Lot 225: Maserati Bora 4.7-litre Coupe

The highlight of 1971 Geneva Salon was undoubtedly the sensational new Maserati Bora. With the Bora's introduction, the great Modenese manufacturer followed other supercar constructors in going mid-engined, at the same time abandoning its traditional tubular chassis technology in favour of unitary construction. Named after a wind, the Bora was the work of Giorgetto Giugiaroâ's Ital Design, at least as far as its bodyshell was concerned; the mid-mounted engine was Maserati's familiar four-cam V8 in 4.7-litre form, the five-speed transaxle came from ZF and the all-independent double-wishbone suspension was penned by Giulio Alfieri, co-designer of the legendary 250F. One of the first 'new generation' models to appear following Maserati's acquisition by Citroen, the Bora used the latter's hydraulic technology to adjust seats and pedals, raise the headlamps and operate the excellent power-assisted brakes. A slippery shape plus 310bhp made for a very fast car - top speed was around 160mph (258km/h) - and the Bora had acceleration and handling to match. By January 1976, Maserati's management apparently had discussed shelving the Bora, but later that year decided to continue, though with an enlarged 4.9-litre V8 engine. Only some 25 Boras were made in all that year, and the total produced from 1971 to 1978 was only 571. The type was finally phased out in 1979. Motor magazine concluded its March 1973 road test thus: 'The Bora impressed us as one of the best and most civilised mid-engined exotics we've tried, better developed than most of its ilk and immensely rewarding to drive, especially to drive fast on cross-country roads.' What more could an enthusiast want? The Bora was a stunning supercar by any standards, both then and now. Displaying a total of only 5,800 kilometres on the odometer, this particular example has spent 20 years in a museum and is presented in very sound original condition, the interior in particular being nicely patinated. The Bora was restarted last year by P3 Automobiles in Cannes, who advised the owner that a full service should be carried out and the engine stripped down and examined (see invoice on file). Sold strictly as viewed, the car comes complete with jack and is offered with Belgian registration papers.