Fantasy Junction

Description

1977 Maserati Bora 4.9
s/n AM117/49US1004, engine no. AM107/11/49 *1004*
Silver with Red Leather Interior

Eager to establish their technical prowess in design and engineering, Maserati unveiled the Bora in 1971. The mid-engine car was in response to the stunning Lamborghini Miura. At the time, the Ferrari Daytona, introduced in 1968, employed a conventional front engine V12 layout, so the decision to make the Ghibli’s replacement mid-engined demonstrated Maserati’s interest in beating Ferrari to the mid-engined flagship party. Powered by a development of Maserati’s fantastic quad cam alloy V8, directly descended from the 450S racecar, the Bora was an impressive performer. The exterior, penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, was striking and angular, evoking an inviting combination of brutality and restraint. The engine compartment was uniquely covered in a glass clamshell canopy, accented by a low roofline covered in brushed stainless steel.

In addition to the striking exterior design, the Bora was also technically innovative. The sophisticated V8 engine (available in either 4.7 or 4.9 liter displacements) was backed by a ZF 5-speed transaxle featuring independent suspension all around, a welcome improvement over the live rear axle Ghibli. During development, Maserati was under Citroen’s ownership and thus, their unique hydraulic braking system was included in the Bora. The hydraulic system also powered retractable headlamps, height adjustable driver’s seat, and adjustable pedals (which moved fore and aft in lieu of the seat moving). And while performance was the ultimate goal, usability and refinement were also built into the Bora, a departure from the typical Italian exotic of the period. The luggage compartment was usefully shaped and surprisingly large, and long-legged drivers appreciated the adjustable pedal cluster and steering column. The bulkhead between the engine and the passenger’s compartment was well insulated, including the fitment of double paned glass. Performance of the car was suitably exciting, with an engine output exceeding 300hp even in US delivery cars, and a top speed of over 170mph. Production ran for seven years, resulting in fewer than 600 Boras, of which just 235 were 4.9 liter cars.

This particular matching numbers 4.9 liter car is an exceptional preservation-grade example with just over 11,000 documented miles from new. Walter G. Kost, of Cary, IL purchased the car from Maserati dealer, Continental Motors, La Grange, IL July 31, 1978. Kost drove the car sparingly until moving to Palm City, Florida in 1999 where he titled and registered the car on August 30, 1999, recording 10,685 miles at that time. Upon his passing, the car became the property of Clifford Spencer Morgan, Palm Beach, FL, who then sold the car to Motorcar Gallery in 2013. During this period, several invoices were recorded for service work, including repairs performed on the air conditioning system. In May 2014, the car was sold to the current owner with 10,998 miles. Always cared for and meticulously maintained, the current owner spent time regularly servicing the car, being careful to start it regularly, run it to operating temperatures, and drive it a few miles on a monthly basis. Recent service includes rebuilt front brake calipers and a lube, oil, and filter change performed in January 2017.

Today this Bora displays wonderful original factory paint, which retains a very nice glossy finish throughout. The body is excellent, free from significant visual flaws aside from a minor dent in the splash area behind the left rear wheel, and displaying great fit and panel gaps with very nice closures. The black rocker trims were repainted to address some blemishes as the result of careless jacking and are excellent. The trim and various stainless trim have been polished as necessary, resulting in very nice finishes including the proper stainless steel roof panel, which normally breaks up the design, yet on this silver car delivers a subtle break in texture while presenting beautiful harmony with the silver body surfaces. The lights and original glass are excellent and the wheels appear virtually new – even the twin stalk Carello wipers are in place. The car presents not only as an exceptional original example, with original finishes, but all of them are uniformly preserved and finely detailed. The car sits on new Michelin XWX tires, and is accompanied by its original XWX tires as well. The original spare tire remains unworn, having never been used.

The interior is a virtual time capsule of factory original finishes, which reflect the quality of preservation of this fine car. The beautiful original leather shows light mellowing along the outside of the driver’s side seating bolster but all leather surfaces are taut and supple, remarkably so given the passing years. The headliner, sun visors, dashboard, instruments, switches, and controls are all in excellent original condition, appearing essentially as new, with just light wear to the rubber foot portion of the driver’s floor mat, protecting essentially new carpeting beneath. The dashboard material has faded somewhat but is otherwise in superb condition. The overall experience of the interior is wonderfully preserved and all the more remarkable given the colorful contrast of red, black, and tan against the striking silver metallic exterior.

The engine compartment is clean and nicely detailed, showing original factory finishes in all areas including correct hoses, clamps, wiring, proper factory labels, and of course the distinctive quad cam black crinkle finished heads. The front storage compartment remains original and in as new condition with correct components, and the original unused spare tire properly preserved inside the original vinyl case is present behind the engine. The undercarriage is very nicely preserved, reflective of the car’s low mileage.

The driving experience is very nice overall, and has been limited to short distances for the sake of preservation. The engine is well tuned and starts easily, producing a wonderful V8 exhaust note and the accompany swell of torque from low engine speeds. The car exhibits good acceleration, excellent mid-engine handling, and good braking. An original set of factory manuals, original bill of sale, window sticker, Maserati Classiche papers, original factory tools, and a factory jack are included with the car. Also included are several ownership papers and original Maserati factory paperwork specific to this car.

The Maserati Bora has recently become recognized by collectors as one of the more desirable performance cars of the period. Embodying all the important characteristics for a highly collectible car, the Bora offers technical innovation and high performance, coupled with an exceptionally rare and visually striking body design. This particular matching numbers 4.9 Liter example displays outstanding integrity, impeccable credentials, a superb color combination, and astonishingly low documented miles. The sympathetic care and attention to originality present a very handsome car ready for continued enjoyment. Most importantly, this Bora can be proudly displayed at any number of exotic sports car gatherings particularly in the growing preservation classes at several high-level concours events throughout the world.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608