At the higher end of European collector cars, there are very few bargains available, with most cars costing many hundreds of thousands of dollars (and many crossing the million dollar marque). Cars such as the Ferrari Daytona, the Lamborghini 350/400 series, and even many top-tier Porsche cars, seem to be priced at a level that is unobtainable for many. Our Pick of the Day is a car that somehow, despite its amazing good looks, strong performance, and great reputation, is still at an entry-level price in comparison. This 1970 Maserati Ghibli is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Farmingdale, New York.

The Ghibli is in many ways the last true classic Maserati road car, still having plenty of DNA from the cars that built the legendary brand in the 1950-60s. Initially introduced at as a concept car at the November 1966 Turin Motor Show, the Ghibli was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro while working at Ghia. It has been called one of the most stunning designs in the history of Maserati.

The Ghibli was powered by a front-mounted 306-horsepower, four-cam, dry sump 4,719cc V8 engine and usually mated to a five-speed ZF manual gearbox, though a three-speed automatic transmission was offered as an option. This gave a 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 164 mph as recorded in period tests, which was quite amazing performance for the era.

The Ghibli presented here is said to be chassis number AM115.1674. The seller calls it a remarkable example of one of Maserati’s most iconic grand tourers. It was ordered as a U.S.-spec car with a rare automatic transmission, but happily this Ghibli was converted early in its life to a much more desirable five-speed, complete with correct linkage and pedals.

The exterior of this car looks to be in excellent condition, with fine paint and brightwork. The seller states that this is a rust-free example with an immaculate undercarriage, something very important in an Italian car of this era.

The interior, in its original color of white leather, looks spectacular when contrasted with the paint. The seats and door cards also appears to be in great shape, as does the dash. There are a few small issues on the center console, but these car be easily rectified for not much money. Did I mention how much more comfortable the seats are in a Ghibli when compared to a Daytona?

As you know, the original 4.7-liter V-8 produces 310 horsepower. The seller adds that the car delivers smooth and powerful performance with proper oil pressure and no overheating issues. Looking at the engine compartment, everything looks as it should. I say this having owned a Ghibli in the same striking color of metallic burgundy, which the seller discloses is a color change from the cars original pale blue paint.

I bought my Ghibli years ago, right after I sold my Daytona. The styling of both is very similar, yet the Ghibli sells for considerably less than the Daytona. Having owned both, I feel the Ghibli may be a bit more sedate in styling but, as a classic Italian GT, it is a better-driving car than the Daytona. It has features like power steering and added interior space, which makes the Ghibli so much more enjoyable. No, it is not a Ferrari, but it is an equal.

The Ghibli was arguably the end of the classic Maserati era, with later cars being mid-engine designs and much different vehicles. If I were choosing between a Daytona and a Ghibli today, the latter would be it. The transmission change on this example only makes a great car better and more fun to drive, and the color change does not bother me either. This Ghibli is the perfect car to take on a classic car driving event such as the Copperstate 1000 or to drive out to Monterey.

Now for the best part: this 1970 Maserati Ghibli is offered for $145,500, which is a price that is one-third the price of a comparable Daytona. Heck, it’s less money than a new Porsche 911, which is crazy! If you consider that Maserati built 1,170 Ghibli coupes (while Ferrari built 1,284 Daytona coupes), it could be suggested it doesn’t make much sense that the Maserati Ghibli is so much less expensive. What that means to me is that the Ghibli (especially one this nice) presents a unique opportunity in the collector car world.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com