1973 Maserati Bora Coupe

Maserati introduced their new Bora at the 1971 Geneva Salon and like several other supercar manufacturers, had gone mid-engine. It also abandoned its traditional tubular chassis technology in favor of unitary construction. The design was courtesy of Giorgetto Giugiaro's Ital Design and the name 'Bora' was named after an Adriatic wind.

The Bora was one of the first 'new generation' models to appear after the company's acquisition by Citroen. The Bora use Citroen's hydraulic technology to adjust seats and pedals, raise the headlamps and operate the power-assisted brakes.

Powering the Bora was Maserati's familiar four-cam V8 engine in 4.7-liter form. The powerplant was mated to the five-speed ZF transaxle. Giulio Alfieri, co-designer of the 250F Formula 1 single-seater, designed the all-independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 310 horsepower produced by the engine gave the Bora a top speed of around 258 km/h. From 1937, a 4.9-liter version became available, offering an extra 20 horsepower.

Though Maserati's management discussed discontinuing the project in 1976, production continued through 1979. Between 1971 and 1979, Maserati produced 564 examples of their Bora.

Chassis no. AM117 49US652
This Bora was built in September of 1973 as a United States market example. The 4.9-liter example was finished in Oro Kelso Gold over black Connolly leather interior. The car rode on Campagnolo wheels and equipped with a ZF five-speed transaxle. The car arrived in the US later in 1973, and was received by Bob Grossman Imports in Nyack, New York. Grossman distributed the car to Continental Motors of Hinsdale, Illinois, who sold the car to its first owner, a Mr. Pasqualli Colucci of Chicago, Illinois. It is believed the car remained with Mr. Pasqualli through 1983, when another Illinois resident, Mr. Rocco Claps, purchased the car.

In 1995, it was purchased by Dr. Jerry Bartley of Colorado and later purchased by Carl Haas, the motorsports legend and team owner of the Newman-Haas racing team.

The car is currently finished in dark blue with a Cuoio brown leather interior. The engine installed in the car appears to be from an earlier Tipo 107 Maserati Quattroporte. The mileage shows less than 37,000 and is believed to be accurate.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014