The Maserati Merak was first introduced at the 1972 Paris Motor Show as a lighter, more accessible follow-up to the V8-powered Bora.

Styled by Giugiaro of Italdesign and sharing much of the Bora's chassis and suspension, the Merak was powered by a Maserati-designed 3-litre quad-cam V6 derived from the Citroën SM, featuring triple Weber carburettors, producing 190bhp and reaching a top speed of c.150mph.

With its mid-mounted engine, unitary construction and finely balanced dynamics, the Merak delivered good performance and remarkably refined handling, especially for the era.

Just 1,832 Meraks were built before production ended in 1983, but only one was taken and transformed by a coachbuilder and that was Carrosserie Saurer of Switzerland.

Originally delivered new as a left-hand drive 1975 Merak, this car underwent a full, no expense spared transformation in 1984 in the hands of Swiss coachbuilder, Paul Saurer.

Far from a cosmetic reworking or amateur modification, this 'Hot Merak'...