The 1967-’73 Maserati Ghibli is surely the ultimate Cinderella supercar; one day this gorgeously understated and unadorned classic must be invited to the ball alongside its pushier Italian sisters – not that I’m saying they’re ugly!

In its day the Maserati was pitched head-to-head against the Lamborghini Miura and the hairy-armpitted Ferrari Daytona. There’s no doubt the blinking mascara-eyelashed Lamborghini is an icon; the Daytona a defining motoring statement. Yet, when new, the Ghibli cost more than either and outsold both, notching up 1149 coupés and 125 spiders.
 
Its engineering may have been dated but it had pedigree, with loads of grunt from its throaty V8 engine and roadholding bred of a long racing heritage. The earlier 4.7-litre version was quoted at 154mph; the later 4.9-litre at 168mph.

Add the flawless Giugiaro styling and five-star interior appointments, and that leaves just one question: how come Ghiblis can be bought for one-third of the price of a Daytona and for less than a quarter of the cost of a Miura?

Don’t ask, keep it to yourself, buy a cashmere polo neck and suave out on the most elegantly understated bargain supercar in the galaxy.