How much is a Maserati Merak worth in 2026?
Documented every nut and bolt on a 1977 Merak SS that came through a specialist shop in the Bay Area, and what struck me immediately was how undervalued the car is relative to its engineering ambition. The Merak is a genuine mid-engine Maserati with race-derived styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro — the same designer responsible for the Lotus Esprit, the BMW M1, and the VW Golf. It deserves a more serious look from collectors who have been scared off by its maintenance reputation.
The Citroën Connection
Citroën acquired Maserati in 1968 and held the company until 1975. During this period, the Merak (launched 1972) incorporated Citroën's hydraulic system — specifically the high-pressure fluid used to operate the brakes, clutch, and semi-automatic gearbox in Citroën SM-derived components. This was elegant engineering at the time; in 2026 it is a maintenance consideration. The system requires fluids and seals specific to the Citroën SM specification, available from a handful of specialists but not a shelf item at any auto parts store. The Merak SS (1975–1983), introduced after Citroën's sale of Maserati to Alejandro de Tomaso, retained the platform but cleaned up many of the hydraulic complexities and added a more conventional brake and clutch system.
The V6 Engine
The 3.0-litre DOHC V6 is a 90-degree unit derived from cutting the Maserati V8 in half — it shares bore and stroke with the 4.7L and 4.9L V8s used in the Ghibli and Bora. The result is an engine with genuine Maserati character — a mechanical sound that rewards high revs — but also Maserati-grade service requirements. The SS makes 220 hp (EU spec); the US version is de-tuned to 170 hp for emissions. A correctly running SS is genuinely quick for the era: 0–60 mph in around 6.5 seconds. The engine is robust when properly maintained, with timing chain (not belt) drive and a proven bottom end.
| Variant | Years | Engine | Power | 2026 Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merak | 1972–1975 | 3.0L V6 (Citroën hydraulics) | 190 hp | $22,000–$40,000 |
| Merak 2000 | 1976–1983 | 2.0L V6 (Italian tax) | 170 hp | $18,000–$35,000 |
| Merak SS | 1975–1983 | 3.0L V6 revised | 220 hp (EU) | $40,000–$75,000 |
What to Look For
The single most important inspection item on a pre-SS Merak is the condition of the Citroën hydraulic system. Green LHM fluid should be present; any sign of mixing with other fluids or of leaks from the actuation cylinders is expensive to correct properly. On all Meraks, verify the V6 timing chain tensioner condition — worn chains produce a distinctive rattle on cold start. The fiberglass body panels (rear section) are expensive to source; verify any accident history at these points. A Merak with full service documentation and a recently serviced hydraulic system is worth a premium of $5,000–$10,000 over a comparable undocumented car.
"The Merak is the Maserati that the collector market hasn't fully noticed yet. A well-maintained SS is a 220-horsepower mid-engine Italian with a race-derived V6, and it's priced like a used sports car. That gap between engineering reality and market value is exactly where good buys live."
— Emily Chen