4,930cc DOHC V8 Engine
4 Weber Carburetors
320bhp at 6,000rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*One of just 275 4.9-Liter examples
*Complete with Maserati Classiche paperwork, books, tools and extensive history file dating back to 1987
*Recipient of recent, extensive mechanical work
*Matching numbers

THE MASERATI BORA

"The brief called for a car that was clearly a Maserati, modern but devoid of the exotic look that unnecessary decorations can create, strikingly sporty but not inordinately aggressive. In short: innovative but not revolutionary."- Italdesign press release, 1971

Introduced at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, The Tipo 117 Bora was Maserati's first and only mid-engine V8 supercar, following the trend set by the Lamborghini Miura in 1966. Maserati commissioned Italdesign, Giorgetto Giugiaro's nascent design firm, to develop this new genre of Maserati. This design, while unmistakably Giugiaro, featured striking styling similarities with the DeTomaso Mangusta, BMW M1, and even the Delorean DMC 12. As quoted above, the Bora was strikingly sporty but not inordinately aggressive, a truly worthy Maserati GT car, with clear connections to the Ghibli that came before.

Underneath the striking Italdesign body, the Bora bore a 4.7-liter alloy V8 mated to a ZF 5-Speed transaxle and a fully independent double-wishbone suspension system designed by Giulio Alfieri, the co-designer of the legendary 250F Formula 1 car. Starting in 1973, a larger 4.9-liter engine was available as well, gaining 10 horsepower over the 4.7-liter version.

Along with being a capable mid-engine supercar, the Bora was considerably more practical than its competition. The Bora featured dual pane glass and a carpeted engine bay to greatly reduce engine noise, as well as a full-sized trunk- a rare feature in a mid-engine supercar. The Bora was also one of the first new models to be released after Citroen gained a controlling interest in Maserati in 1968. As a result, the Bora featured innovations like hydraulically operated headlights and seat/pedal box adjustments. The Bora also featured a telescoping and movable steering wheel, making it much less of an ordeal to enter an exit than its competitors from Sant'Agata and Maranello.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Ordered May 1,1973, Chassis 588 was destined for California soon after. As per the Maserati Classiche certification, this Bora left the factory with the larger and more powerful 4.9 Liter, quad cam V8 engine and a Blaupunkt "Frankfurt" radio- both of which still can be found in the car. Readily apparent is the wonderful condition of this fine Maserati sports car. Having been the recipient of a restoration, the body shows with clean lines and proper sheet metal fitment. The expectedly red paint shines along with the minimal touches of brightwork. Inside, the black leather swathed interior presents with equal attention to detail.

More importantly, a comprehensive project addressing the mechanicals of the Bora was conducted over the course of 2015-2019. A complete engine and transmission rebuild from crank to cams has resulted in a strong and fresh motor ready to deliver howling pulls at speed. Of particular concern in today's traffic is the dispensation of heat. To ward off the imminent issue, the cooling system received a new high-performance electric water pump and SPAL pulling fans. The extent of the work- totaling tens of thousands of dollars- goes beyond what can be described in such a brief description, so it is best recommended to view the history file which dates back to 1987. In addition, both the owner's and maintenance manuals and tools will be included alongside the car, as well as the original bonnet.

A fine alternative to its Italian contemporaries, the Maserati Bora offers big V8 power housed in a more restrained, svelte package for the period. This example will prove to be readily rally-proven and should not be passed up.