News

Ex-heritage fleet Maserati Bora heads to auction

A rare right-hand-drive 1973 Maserati Bora 4.7 will head to auction later this month. 

The supercar is listed as part of the forthcoming H&H Classics sale, set to be held at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford.

Making this particular Bora even more special, it was previously part of Maserati UK’s heritage fleet.

Maserati’s original mid-engined wedge

Launched in 1971, the Bora was Maserati’s first mid-engined supercar. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the rakish styling pitched it against the Lamborghini Miura and De Tomaso Pantera. 

Original cars used a mid-mounted 4.7-litre V8 engine that produced 310hp and 339lb ft of torque. This was sufficient to allow a 0-60mph time of 6.2 seconds, plus a top speed of 168mph.

Maserati later introduced a more powerful 4.9-litre V8, which sold in slightly larger numbers. Only 289 examples of the 4.7-litre car are said to have been produced, with just 27 in right-hand drive. 

Italian performance and refinement

Compared with contemporary supercars, Maserati wanted the Bora to offer an increased sense of luxury. 

Maserati’s then-owner Citroen supplied its hydraulics expertise for the power steering and four-wheel disc brakes. A hydraulic system was also used to operate the pop-up headlights, and even allowed the pedal box to be adjusted by pressing a button.

The engine bay was lined to reduce interior noise, with a double-pane window separating the cabin from the V8 engine. 

Even the front luggage compartment was genuinely usable compared to contemporary supercars.

Working hard for a living

This particular Rosso Fuoco Bora has a black Connolly leather interior. It was delivered to Citroen Cars Ltd in Slough in August 1973. 

It later spent five years as part of Maserati UK’s heritage fleet, being used for publicity work and retro road tests by journalists. This included an appearance on Top Gear in 2001, taking part in a ‘history of Maserati’ feature. 

Numerous classic car magazine appearances have made it well known to Maserati enthusiasts, too. 

Despite all this PR work, the car has just 29,000 miles recorded on its odometer. It comes with an extensive history file, detailing maintenance and repairs throughout its life.

A truly rare Maserati

As one of only 27 right-hand-drive Boras made with the 4.7-litre engine, this car already has considerable appeal to Maserati fans. 

Having featured so prominently in the automotive press, thanks to its heritage fleet career, will only boost its desirability. 

The H&H Classics sale takes place on Wednesday 22 June 2022, with bidding available in person or online.

ALSO READ:

DVLA should reclassify electrified classic cars, say drivers

1984 Ferrari 308 GTS review: Retro Road Test

Great Motoring Disasters: Caterham 21

John Redfern

Share
Published by
John Redfern

Recent Posts

1992 Skoda Favorit review: Retro Road Test

The Favorit represented the dawn of a new era for Skoda. With Bertone styling and…

3 days ago

Time-capsule 1989 RUF CTR Yellowbird heads to auction

One of only six cars built in lightweight specification, this iconic RUF CTR 'Yellowbird' could…

5 days ago

Great Motoring Disasters: Renault Wind

The Wind was a curious cabriolet that somehow survived when Renault culled its range in…

1 week ago

Renault takes Ferrari-style approach to preserving classic cars

The Originals will help owners to restore and maintain their classic Renault cars, including a…

1 week ago

1989 Ford Fiesta XR2 review: Retro Road Test

The Ford Fiesta XR2 isn't as poised or polished as a Peugeot 205 GTI, but…

2 weeks ago

2009 Honda S2000 review: Retro Road Test

We drive the run-out Honda S2000 GT Edition 100. Should it be on your retro…

3 weeks ago

This website uses cookies.