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...
Maserati Mexico
1966 - 1972
Following the 5000GT and the Quattroporte, the Mexico became the third Maserati road car powered by a “civilized” version of the V8 engine from the 450S race car. It shared its general construction with the original Quattroporte, using a slightly shortened chassis. Although a two-door coupe, the Mexico was a true four-seater sporting elegant and refined coachwork by Vignale.
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Overview
At the Turin Motor Show in November 1965, Vignale unveiled a luxurious new Maserati Gran Turismo crafted from a reconstructed 5000 GT chassis, captivating attendees with its bright red allure (chassis 103.022).
Originally one of the 22 Allemano-bodied 5000 GTs completed in November 1961, this particular car was initially delivered to Mexico's President, Alfonso Lopez. Within the next four years, it found its way into the hands of Francisco Diez Barroso Castaneda, another Mexican enthusiast who had acquired multiple vehicles from President Lopez.
In 1965, after a severe accident on the 150D Highway near Mexico City, chassis 103.022 was sent back to Maserati, where it received a new 4.2-litre V8 and was adorned with Vignale's contemporary body design.
Following its debut in Turin, the car's reception at both the Turin and Geneva Motor Shows in 1966 was so positive that Maserati was encouraged to produce a commercial version of the two-door, four-seater model. This new model, named the Mexico in homage to its first two owners, shared the dual overhead camshaft V8 engine with the Tipo 103 5000 GT and Tipo 107 Quattroporte, serving as a more accessible alternative to the 5000 GT.
The Mexico, with a chassis derived from the Quattroporte and a slightly shorter wheelbase, featured independent front suspension and a live Salisbury axle at the rear, with servo-assisted ventilated disc brakes marking a Maserati first. Under the hood, the sportier Mexico boasted a 4.7-litre V8, larger than the Quattroporte's 4.2-litre engine, producing 290bhp and 282lb-ft of torque, making it one of the era's most exquisite four-seaters. Styled by Giovanni Michelotti, the Mexico's elegant and well-balanced design remained largely unchanged from prototype to production, maintaining its gracefulness throughout its manufacturing life.
Production of the Mexico ceased in 1973 after 482 units were made, including a few special-bodied versions by Frua, each showcasing unique designs that differentiated them significantly from the standard Mexico. These rare editions included a distinct design built for Italian racer Franco Rol, featuring a modified Mistral body and a high-performance 4.2-litre engine, painting a rich tapestry of Maserati's innovative and luxurious automotive craftsmanship during this era.
Maserati Mexico Basics
Manufacturer: Maserati
Production: 1966–1972
Designer: Virginio Vairo
Body style: 2-door, 4-seat coupé
Layout: Front-engine, RWD
Engine: 4.2 L Tipo 107 V8, 4.7 L Tipo 107/1 V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 2,640 mm (103.9 in)
Length: 4,760 mm (187.4 in)
Width: 1,720 mm (67.7 in)
Height: 1,360 mm (53.5 in)
Kerb weight: 1,830 kg (4,034 lb)
Successor: Maserati Kyalami
Did You Know?
The design inspiration for the Mexico came from a one-off Vignale bodied 5000GT built for Mexican president Adolfo López Mateos.
While not the wildest Maserati, the Mexico initially packed a surprising punch with a 4.7-liter V8 churning out 290 horsepower – more than the V12 in the 250 GT Lusso at the time.
The Mexico was the first production Maserati to feature servo-assisted ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, a significant leap in stopping power.
"Maserati's design team truly captured the essence of the luxurious grand tourer with the Mexico."
Supercars.net
Maserati Mexico Variants
Launched in 1966 at the Paris Motor Show, the Mexico was offered with the same engine variants as the Quattroporte, with either 4.2-liter or 4.7-liter displacement. Contrary to other Maserati four-seat coupes, it was not named after a racetrack. The name Mexico was chosen because the 5000GT that served as its prototype was once owned by Mexican president Adolfo López Mateos.
Maserati Mexico 4.2
Model: Tipo AM112
Years: 1966 - 1972
Produced: 300 units
Engine: 4,136 cc 90° V8
Power: 260 hp @ 5,000rpm
Top Speed: 149 mph
Maserati Mexico 4.7
Model: Tipo AM112
Years: 1966- 1972
Produced: 182 units
Engine: 4,719 cc 90° V8
Power: 290 hp @ 5,200rpm
Top Speed: 158 mph
Maserati Mexico Frua
Model: Tipo AM112
Years: 1967
Produced: 1 units
Engine: 4,719 cc 90° V8
Power: 290 hp @ 5,200rpm
Top Speed: 158 mph
Our Favorite Maserati Mexico Images
The Maserati Mexico is a masterclass in balanced proportions and timeless design.
"While not a track car, the Mexico handles surprisingly well for its size and era."
Sports Car Digest
