Tag Archives: Bora

Mid-Engined Maseratis: 1977 Maserati Bora & Merak SS

February 6, 2014 Graham 1 Comment

Maserati is one of those companies that came back from the brink. Several times. Through multiple owners the marque somehow bumbled its way throughout the 20th century, eventually being absorbed by Fiat, where it is currently enjoying a renaissance. At the end of the 1970s, however, the situation was bleak. Maserati's owner, Citroën, went into receivership in 1975. The new controlling group, PSA Peugeot Citroën declared this applied to Maserati as well. After ownership was transferred to an Italian government and eventually, Alejandro de Tomaso, they were forced to lumber along with the same products until de Tomaso geared up production of the Quattroporte III, Kyalami (based on the De Tomaso Longchamp) and the Biturbo.

The last holdovers from the Citroën era are the two vehicles we see here, the Bora and Merak. These were limited production sports cars that, while pretty, couldn't secure the future of the company. The first car we'll take a look at is the Bora. This car's V8 engine could trace its lineage back to the 450S race car, with four cams, 16 valves and hemispherical combustion chambers. Just over 500 Boras were built, with an almost equal number distributed between the 4.7 and 4.9 liter models. This 4.9 for sale in Miami is a low mileage barn find and was sold new in Florida.

Year: 1977
Model: Bora
Engine: 4.9 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 806 mi
Price: $169,900 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1977 Maserati Bora

1977 Maserati Bora

True barn find - 806 original miles

One of only 275 Bora 4.9L produced between 1974 and 1978 for the world. This 1977 Maserati Bora, sold new to its one and only owner by the authorized Maserati dealer of South Florida "Steering Wheel, Inc." Driven just 806 documented miles then stored until now. Finished Bleu Sera with Bianca leather interior.

Chromed parts installed by selling dealership when new. Recent oil and fluids changed as well as fresh gasoline. Here is your chance to own a part of Italian sports car history. A must have by any serious Italian sports car collector. Sure to appreciate!

TRADES ACCEPTED

NON SMOKER

If you have any questions about this or any of my other cars please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your interest and I look forward to hearing from you.

305-949-4100
steven@kesslermotorcars.com

Bora values languished for a while, but in the last couple of years have shot up. These cars represented everything great about Maserati, from eye-catching good looks to a sonorous, race bred engine. It seems that collectors have finally taken notice. The seller is asking all the money for this one. Given the interesting history and very low mileage, I'm not surprised.

The next Maserati we'll take a look at is this 1977 Merak SS, which is sometimes described as the junior version of the Bora. The Merak is two cylinders down on the Bora, sharing its engine with the Citroën SM. The smaller engined allowed for limited rear seating, best for either children or small luggage. This car would compete with the Lamborghini Urraco and Ferrari 308GT4 as a sort of entry-level super car. This Merak SS is also for sale in Florida, a little further north of the Bora, situated in Orlando.

Year: 1977
Model: Merak SS
Engine: 3.0 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 14,152 mi
Price: Reserve auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1977 Maserati Merak SS

This a 1977 Maserati Merak SS, a very unique car. It has a great color combination, orange exterior with black leather interiors. The car has A/C, radio cassette, power windows (are not working), and tilt wheel. It also has a 5 speed transmission. This car has a V6 engine with 3 carburetors. The mileage is only 14,152 (exempt). It also has Campagnolo wheels and a tornado mirrors. This car runs good. It is one of those cars that everyone enjoys looking at it because of it's unique features and very rare.

This car is being sold by dealer. If you are not a dealer, you will be require as a traditional buyer to pay for Florida tax,tag and title. We are a serious dealer and want to deal with only serious buyers that have the money ready to go to purchase vehicle. We do not want to have buyers that have to get a bank approved their monies; only serious buyers please. We had listed and sold this car before (twice) and buyers did not have the money to purchase the car and bank loans were not approved. Bank loans after the car has been purchase are not an option.

Personally, I'm a fan of the pre-1976 Meraks, as they had the stylish Citroën SM dashboard. This feature would disappear after Citroën went belly-up. In 1976, they would transition to a dashboard with more square aesthetics. Given the smaller engine, it's no surprise the Merak is more affordable than the Bora. The best Meraks out there may bring in the $50,000 to $60,000 range. This example is quite presentable, if a little bit rough around the edges and has the problem with the non-funtioning windows. Expect an example like this to fetch somewhere in the $35,000 to $40,000 territory.

-Paul

Maserati

1977 Maserati Bora

December 29, 2012 Graham

The sun was setting on the mid engined sports cars of Maserati by the late 1970s. With Alejandro de Tomaso at the helm of the company, smaller front engine, rear drive coupes would be the order of the day along with the mainstay Quattroporte executive sedan. This late model, one owner US spec Bora has the larger 4.9 liter V8 and is great example of Giorgetto Giugiaro's handiwork from the period.

1977 Maserati Bora

You are looking at one of the lowest mileage, best kept, all original, ONE OWNER Maserati Boras in existence! The original paint, mechanics, and interior are in excellent condition for their age. The car is well sorted with the hydraulic system in top condition. The A/C blows cold. Original jack, spare tire, tools, engine cover, owners manual, and original service booklet are included. These sought after exotics are rarer than hen's teeth and even rarer in one-owner immaculate original condition! This Maserati Bora is priced to sell and represents an EXCELLENT investment opportunity for the discerning collector!

