Vehicle Description
The elegant Maserati Mexico first appeared in 1968 to serve as a replacement for both the Sebring and the ultra-exclusive 5000GT. The body design of the Mexico was actually based on a one-off Vignale-bodied 5000GT that was built for Mexico’s president Adolfo López Mateos. That car had been damaged and returned to Italy where it was repaired and put into service as the prototype for the factory’s new 4-seat GT car, earning the name Mexico as a nod to its origins. The production Mexico was based on a shortened version of the Quattroporte chassis and it was fitted with the same drivetrain as its bigger four-door sibling, ensuring strong performance. Front suspension is fully independent, with a robust live rear axle on leaf springs out back, returning good ride quality and stable handling. All Mexicos were equipped with boosted four-wheel disc brakes. Initially, the Mexico had a 4.7 liter version of the Quattroporte’s 4.2 liter, four-cam V8, which in itself traced its origins to the fearsome 450S racers and 5000GT road cars. Oddly, the 4.2 liter was made available later in Mexico production, with only a slight difference in power output but with a slightly revvier nature. The Mexico was available with manual or automatic transmissions, with the ZF 5-speed being the most popular choice for obvious reason. The Maserati Mexico is understated, beautiful and comfortable and that glorious V8 rewards generous use of the throttle with an infectious soundtrack and surprising turn of speed. Crisp and elegant, like a finely tailored suit, the Vignale body is a wonderful expression of chic 1960’s Italian style and makes this one of the very best GT cars of the era.
This 1967 Mexico is equipped with the 4.2L engine, which is paired with the highly desirable 5-speed manual gearbox. Sold new in its native Italy, the car came to the states in 1980. Since its arrival in the US 35 years ago, chassis 106 has benefitted from careful maintenance and detailed records have been kept, which accompany the car. Additionally, this handsome Mexico is complete with a Certificato di Origine from Maserati Classiche. The values on these cars have risen dramatically in the last few years, as enthusiasts have discovered them, but many cars deteriorated at the hands of inexperienced or uncaring owners when the value was low and the maintenance costs high. Never needing a full restoration, this car has been taken care of by a passionate collector, who worked hard to keep it well sorted, correctly maintained and attractive. Presented in the classic combination of Rosso over rich Cinghiale hides, the paint quality very good, and the interior is beautiful and correct. The wood dash, door caps and chrome trim are original and gorgeous and an original radio resides on the center console. Under the bonnet lies that legendary 4.2 liter, 4-cam V8 which was the subject of a full rebuild in 2007. The car is in excellent running order and the engine compartment is tidy and well detailed. Original equipment includes power steering, air conditioning, power brakes and the very rare limited slip differential. New Pirelli radials are at home on a set of correct knockoff Campagnalo wheels. This is simply a fabulous Maserati that is begging to be let loose on a road trip. It is fully sorted and ready for touring and events, but has been prepared to a level that makes it suitable for the occasional show as well.
