THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Manufacturer
- Maserati
- Base model
- Simun
- Coachbuilt version
- Ghia one-off concept / Tipo 116 mechanical basis
- Coachbuilder
- Ghia
- Production period
- 1968
- Body style
- Coupé / Berlina
- Engine
- V8
- Type
- Concept
- Production
- 1
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR
Coachbuilding, design & conversions
PRICE & SALES RECORD
Vehicle value
- Original price
- Not documented
- Latest recorded sale
- Not documented
01 / THE STORY
History & context
The Maserati Simun, a captivating proposal by Carrozzeria Ghia for Maserati’s anticipated new 2-door, 4-seat coupé, made its debut at the prestigious Turin Motorshow in 1968, leaving an indelible mark on automotive enthusiasts. Designed under the visionary direction of Giugiaro, this prototype showcased a bold reinterpretation of luxury and performance. Characterized by its distinctive retractable headlights and striking proportions, the Simun exuded an aura of elegance and dynamism. Its elongated hood and reinforced rear, based on the Maserati Type 116 chassis, emphasized its muscular yet refined stance, hinting at the power and agility that lay beneath its sleek exterior. Inside, the Simun enveloped occupants in pure luxury, boasting a sumptuous 2+2 seating configuration designed for unparalleled comfort and sophistication. During the same period, Ghia found itself in competition with Carrozzeria Vignale, whose prototype, ultimately chosen over the Simun, evolved into the iconic Maserati Indy. Despite missing out on production, the Simun left an enduring legacy with its innovative design language and uncompromising performance. Under the hood, the Simun housed a formidable eight-cylinder engine, displacing 4,136 cubic centimeters and producing a commanding 260 horsepower. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, the Simun delivered exhilarating performance, ensuring an unforgettable driving experience with every twist of the road. The name “Simun,” chosen by Ghia, holds a poetic significance, evoking the image of a strong wind in Saudi Arabia. This name aptly captures the essence of the Simun, symbolizing its forceful presence and unwavering determination to leave a lasting impression on the automotive landscape. Though its journey was cut short, the Maserati Simun remains a testament to the creative vision and engineering prowess of its creators, forever etched in the annals of automotive history as a symbol of innovation and excellence.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production
- 1
- Production type
- Concept
- Production notes
- Official Maserati history identifies the Simun as a unique Ghia prototype designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and presented at the 1968 Turin Motor Show. Set canonical year to 1968 (with 1967 retained only as possible development chronology) and promote Giugiaro candidate -> documented. NO_AUTO_INHERIT.
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- V8
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Ghia
- Designer · Documented
- Giorgetto Giugiaro
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Maserati
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
50° Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile – Torino General · legacy_preserved
- Date
- 1968
- Chassis
- General
Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _yoast_wpseo_primary_events. No award inferred.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 6 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| Maserati — Auto e Moto d'Epoca Padova: Simun www.maserati.com | Manufacturer official history |













THE CONVERSATION
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