blue color outer carton sleeve w/Maserati logo on it and insert between the display and rear side of the carton sleeve.
Maserati Merak: 2 door 2+2-seater Grandturismo, all steel moncoque body, V6 midengine, Rear wheel drive, all independed suspension.
At the end of the 60’s Citroen controlled Maserati. At that time Citroen decided to launch a mid-engined GT. Two models were planed, one a luxury version and less expensive one that would compete with Lamborghini ‘Urraco” and the Ferrari 308 GT4.
Maserati Bora was launched in 1971 and the next year Maserati introduced “Bora Junior” – the Merak. This time Maserati named the car after the star rather a wind. Giorgetto Giuriaro, who maintained the Bora’s overall shape for the Merak’s design, designed both cars. Merak adopted major part of Bora’s chassis and bodywork, especially in the front area. However, instead of 4.7 L V8 Citroen used the new 190 hp @ 6000 rpm 3 L (2965cc) V6 four overhead camshaft with two valves per cylinder, with three twin-choke downdraught “Weber” carburettors, engine that directly derived from the Maserati 170hp V6 2.6 L (2675cc) engine that powered famous Citroen SM. In order to reduce cost expensive Bora’s Tubular chassis w/rear sub frame was replaced with all-steel monocoque and lighter V6 engine allowed to simplify rear sub frame. Thus the biggest differences between two cars were in the rear, both mechanically and in appearances.
In March 1975 at Geneva Motor Show the lighter and more powerful Merak SS was introduced. Adaptation of larger ‘Weber” carburettors increased engine power to 220 hp @ 6500 rpm and also increased torque. A lot of Citroen components were used (gearbox, braking etc). However, in 1976 when association between the companies was ended all Citroen components were replaced. In November 1976 the new Merak 2000 GT was introduced at the Turin Motor Show. De Tomaso introduced 2 L engine. The introduction of 2 L engine was very important, especially due to tax reasons. Many European countries, especially Italy, have punitive tax laws for cars equipped with engines over 1999 cc).
Though less expensive than Bora Merak, as all Maserati, was, stylish, comfortable, reliable, fast, easy to drive car. Merak interior was finished in leather, dashboard incorporated gauges, while centre consol incorporated electric window switches, heating & cooling/AC controls and air vents. The car had approximately 10 cu ft of storage space in the front boot area, which considered as an adequate for this type of car.
Merak was in production from 1972 to 1983 with 1,830 cars had been built of that number 1,000 were SS model and only 200 of 2000 GT.
ABOUT THE MODEL MAKER
Since 2001 after V_itesse G_roup declared bankruptcy the model maker that produced a large part of V_itesse’s models, in particular under S_kid, O_nyx, 2_-Wheels and some V_itesse badge models created its own brand now know as ixo-MODELS.
Ixo always produced good quality models that are competitive to famous M_inichamps brand, but with their many newest models released in 2006 they show that they are capable of producing equal or even greater quality models to its major competitor while keeping lower price (on SRP is approximately 1/3 less and on retail level even less) without sacrifice in quality. Latest 2006 ixo release of Mercedes cars just brilliant!
