1971 Maserati Mexico – Auction Car of the Week

OK, let’s have a show of hands from those who have heard of the Maserati Mexico… Not many we imagine. Now, of those few of you that are aware of this beautiful Italian grand tourer and currently have your arms raised aloft like you’re at a 1998 Spice World concert, how many of you have actually seen one in the flesh? Have you ever watched in awe as one passes you by in the street, accompanied by that sonorous Tipo V8 burble? Have you ever seen one at your local classic car show? Probably not. You can put your hands down now.

The reason for the scarcity of the Maserati Mexico is due to the fact that less than 500 of these four-seat, two-door coupés were ever made. Based upon a prototype featuring a body designed by revered Italian coachbuilders Vignale, sitting atop Maserati’s previous 5000 GT chassis, the Mexico would earn it’s moniker thanks to being bought by Mexican president Adolfo López Mateos. Such was the furore surrounding the car, however, that Maserati decided to put it into production soon afterwards, and aren’t we glad they did.

Launched in 1966 at the Paris Motor Show, the Maserati Mexico was offered with the same V8 engine options as the Quattroporte (and built on a shortened version of that car’s chassis), a similar GT that had already been in production for three years since ’63. That meant buyers could choose between a 4.2-litre eight-cylinder producing 260bhp or a larger, 290bhp 4.7-litre. Whatever the displacement, however, both cars featured a luxurious leather interior with electric windows and air conditioning as standard, as well as a five-speed manual gearbox (an auto was available as an option) and servo assisted ventilated disc brakes at all four corners – the first production Maserati to do so, don’t you know.

Of those handful (relatively speaking) of cars produced just 175 were fitted with the 4.7-litre lump while 305 came with the 4.2. And that’s exactly what we have for your bidding pleasure here via our auctions platform: a 1971 Maserati Mexico 4.2. Beautiful isn’t it?

Imported from dry, sunny Greece in 2014 and belonging to the same owner ever since this gorgeous dark red over black leather example shows just 37K miles on the clock. With a decent history folder too it’s clear to see that this classic Maserati Mexico has been well maintained over the course of its life. Various invoices for parts and servicing work go back decades with evidence of a head gasket, water pump, clutch and fuel pump replacement in the recent past.

There are some areas of the bodywork that are beginning to show their age but that’s par for the course with a car of this vintage and the car remains a solid example. The reality is this is a low mileage, luxurious and rare, but importantly usable classic Italian V8 grand tourer that can be enjoyed as it is (it is tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt) or improved upon as you go, so why not spice up your life and chuck in a bid? You’ll be glad you did every time you glance at it parked outside.