1966→1972 Maserati Mexico

Launched in 1966 at the Paris motor show, the production Mexico was offered with the same engine variants as the Quattroporte, either a 4.2 or a 4.7 litre version. The chassis itself was derived from the Quattroporte II, with a wheelbase shortened by 11 cm.

It shared its general construction with the original Quattroporte, although the first Mexico prototype was actually derived from a damaged 5000 GT and was thus powered by a 4.9 litre engine.

A true four-seater, the Mexico sported very elegant and refined coachwork courtesy of Vignale. Contrary to other Maserati four-seat coupés, it was not named after a race track; the name was chosen because the prototype, was once owned by Mexican president Adolfo López Mateos when it was still a 5000 GT, returned to Mexico after having appeared at the 1965 Turin motor show. It was truly fitting, but also pure coincidence, that John Surtees would close the 1966 Formula 1 season with a convincing win in the Mexican Grand Prix at the wheel of a Cooper-Maserati T81.

In 4.7 guise the top speed was boosted to 255 kph (159 mph) compared to the 4.2’s 240 kph (149 mph). Minor developments were introduced on the model in 1970, including alloy wheels, replacing the wire wheels, however, the latter remained available in bolt-on form instead of knock-on. In total, 480 Mexicos were sold in seven years, with Italian actress Virna Lisi, American actor Ronald Reagan and middle-weight boxing champion Nino Benvenuti among its original owners.

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	1966 – 1972
built at	Italy
coachbuilder	Vignale
engine	90° V8
position	Front, Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
ignition	Marelli Coil
valvetrain	DOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	4 Weber 38 DCNL5 Carburetors
displacement	4719 cc / 287.97 in³
bore	93.9 mm / 3.7 in
stroke	85 mm / 3.35 in
compression	8.05:1
power	216.3 kw / 290 bhp @ 5000 rpm
specific output	61.45 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	157.69 bhp per tonne
body / frame	Unitary Steel Monocoque w/Front Steel Subframe
driven wheels	RWD
wheel type	Wire Wheels
front tires	205 VR 15 HS
rear tires	205 VR 15 HS
front brakes	Ventilated Discs
rear brakes	Ventilated Discs
front wheels	F 38.1 x 16.5 cm / 15 x 6.5 in
rear wheels	R 38.1 x 16.5 cm / 15 x 6.5 in
steering	Worm & Sector
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension	Live Axle w/Leaf Springs, Telescopic Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight	1839 kg / 4050 lbs
wheelbase	2640 mm / 103.9 in
front track	1390 mm / 54.7 in
rear track	1360 mm / 53.5 in
length	4760 mm / 187.4 in
width	1720 mm / 67.7 in
height	1360 mm / 53.5 in
transmission	5-Speed Manual
top speed	~255.83 kph / 159 mph
fuel capacity	95 litres or 25.08 gal.

 

 

Auction Sales History

 

1967 Maserati Mexico AM.112.106 – sold for $126,500 Produced in 1967, this excellent Mexico arrived in the US in 1980 from its native Italy. In 2004, it was acquired by an enthusiast who enjoyed this exceptional Maserati in both Miami and Mexico City. . Presented in the classic combination of Rosso over rich Cinghiale hides, this well-presented example has recently benefitted from a repaint and a cosmetic and mechanical refresh.
Auction Source: 2015 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams

 

1968 Maserati Mexico 4,7 litres coupé Frua 112.1.103 – sold for €621,000 One off prototype by Carrozzeria Frua. Displayed at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show. Bodywork fully restored in 2013 by Philippe Vilain and painted the original light green shade. ‘Best of Show’ at the Maserati Centennial Concours d’Élégance Turin 2014.
Auction Source: The Chantilly Sale 2015

 

1968 Maserati Mexico 4.2-Litre AM112504 – sold for €120,750 A matching numbers 4.2-litre model equipped with the desirable five-speed manual gearbox, this particular Mexico was delivered new to Mr Pasquali Renato in Bologna, Italy in February 1969. Mr Pasqualli kept the Maserati for seven years before selling it to Mr Adam Rosenblatt of Mill Valley, California, USA in July 1976. After some 30-plus years in the USA, the car was exported again (in 2008) on this occasion to the Netherlands where its third owner, a Mr Klaus from Rotterdam, kept it for two years.

Auction Source: 2015 Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais

 

1972 Maserati Mexico Coupé – sold for €44,172 According to a copy of records from Maserati’s Historical Consultancy, this Mexico was originally finished in Metallic Silver with blue Connolly hides and delivered new to Advocato Piero Della Verita in Bologna in March that year. Now, it is being offered from its fifth caretaker, and the odometer currently reads about 95,500 miles. It was selectively restored and has been professionally maintained under the current owner over the past five years. During the past two years, he drove it from Hamburg, Germany to the UK for the Goodwood Revival Meeting, and it was noted to have performed well. It has been maintained by Steinke Sportwagenservice since 2007 and in 2008 received a new paint job and full service, among other work.

Auction Source: 2011 London Auction by RM