To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The Guyton
Collection event, 4 - 5 May 2019.
Estimate:
$60,000 - $90,000
- A "barn-find" Maserati in long-term storage since 1987
- One of 485 Mexicos produced; only 175 with the 4.7-liter
engine
- Equipped with air conditioning
This is one of just 485 Mexicos produced from 1966 to 1973,
including only 175 equipped with Maserati's 290-hp 4.7-liter DOHC
V-8 engine. In 1969, the car was made available with a smaller
4.2-liter V-8 as used in the Quattroporte. The majority were
delivered to France, Switzerland, and Italy. Based on the chassis
of the 5000GT, the model debuted on the Vignale stand at the 1965
Turin Motor Show. It was well received, prompting Maserati to build
the car. The production version was introduced one year later at
the Paris Salon.
Two stories exist as to how the car got its name. The prototype
show car was sold to Mexican President Adolfo Lopez Mateos and the
subsequent production car named after him. Another claims it
received the name after a Mexican owner crashed a 5000GT chassis
and returned the car to Italy for repair. Regardless, all
subsequent cars received the Mexico moniker. The model became the
first Maserati to be equipped with servo-assisted disc brakes at
all four wheels. When new, the Mexico sported a princely $16,300
price in the U.S.
This rare example has been in storage since 1987 and will require
reconditioning prior to being put back into regular service. Before
its lengthy slumber, the Mexico was being used as a "daily driver."
Finished in medium blue with a white leather interior, the odometer
reads 73,237 kilometers, which is likely original. It is equipped
with a ZF five-speed manual transmission, chrome wire wheels, air
conditioning, Jensen AM/FM stereo radio with cassette, air horn,
power windows, clock, and rear window defogger.
The car was repainted some time prior to being put in storage, and
today it displays some pitting and cracking. Chrome is also pitted,
the interior worn, and the vehicle is in fair condition overall.
The body is described as solid and straight, and it appears that
all trim and mechanicals are intact.
Offered from the Guyton Collection in "barn find" condition, this
rare 4.7-liter Mexico affords the next caretaker the opportunity to
thoroughly freshen and tour as-is or fully restore back to its
original splendor.
Please note that the mileage listed in the catalogue is in
kilometers, not miles. Furthermore, contrary to the printed
catalogue, the wheels are not Borrani.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/gc19.
