In 1971, the well-recognized designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, whom was responsible for the design of the Maserati Boomerang, (one of the most iconic concept cars ever made) brought forth a new creation known as the Bora which made its debut in the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. With its roots stemming back to the Tipo 63, the mid-engine Bora came with a 4.7L or 4.9L quad cam V8 eventually coming standard with a revised 4.9L that put out 310bhp horsepower at 6000rpm which was about 30 more horsepower than the previous engine. From a design standpoint, cars of this era were extremely flamboyant and possessed styling elements that quite frankly had never been thought to be tangible. Mechanically, engines were being mounted in the middle of the car instead of the front to improve weight distribution and to allow uniq ue body designs to take fruition. These supercars that were being built were extraordinary and seemed to be ahead of their time. The Lamborghini Miura and Countach , the De Tomaso Pantera, the Ferrari 308, the Lancia Stratos, were all mid-engine and boasted extravagant designs that were fit for any 10 year old’s bedroom wall. The Maserati Bora also was mid-engine, pretty quick with a 0-60mph time of 6.5 seconds, but was more elegant in design. It also had a characteristic that almost all of its competitors seemed to severely lack which was that the Bora was sensible. Take for example the Lamborghini Countach. It is absolutely stunning to look at but is difficult to enter and exit, not very comfortable to be in for extended periods of time, there was not much head room, the clutch was heavy, you could not see out of the rear, and the cabin was a bit loud. Issues similar to this are what the flashy 70’s supercars had in common yet the Bora was quite the opposite.

 

The Maserati Bora had a full size boot in the front, the mechanics were designed for safety and functionality, the interior was spacious and quiet all while still remaining appealing in design. All in all the Maserati was much more mild and practical than its rivals and still managed to encompass the qualities of a supercar. The reasoning behind this approach was Maserati’s client base. It consisted of individuals of sustained wealth and a taste for sophistication. There were individuals who were not looking for the flashy Lamborghini but a car that drove like a supercar in the 70’s and was still usable on a day to day basis. Even today, one will notice that the Bora is comfortable and pleasant to drive bringing us to the example on offer.

 

This 1975 Bora, chassis #AM11749US930/engine #AM1071149930, is a matching numbers example that exhibits driver quality condition. Its origins are rooted in the City of Angles, with Los Angeles California serving as its first home once it departed the factory according to the original delivery note. Included in the Maserati Classiche Documents is a document that reads Mantaggio E Finitura Venturra (End of Line Data Sheet) in the heading and indicates that the car was shipped to New York on June 6, 1975. The Avviso Di Spedizione (Delivery Note) then shows invoice 334/A of July 5, 1975 to have this example arriving at Spett. Le Maserati Automobiles Inc., 12615 Beatrice Street, Los Angeles California. Furthermore, bringing light to the more recent whereabouts of this example, the service records show a $10k service completed by Dino Motors in San Manteo, California. Based off of this authentic documentation as well as the service records, it can be concluded that this example spent the majority of its life on the west coast, specifically in California. The example on offer was then brought to Arizona where its current caretaker resides and is now in Philadelphia being looked after in the LBI stable.

 

Upon approach of this car, one will notice some minor imperfections in the paint which can be attributed to previous road use that has been accompanied by proper service and maintenance. These imperfections consist of several small nicks that have been touched up as well as a light scuff here and there but nothing severe enough to make one cringe. This car has been tastefully altered from its original yellow exterior to a deep and elegant navy blue. Continuing one’s examination of the car, the panel fitment and seams all fall into acceptable clearances. The stainless steel top still shows well and is a design feature that is specific to the Bora. As far as the rubber is concerned, some areas have begun to crack, for instance the rubber seal that surrounds the front windshield. The U.S. style bumpers have begun to display some faint cracking as well but with a driver quality car, these are items that can be expected and are not taken into consideration until the car is inspected up close. The wheels are original, still baring the factory stickers and are in good condition having no curb rash. Overall, the exterior of this example poses no major faults and presents well with inviting characteristics of a driver quality example. It is the perfect base for a color change back to yellow (quite rare) or will provide a great basis for current use and enjoyment.

 

Moving to the interior, a glance at the door jams will reveal that the color change was quite thorough and properly completed with very clean jams. The driver and passenger seats are finished in a gray leather (originally black) have no tears or notable eye sores with their unique shape making them not only attractive but fairly comfortable. With the door open, some fading located on the side of the dash where the door panel meets it can be noted but items such as this contribute to the patina of the car. Once seated, you are presented with the original steering wheel and gauges. A look around the cabin will reveal elements that are consistent with an enjoyable and original driver quality car; some flaws, but again nothing short of a driver. The components and finishing materials have a welcomed age on them and function as they should.

 

Stepping out of the cabin and relocating to the rear of the car, peering through the rear glass you are presented with the engine cover that Maserati decided to implement to cater to their more sophisticated consumer base. It is not until the rear bonnet is opened and the cover removed where one can then gaze at the 4.9L V8 engine, boasting the Maserati name on each of the valve covers. Once again this reveals a driver quality car with the engine bay in presentable and obviously serviced condition but to make it perfect, it would need some tidying up cosmetically. Mechanically however, the engine runs strong and pulls well with no major leaks or issues noted. Many of the hoses are supple and new along with new gaskets and a rebuilt fuel system. Sitting behind the engine is the original spare in its original boot.

 

The front trunk does have some flaws in the carpeting but also houses the original tool kit and jack. The underside of the car shows in consistency with the rest of the car, cosmetically revealing its age to an extent but completely operational.

 

Finally we have reached the discussion regarding the drivability and drive quality that the Bora provides. This example has recently received a thorough 10k service that has sorted all items that needed tending to. This service consisted of replacing and or repairing an assortment of components such as seat belts and bulbs, to fuel hoses and the clutch slave cylinder. Upon turning the key of this example, the driver is presented with a strong crank, and without much hassle, the engine fires. Once the fluids have gotten warm and the engine has reached operating temperature, you can put the Bora’s 4.9L V8 to the test. Put your foot down and the engine preforms an Italian tuned octet that raises the hair on the back of any enthusiast’s neck with an almost muscle-car-like tune. The gauges reveal a steady and constant water temperature, good oil pressure, followed by uneventful and smooth gear changes via the 5-speed gearbox. Lift your foot off the gas and the exhaust lets out a wonderful, almost metallic sounding pop and crackle that is thoroughly addicting. The steering is slightly on the heavier side but usable at speed as is common with most Italian sports cars of the era. The braking system functions as it should with the absence of any unwanted noises, pulls, or inconsistencies noted.

 

This 1975 Maserati Bora has an immense amount of enjoyment to offer, for it presents in a driver quality state that can be enjoyed without the burden for worrying about incurring minor flaws during use. Alternatively, it would be the perfect base for an easy cosmetic restoration back to its interesting original colors. Mechanically, it is well sorted and performs flawlessly making it the perfect sunny Sunday afternoon driver that has been well tended to. The Bora came about during a revolutionary period for cars and possesses the elements that qualify it as a 70’s supercar but omits the majority of the inconveniences that similar cars like the Countach have. The example on offer is the more desirable 4.9L model, awarding it much more growth potential. The car on offer would make a fantastic and interesting driver or a sturdy foundation to launch a restoration to bring it up to a concours quality example. The original books, tools, spare and Maserati Certificate of Origin are offered with this sale.

 

Available Documentation: (Click on the links below to view the file)

 

• Maserati Classiche Documentation