A first: ’73 Maserati Bora

Maserati and Citroen merged and that created a unique opportunity for the Italian firm to try something new. The wonderful Ghibli was due for replacement and the engineers started with a clean sheet of paper and a Citroen parts book. They decided to go mid-engine like their peers at Ferrari and Lamborghini. But the Maserati is a monocoque unlike the others. The car was penned by Guigaro, and featured a stainless steel roof panel that provided a dramatic contrast to the rest of the painted body (except in this silver example). Maserati’s familiar 4.7-liter, aluminum four-cam V-8 was coupled to a ZF transaxle and mounted amidships in a subframe behind the cockpit that isolated vibration in order to provide for a higher degree of passenger comfort. The Bora turned out to be quieter than the Muira, Countach, and Boxer at the time. It was no slouch because the Bora’s 310 hp propelled it from 0-60 in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed well above 170 mph. And it did it with less noise and vibration than the other cars. They raided from the Citroen parts bin to control the hydraulics for brakes, headlights, seat and pedal adjustments. Today’s Bora is really beautiful in silver with what looks to be original red leather interior. It has 26,000 West Coast miles on it to date. There isn’t much more from the seller so you’ll need to call him if you want to pursue it. While you are at it, ask him why he wants $115,000 when Hagetry says a perfect trailer queen is worth $79,000. Click here for the eBay listing.