1972 Maserati Bora 4.7-litre Berlinetta
Registration no. GYY 600L
Chassis no. AM117 432

The highlight of the 1971 Geneva Salon was undoubtedly the sensational new Maserati Bora. With the Bora's introduction, the great Modenese manufacturer followed other supercar constructors in going mid-engined while at the same time abandoning its traditional tubular chassis technology in favour of unitary construction. Named after an Adriatic wind, the Bora was the work of Giorgetto Giugiaro's Ital Design, at least as far as its bodyshell was concerned; the mid-mounted engine was Maserati's familiar four-cam V8 in 4.7-litre form, the five-speed transaxle came from ZF and the all-independent double-wishbone suspension was penned by Giulio Alfieri, co-designer of the legendary 250F Formula 1 Grand Prix car. One of the first 'new generation' models to appear following Maserati's acquisition by Citroën, the Bora used the latter's hydraulic technology to adjust seats and pedals, raise the headlamps, and operate the excellent power-assisted brakes. A slippery shape plus 310bhp made for a very fast car - top speed was over 160mph (258km/h) - and the Bora had acceleration, handling and braking to match.

Motor magazine concluded its March 1973 road test thus: "The Bora impressed us as one of the best and most civilised mid-engined exotics we've tried, better developed than most of its ilk and immensely rewarding to drive, especially to drive fast on cross-country roads." What more could any enthusiast want?

According to the copy build sheet on file, this 4.7-Litre Bora was built in December 1972, and specified new with Exterior in 'Celeste' paired with 'Senape' interior. The copy delivery notice shows it was delivered via the Walter Bordese dealership in Turin on the 26th March 1973. The extensive history file contains numerous old invoices, MOTs and handwritten notes, together with copies of previous Italian and French registration documents.

The current owner - a Maserati connoisseur having owned 1950s competition exotics such as a 250F and 250S - purchased this Bora from McGrath Maserati after a two year search. As he intended to use the car for international touring and Maserati Club events it was decided to complete a thorough evaluation of the car. This resulted in an engine out rebuild of the mechanical systems and the car as a whole, with detailed invoices on file. These invoices (totalling over £50,000) include an engine rebuild; front/rear suspension overhaul; CWP and differential overhaul; wheels refurbished and new front tyres; ethanol compatible fuel lines fitted; air conditioning service; and supply of original tools. When this work was completed in September 2021 the car was driven to Switzerland where our client has a home and used to explore the Jura region, both Swiss and French. The vendor advises us that over 1,500 km were completed without issue. This included 900 km from the UK with stops only for fuel.

The vendor advises us that the car has met 100% of his expectations during his ownership, and indeed the only reason for sale now is that osteoarthritis prevents him from easily getting in and out of the car. Bonhams consultant James Knight has driven this magnificent Bora and confirms that the car is "an absolute delight to drive".