In the years following the first oil crisis demand for large engined sports cars fell drastically. While Maserati already had a more economical alternative to the Bora, in the V6 Merak, new company chairman Alejandro De Tomaso felt a version equipped with a smaller engine was called for to reinvigorate sales. Italian legislation imposed a 39% rate of VAT tax on cars with engines larger than 2 liters, and so the Merak 2000 GT was born. The same strategy would later give rise to the Biturbo range.

Revving up to 7,000 rpm, the V6 developed a healthy 170 hp and the level of performance remained convincing with a top speed of 220 km/h, and fuel consumption of 9.2 liters per 100 km. The expensive hydraulic braking system was discontinued on all Meraks from 1980. Externally the 2000 GT maintained the black grille seen on the SS between the headlights and added a thick black fascia below the waistline. Only two colors were available: light metallic blue and gold. Overall, the Merak range spanned three model variations and lasted 12 years. 1830 cars were sold of which 200 were 2 liter cars, exclusive to the Italian market.