Maserati Mexico 4700 Coupé, 1971
Maserati Mexico
Maserati Mexico•
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Chassis No.: AM 112/1 1030
€64,400 EUR | Sold
- One of only 175 4.7-litre Mexico models built
- An older restoration
- Stored since acquisition in 2011
- Requires re-commissioning
- Manual transmission
Reputedly named later in honour of Cooper-Maserati's victory in the 1966 Mexican Grand Prix, when John Surtees triumphed in the final round of that year's Formula 1 World Championship, the Mexico debuted at the 1966 Turin Motor Show. The new V8-engined sports car boasted elegant yet understated coachwork by Carrozzeria Vignale, Maserati's preferred coachbuilder at this time, and was intended for customers who wanted a luxurious four-seater but preferred something more sporting than the larger Quattroporte saloon.
Maserati's long-established four-cam V8 engine was employed in 4.7-litre form for the newcomer. Designed for competition and progressively civilised for road use, the V8 arrived in 'production' form in the first Quattroporte of 1963 and would be the mainstream power plant of the Maserati range throughout the 1960s and '70s. As installed in the Mexico, the 4.7-litre version produced 290bhp, which was good enough for a top speed of around 225km/h (140mph) though several sources quote speeds of around 240km/h (150mph). A more economical 4.2-litre (4200) version was available also.
Apart from its live rear axle, the Mexico's underpinnings were similar to the contemporary Quattroporte saloon's, featuring double wishbone independent front suspension, disc brakes all round, a ZF five-speed gearbox as standard, and optional automatic transmission.
A subtle piece of styling - photographs do not do it justice - the Mexico afforded space for four adults and their luggage, while the well-equipped interior featured comfortable seating and an elegant dashboard with enough instruments and switches to make an airline pilot feel at home. On the road, the Mexico accomplished the difficult trick of offering both secure handling and a supple ride. Production ceased in 1973 after 480 cars had been built, the 4.2/4.7 split being 305/175. These are numbers that make the contemporary Ghibli (1,274 built) seem mass produced by comparison.
Offered here is one of the last 4.7-litre Mexico models built (the final chassis number was '1048'). This Mexico was purchased by the current vendor from Classic Car Collection in Geneva, Switzerland in February 2011 (copy invoice on file). At that time the car was advertised as 'entirely restored from the bare frame, the floors and underpinnings were replaced. Recent work also includes brand-new tires, brakes and stainless-steel exhaust system'. Dry stored since acquisition, the Mexico will require re-commissioning before further use.
Please note that if this vehicle remains within Belgium the reduced rate of Import VAT at 6% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
Please note that this vehicle is not offered with any original registration documents, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.
Cost
269,779 AED
