Lot 037: 1973 Maserati Bora

Introduced at the 1971 Geneva Salon, the Bora was Maserati's first and - MC12 aside - only mid-engined supercar. Funded by parent Citroen its menacing Giorgetto Giugiaro penned silhouette clothed a sophisticated steel monocoque chassis equipped with all-round double-wishbone independent suspension and the French manufacturer's latest generation hydraulic hardware. Thus, able to boast power-assistance for its rack and pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes, retractable headlights, single-plate clutch and adjustable pedal box, the Bora was a world away from its Lamborghini Miura rival in terms of refinement. Cradled by a dedicated subframe, its quad twin-choke Weber DCNF fed 4719cc DOHC V8 engine was mated to a ZF 5-speed DS-25/2 transaxle (as used by the Ford GT40). Credited with 310bhp and 339lbft of torque, the Bora was reputedly capable of 168mph and 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds. Praised by the contemporary motoring press for their verve and composure, a mere 289 4.7litre Boras are thought to have left the Trident factory (though, apparently just 27 of those were to right-hand drive specification). Finished in red with oatmeal leather upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example is variously described by the vendor as being in "excellent" (engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, chassis, wheels / tyres) or "concours" (interior trim, bodywork, paintwork) condition. Reportedly "imported from Dublin in Easter 1986", 'SKM 883M' is understood to have entered the current ownership that same year. As well as benefiting from over two decades worth of "general ongoing maintenance", the supercar is said to have been treated to a recent replacement clutch (2,000 miles ago) and extensive bodywork / interior restoration (2005 - 2008). Reputedly "featured in several classic car magazines over the last ten years", this sensational RHD Bora is offered for sale with "receipts totaling more than �25,000", MOT certificate valid until October 2008 and road tax valid until November 2008.