Photography Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
Some of Giorgetto Giugiaro’s most iconic designs include the BMW M1, DeLorean DMC-12, Lotus Esprit, and—my personal favorite—the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT. The legendary designer has given the world some incredibly beautiful machines spanning his half-century career. One of his, perhaps overshadowed, projects is the oh-so-Italian Tipo 117: the Maserati Bora.
Our Editorial Manager, Michael Banovsky, makes a compelling argument that the Bora is the perfect everyday supercar of yesteryear, and perhaps he’s onto something. When the car debuted in 1971, it was fast, the ride wasn’t jarring, the cabin comfortably housed two adult-sized occupants, and the shape was more graceful than many of it’s hard-edged counterparts—though, the Bora chassis was the base for one of the sharpest wedge design exercises: the Boomerang.
The more contemporary body even featured a rather large frunk, given mid engine layout limitations. Thanks to its partnership with Citroën during the era, the Bora received the French marque’s high-pressure LHM hydraulic system—which operated the speed-shedding four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, retractable headlamps, and driver seat controls. The independent suspension at all corners guaranteed a smooth ride—for an Italian super car, at least. Stylish silver Campagnolo aluminum wheels with polished center caps were fitted, making quite the contradistinction on this car’s otherwise stealthy looks.
Speaking of, is the Bora not the best looking Italian wedge when bathed in black? This 1975 Bora is one of just 289 of the slightly less powerful 4.7-liter equipped models versus the big bore 4.9-liter. Still, with 310 horses behind your spine, the four-cam V8 can jolt from naught-to-60 in under 7 seconds with another 90 mph available…in case you’re running late.
Chassis AM117 466 was actually produced in 1973, but sat unsold in Maserati’s possession for two years before going home with its first owner. The car was restored 2003 and sold to a German enthusiast before finally winding up in a French collection, where it currently stables. Still benefiting from its ’03 restoration, the Bora is offered in its factory non-metallic jet black over Senape tan leather interior—just look at those seats.
The car is still powered by its original powertrain accompanied by service invoices, including its most recent appointment record at the Monaco Cavallari, an official Maserati garage. This ZF five-speed Bora is said to drive wonderfully and only in need of a new caretaker—this is where you come in.
With brilliant colors, restored to new, and in top notch running condition, why would anyone buy a new Trident-adorned GT or SUV over this classic Maserati masterpiece? Pack a weekend bag, grab your significant other, and haul-ass to your desired destination—don’t forget to grab your tux from the cleaners on your way out of town.
History
– One of just 289 4.7-litre Boras produced
– Retains its original engine
Specifications
~310 hp, 4,719 cc mid-mounted V-8 engine with four Weber 42 DCNF twin-choke carburetors, five-speed ZF manual transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension with unequal-length A-arms, coil springs and anti-roll bars, and hydraulic four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,600 mm.
Vehicle information
Chassis no.: AM117 466
Engine no.: AM107/07/47 466
Valuation
Auction house: RM Sotheby’s
Estimate: €190,000 – €240,000 ($280,000 – $350,000 Usd.)
Price realized: Auction on May 14
