1970 Maserati Mexico 4.7-Litre Coupé
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Vignale
Chassis no. AM112/1 736

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. 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 less powerful 4.2-litre version was available also. The Mexico featured 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 manual transmission - the ultimate specification - this Mexico was purchased new by the chief medical officer at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, a Mr Varolo. Its owner later moved to Sweden, taking the Maserati with him. The car was reregistered when he returned to Italy and was sold to a Belgian collector a few years later. The current owner purchased the Mexico in January 2011 from Hans Bezemer, since when it has been kept on static display and thus in need of recommissioning prior to road use.

At time of purchase the Maserati was described as a very original matching numbers example that had been re-sprayed once in its original colour while retaining its lovely patinated leather interior. Accompanying documentation consists of copies of the purchase invoice, dealer's advertisement and old Netherlands registration papers.

Please note that if this vehicle remains within Monaco or France, the reduced rate of Import VAT at 5.5% will be applicable on the hammer price. All customs charges will be invoiced and collected directly by our customs agent, Benaim. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate and paid directly there. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.