Maserati's first mid-engined, road going supercar was the Bora, announced in November 1971. It was named after the wind that blows around Trieste and follows the wind theme of the legendary Ghibli and the Mistrale. Giulio Alfieri had taken Maserati's experience on the racetrack with the Tipo 63 and 65 sports racers of the early Sixties and the Cooper-Maserati Grand Prix Car. The basic design was sent to Giugiaro at Ital Design. Giugiaro produced a body that combined muscle and delicacy, with a hunched, purposeful high rear and curvy front end, suggesting the mid-engined configuration without making a fuss about it. Of the 524 Maserati Boras produced, only 235 were equipped with the 4.9L engine!

The Bora is an interesting beast with quirky styling touches, not completed in the slightest by the larger US spec bumpers. At almost $100,000, this is about on par with where Bora prices have headed lately. The later model with the larger engine certainly is a plus, along with the one owner status. As is the case with many Maseratis from the 1970s, these are excellent collectors items for someone looking to take the road less traveled when it comes to Italian exotics.

-Paul

Maserati

1973 Maserati Bora

August 29, 2012 Graham 4 Comments

When the Lamborghini Miura came along, the world stood up and took notice. The sports car game would be forever changed and competitors were eager to introduce their own mid-engined models. Under Citroën's ownership, Maserati took to task of developing a successor to the successful Ghibli. First seen at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, the Bora incorporate a monocoque chassis mated to a tubular structure which ensconced the familiar 4.7 liter, twin cam V8 engine. Later a 4.9 liter version of the engine would be available.

Production of the Bora ceased in 1978 with 564 produced. Maserati would not see another mid-engine vehicle in their lineup until the limited production, Enzo based MC12 would appear in 2004. This Bora for sale in Texas had a major restoration in the early 1990s and had the slimmer, more attractive Euro bumpers installed a few years later.

1973 Maserati Bora

1973 Maserati Bora – 4.9L. Chassis No. AM11749564. Engine No. 564

Extremely desirable and collectible 4.9L Bora!
Excellent Italian Touring car!
Matching #’s and Beautiful Condition Throughout!

In March 1971, the new Bora was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show. Once again Maserati chose the name of a wind for its dramatic Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed (Ital Design), mid-engine GT. The Bora featured a sporty but comfortable cabin with its air conditioning and sophisticated, innovative chassis. Citroen encouraged high-pressure hydraulics for the windows, pop-up headlights, adjustable seats and pedal box, as well as vented disc brakes.

Few of these Italian supercars remain in the US and are quickly becoming collectable. Finished in the appropriate red paintwork over black leather upholstery, this Bora has received a considerable amount care over the years. Major restoration work recorded includes a complete strip to bare metal and respray in the correct hue in 1990 (22 years later the paint has begun to show its age, but remains fitting for a strong driver) – and a complete motor/mechanical refreshing in 1998. Euro bumpers replaced the original US-spec rubbers in the early 2000’s followed by new leather on the seats. The Bora was well maintained over the succeeding years with refreshed brakes and hydraulics, as well as various other improvements.

Included with the Maserati are the extensive servicing and parts receipts from the last 24 years as well as owner’s, servicing and maintenance manuals. The car is an absolute thrill to drive; the Bora combines the dynamics of a mid-mounted engine with an understated Italian design that delivers the ultimate highway motoring experience.

The highest quality Boras out there can reach into the $60,000 to $70,000 range. A value of around $50,000 to $60,000 is probably what we are looking at here for this well preserved example. With such an extensive service history on hand, this should reassure potential owners attracted to this sleek sports car from the Seventies.

-Paul

Maserati

1974 Maserati Bora

March 9, 2012 Graham

The 1970s were a time of upheaval at Maserati. The decade began with the automaker under Citroën's control, and ownership being handed over to Alessandro de Tomaso in 1975. Under Citroën's guidance, the company introduced it's first mid-engined vehicle, the Bora. Powered by the familiar 4.7 liter twin cam Maserati V8, this engine was mounted north/south in the chassis and produced 310 horsepower. This was the first Maserati with four-wheel independent suspension, and was an interesting car, with its stainless steel roof and adjustable brake, clutch and accelerator pedals, as the driver's seat was only height adjustable. All US market cars had an emissions equipped 4.9 liter V8. In total, 289 Boras were built with the 4.7 liter V8, 235 with the 4.9 liter engine. This example for sale in New York by way of Arizona is a low mileage original.

1974 Maserati Bora

1974 Maserati Bora Royal Blue with Tan leather interior. Car has been owned by the same elderly gentleman since 1976. 27K original miles. Extremely original Arizona car. Absolutely rust free. It has spent all its life in Arizona. Good original Bora with such a low mileage is almost impossible to find. Interior of the car looks almost brand new but its all original. For only $67,500.

Supercars from the seventies are an interesting breed, as ever tightening emissions controls and crash standards compromised these vehicles in the US market. The Bora, while down 30 horsepower from its European brethern, escaped rather unscathed, with exception of larger bumperettes. The Merak, sibling of the Bora, got a bit of a rap on Top Gear's Supercar Challenge for its unreliability and inadequate performance. With it's V8 engine, the Bora has power befitting a wedge shaped classic such as this.

-Paul