Registration No: VNP 703L
Chassis No: AM117189
MOT: June 2023
For exotic, head-turning, heart-stoppingingly gorgeous Italian supercars, the early 1970s were the golden years. At that time, the automotive rule book had been thrown in the bin and thus began a plethora of designs that still look sharp today. The Lamborghini Countach, De Tomaso Pantera, Lancia Stratos and Ferrari 365 GT4 BB and all of those memorable heavily raked wedge shaped concept cars started rolling out of dirty and chaotic southern European factories. The common link? Most were mide-engined in the endeavour to bring the racecar experience to the customer out on the public roads. Post Miura, this was the legacy that saw the supercar taken tyo the next level.
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 "Rosso Fuoco" Red with Black Connolly leather upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example has had an interesting history reportedly spending five years in the ownership of Maserati UK as part of their heritage collection. The car was produced in December 1972 and delivered to Citroen Cars Ltd, Slough and first registered in the UK on 20th August 1973. There is an extensive history file with the car, including details of all previous repairs, maintenance, and according to the vendor, a bare metal restoration. Numerous MOT certificates dating back to 1986 suggest the extremely low current mileage is genuine. This actual car featured in an episode of BBC’s ‘Top Gear’ in 2001 as part of a “History of Maserati” special and has also featured in classic car magazine articles on more than one occasion. A vehicle that is also well known in Maserati circles and has made numerous appearances at Maserati Club events. This beautiful Grand Tourer presents very well with a lovely patina to the interior. Included in the document file are the MOT certificates, a V5C, service & repair invoices, magazine articles, and other relevant documents from Maserati and the owners club. This is an opportunity to purchase an extremely rare and iconic ‘70s mid-engined Italian supercar.
For more information, please contact:
Roy Hitchman
roy.hitchman@handh.co.uk
07718 584216
Auction: Imperial War Museum, Duxford, 22nd Jun, 2022
VIEWING TIMES
Tuesday 21st June 2022 from 12pm to 6pm
Wednesday 22nd June 2022 from 9am
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