Estimate:
$125,000 - $150,000

• Technological tour-de-force; the first completely modern Maserati
• One of 250 specified with a 4.9-liter engine, producing 330 horsepower
• Hydraulically controlled suspension, windows, seats, and pedal box
• Original Campagnolo wheels with removable alloy centers and Michelin radial tires
• Preserved example with documented history of enthusiast ownership
• Period upgrades include Blaupunkt Frankfurt stereo and Pioneer cassette player
• Please note this lot will need to be collected from Vero Beach, FL

The introduction of the Bora in 1971 represented a series of achievements for Maserati, including the storied brand’s first rear-engined production car and the first with a completely independent, double-wishbone suspension. The Bora’s mighty V-8 engine, shared with the Ghibli SS, and five-speed ZF transaxle were fitted to a monocoque chassis; the Citroën-supplied hydropneumatic control system not only powered the ventilated disk brakes, but also—ingeniously—permitted “touch button” movement of the pedal box, driving seat position, headlights, and windows.

With internal engineering overseen by Giulio Alfieri, combined with tastefully refined styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, the Bora could keep pace with its contemporaries, achieving 60 mph in under seven seconds and 170 mph at maximum power. It was also perhaps the most practical supercar of its era, with a carpet-lined storage compartment in the nose and enviable levels of sound and heat deadening. From 1971 to 1980, Maserati produced 564 examples of the Bora.

One of only 275 examples receiving the enlarged 4.9-liter engine, this Bora was assembled in Modena on 21 March 1973, and shipped to Maserati’s West Nyack, New York-based importer, Grossman Motor Car Corp. The Bora’s first owner was Marv Tonkin Ford of Portland, Oregon, which purchased the sports coupe for $23,500. Tonkin’s brother Ron, a sports car afficionado who established the first Ferrari dealership in America, was so enamored with the Bora, he purchased it from his brother. Select registration paperwork and nearly four decades worth of original invoices included with the sale indicate that Tonkin respected the value of consistent service, most of which took place at his own dealership.

Today, the Bora presents in carefully preserved condition, with the iconic satin-finished stainless steel top and red paint still showing well for their age. The current consigner reports it is, “too original for restoration.” From the logos silk-screened on the air box, to the period-correct Maserati Club stickers on the windows, original light-colored Connolly leather sport seats, and optional Vitaloni Tornado driver’s-side mirror, this Maserati Bora bears all the hallmarks of a prime example, chosen and conserved by a true connoisseur. Accompanied by a copy of its invoice, select registrations from current ownership, an original owner’s manual, and manuals for the Blaupunkt stereo and Pioneer cassette deck, this example offers a Maserati enthusiast the full package – a modern Italian sports car with grand touring capabilities and undeniable pedigree.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0120.