Buy a Maserati Merak on engine and hydraulic history first. The Citroen-linked V6 and early hydropneumatic bits decide the budget, and a pretty Giugiaro body with unknown SS upgrades or rotting structure is a project in supercar clothing.
For this November 5, 2026 guide I read Classic & Sports Car: Maserati Merak buyer's guide and Classic Trader: Maserati Merak buying guide. The mechanical cautions below come from those pages; the order of checks and the questions for the seller are my practical recommendations. Any price examples in those sources are market snapshots, not a valuation of the car in front of you. So, compare it with recent sales of the same specification and condition.
Know which Merak generation you are viewing
Classic & Sports Car explains the SM-derived V6, early Citroen hydraulics for lights and brakes, and later de Tomaso-era changes. Classic Trader separates the original cars, the higher-compression SS with about 30 extra horsepower and the 2.0-litre Italian tax-break cars. Confirm badges against the engine and chassis paperwork. An SS claim needs evidence.
Ask how the hydraulics were treated
Classic Trader says early Meraks used Citroen hydropneumatic ideas for headlights and braking, later giving way to more conventional parts under de Tomaso. Classic & Sports Car likewise roots the car in SM hardware. Ask what system is on the car now and whether it rises, lights and brakes correctly. A mixed, undocumented conversion is a specialist job.
Read the V6 as a maintenance story
Classic Trader notes the Merak trailed some rivals on power when heavy, then gained urgency as the SS. Classic & Sports Car praises the quad-cam V6 when sorted. Ask for oil-change and tune invoices. Listen for noises and watch temperature on a full drive. A vague engine history should change the offer.
Inspect the structure and rear deck carefully
Both guides stress the Bora-related body with Merak-specific rear structure and flying buttresses. Look for rust in seams, floors and suspension mounts on a lift. Check that buttresses and glass are correct for the car. Accident repairs on mid-engined cars hide in places driveway photos miss.
Test the five-speed and the practical bits
Classic & Sports Car highlights a usable five-speed and a large front boot. Classic Trader adds that rear seats are better as luggage space. Try every gear warm and open the front trunk for accident clues. Missing spare and tools are expensive on these cars.
Price SS, standard and 2000 GT as different cars
Classic Trader says the 2000 GT found few buyers and that SS cars feel sportier and lighter. Classic & Sports Car frames production as low after Citroen's exit. Compare recent sales within the same variant. A cheap non-SS with needs can outspend a dearer, documented SS.
Prove the identity before a deposit
Match the chassis number on the Merak to the title, any import papers and the plate on the car before you order a history report. Our VIN verification guide walks through that match, and imported-car report coverage sets expectations for cars that spent years overseas. Older chassis numbers may sit outside modern report databases, so confirm coverage before paying. NMVTIS covers U.S. title history only; it cannot replace foreign records or a physical inspection.
Get the repair scope in writing first
Early cars with original Citroen switchgear and later cars with Bora-style dashes can feel like different machines in the cabin. Ask which dashboard and brake assist hardware are fitted now, and whether invoices show the change. A mixed cabin without records is another specialist conversation.
If the hydraulic story is muddled or the engine file is thin, wait for a Merak specialist inspection before you send a deposit. Look, a seller PDF or a folder of photos is a starting document, not independent proof of condition. Ask the inspector for written findings with local estimates, split into safety work and cosmetic wishes. The NYC consumer-agency used-car guidance tells buyers to have an independent mechanic check the car, and our pre-purchase inspection checklist helps you set the scope.
We are a licensed CARFAX and AutoCheck reseller, not affiliated with CARFAX, AutoCheck or Experian. Guest reports have been about $5.50, member reports about $4.50 and a two-report bundle about $6.75; confirm the price at checkout because it can change. A report can miss unreported work, so keep the inspection appointment even when the history looks quiet.
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