Vehicle Description
The elegant Maserati Mexico (Tipo AM112) first appeared in 1966 to serve as a replacement for both the four-seat Sebring and the ultra-exclusive 5000GT. The Tipo AM112 was based on a shortened version of the Quattroporte chassis and was fitted with the same drivetrain as its bigger four-door sibling, ensuring strong performance. The body design of the Mexico was inspired by that of an elegant one-off Vignale-bodied 5000GT built for Mexico’s president Adolfo López Mateos. That car had been damaged and returned to Italy where it was reacquired by the works, 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. 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 and a luscious, guttural 4.7 liter version of the Quattroporte’s 4.2 liter, four-cam V8, which in itself had origins tracing back to the fearsome 450S racers and 5000GT road cars. Interestingly, the 4.2 liter was made available later in Mexico production, with only a slight difference in power output but with a lighter, revvier attitude. The Mexico was available with manual or automatic transmissions, with the ZF 5-speed being the most popular choice for obvious reasons. 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 with room for four passengers and a generous boot, the Maserati Mexico is one of the very best GT cars of the era.
Our featured example, S/N AM112/168 is a good restorable project that was used regularly by its last owner up until the time it was parked about 18 years ago. It is a complete car and has not been disassembled and scattered about, and as such, it remains a very viable candidate for restoration. The Vignale body does exhibit some corrosion, particularly in the lower doors and sills, however it does not appear to have suffered any crash damage and it remains fairly straight with good structure. Bumpers, lamps and exterior trim are mainly complete and in fair condition. As this was once regularly driven example, it has not been hastily or haphazardly disassembled and should be a straightforward project for any experienced restorer. It rides on a set of desirable and original Boranni wire wheels and retains its original interior in complete order, though again, requiring restoration. The 4.2 liter V8 engine appears to be mostly complete and free of any major visible damage. The engine is backed with a desirable 5-speed manual gearbox. The engine bay is largely complete, intact and original.
Maserati’s handsome Mexico is one of the most underrated GT cars of the late 1960s. The Vignale styling is understated and elegant, and the four-cam V8 provides seamless power and an addictive noise through the factory ANSA exhaust. These are fabulous driver’s cars and have been gaining attention from collectors in recent years thanks to not only to their looks, but also their performance and four-passenger practicality. With only 485 produced through 1972, rarity is ensured and collectability virtually a given. We do love these cars, and while this example certainly requires expert attention, we feel it is well worth the effort to return to its former glory.
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