Although it may not be the most well-known Maserati model, that doesn’t mean we are not extremely pleased with this addition to our collection. Built in a limited edition of only 485 units, of which only 175 were equipped with the extra powerful 4.7-litre engine. And this is one of them. There were 310 units built of the 4.2-litre variant. Why do we specifically mention the latter? We currently also have a 4.2-litre variant in stock, for which you can check out at our remaining inventory.
At the Turin Motor Show in 1965, Maserati unveiled a prototype based on a 4.9-litre 5000 GT chassis. The design was created by Virginio Vairo, whilst working at Vignale. The model received an incredibly positive reception at the show and was later sold to the Mexican President, Adolfo López Mateos. The car soon became known as the Mexico. When John Surtees won the Mexican Grand Prix the following year in his Cooper-Maserati T81, it became clear to Maserati that coincidences don’t exist, and they decided to create a production version of the Mexico.
In 1966, the Mexico became a reality, built on the shortened platform of the first-generation Quattroporte. Initially, the Mexico was only available with a 4.7-litre V8, with the cylinder banks beautifully positioned at a 90-degree angle. Four double 38 DCNL5 Webers fed the engine, resulting in 290 horsepower from the eight cylinders. Those were impressive figures for that era. In 1969, the smaller 4.2-litre version was introduced. Ultimately, 305 units of that variant were produced, more than the 4.7-litre version.
During the production years (1966-1972), the Mexico underwent several changes. The already luxurious interior was upgraded, making leather upholstery, electric windows, a wooden dashboard, and air conditioning standard features. Power steering was also present. An automatic transmission was available as an option but was not installed in this particular model. Fortunately, because the manual gearbox pairs perfectly with the V8 engine.
The 4.7-litre variant came standard with 650×15″ Borrani chrome wire wheels, present on this car. Additionally, the Mexico was the first Maserati equipped with power-assisted disc brakes on all wheels.
This beautiful blue Mexico is the ‘large’ variant of the eight-cylinder with 290 horsepower. It is a rare car, and this Mexico is in excellent and original condition. The body is stunning and appears very clean. The paintwork has been refreshed in the past, enhancing the car’s beauty. The blue paint appears even more vibrant due to the abundant chrome, such as the aforementioned Borrani wheels, bumpers, grille, air vents, sill trims, and window frames. The panel gaps are very clean, ensuring uniformity.
The interior is typically Italian: beautiful gauges, wood, lots of leather, and a very stylish design. The carpets have been replaced at some point and beautifully complement the car’s exterior. The dashboard features beautifully lacquered wood, housing the Veglia Borletti instruments. The mileage displayed on the exquisite speedometer is original, a fact supported by the extensive documentation accompanying the car. The car comes with a Maserati Classiche certificate, confirming that it has matching numbers. Therefore, the magnificent eight-cylinder engine is the same one with which the car left the factory in 1971.
In short, it is a stunning Mexico with a beautiful, lightly aged patina that adds to its original appeal. Technically, the car is in excellent condition. Significant maintenance work totalling almost €10,000 was carried out this year. Together with the extensive stack of invoices, the proper certificates, and the fact that this car retains its original engine and wheels, makes it a highly desirable classic.
