LOT 18
1969 Barcelona Motor Show exhibit, delivered new in Spain to the Count of Godó 1969 Maserati Mexico 4.7-Litre Coupé Coachwork by Carrozzeria Vignale Chassis no. AM112 7501
Sold for €86,250 inc. premium
Lot 18
1969 Maserati Mexico 4.7-Litre Coupé
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Vignale Chassis no. AM112 7501
1969 Barcelona Motor Show exhibit, delivered new in Spain to the Count of Godó
1969 Maserati Mexico 4.7-Litre Coupé
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Vignale
Chassis no. AM112 7501
1969 Maserati Mexico 4.7-Litre Coupé
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Vignale
Chassis no. AM112 7501
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. Effectively replacing the six-cylinder four-seater Sebring model, Maserati's new V8-engined sports car boasted elegant yet understated coachwork by Carrozzeria Vignale, Maserati's preferred coachbuilder at this time. The Mexico 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, this robust unit had first been seen in the 450S sports-racer back in 1957 and made its road-car debut in that most celebrated of Maseratis: the 5000 GT. Progressively civilised for road use, the V8 arrived in 'production' form in the first Quattroporte of 1963 and would be the backbone 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 version was available also, which despite having 'only' 260bhp on tap, was only a few kilometres per hour slower. 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, only 175 of which had the larger and more powerful 4.7-litre engine. These are numbers that make the contemporary Ghibli (1,274 built) seem mass produced by comparison.
A 4.7-litre model equipped with the rare option of an automatic transmission, this Mexico has covered around 72,000 kilometres (approximately 44,700 miles) and has never been restored. The car has been kept garaged and is described as original and in generally excellent condition. We are advised that there is no damage to the bodywork and that the original black leather is excellent, while the chassis, engine, transmission and electrics are all said to be in proper working order. Air conditioning has been installed but it is not yet connected. Featured in 'Motor Clasico' magazine (June 1990 edition, copy on file), this rare Maserati Gran Turismo also comes with Spanish registration papers and a 2003 technical inspection stating that the indicators (with white lights) are original and can be used on Spanish roads.
Maserati's long-established four-cam V8 engine was employed in 4.7-litre form for the newcomer. Designed for competition, this robust unit had first been seen in the 450S sports-racer back in 1957 and made its road-car debut in that most celebrated of Maseratis: the 5000 GT. Progressively civilised for road use, the V8 arrived in 'production' form in the first Quattroporte of 1963 and would be the backbone 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 version was available also, which despite having 'only' 260bhp on tap, was only a few kilometres per hour slower. 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, only 175 of which had the larger and more powerful 4.7-litre engine. These are numbers that make the contemporary Ghibli (1,274 built) seem mass produced by comparison.
A 4.7-litre model equipped with the rare option of an automatic transmission, this Mexico has covered around 72,000 kilometres (approximately 44,700 miles) and has never been restored. The car has been kept garaged and is described as original and in generally excellent condition. We are advised that there is no damage to the bodywork and that the original black leather is excellent, while the chassis, engine, transmission and electrics are all said to be in proper working order. Air conditioning has been installed but it is not yet connected. Featured in 'Motor Clasico' magazine (June 1990 edition, copy on file), this rare Maserati Gran Turismo also comes with Spanish registration papers and a 2003 technical inspection stating that the indicators (with white lights) are original and can be used on Spanish roads.
Saleroom notices
Please note that the correct chassis number for this car is AM112 1 750. According to Maserati, the car left the factory in March 1970 and was delivered to the Spanish Maserati importer in April 1970. The original exterior colour was gold Oro Longchamps with black leather interior, Borg Warner automatic gearbox and wire wheels. Please also note that the chassis number in the Spanish documents is AM 112 7501.
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