Description
Maserati Bora 4.7 | 1972
Highlights:
– 4.7-litre V8 engine, petrol, 5-speed manual transmission
– Matching numbers, confirmed by Maserati Classiche documentation
– Delivered new in Italy in March 1972, a European-specification car
– Largely restored, with an extensive invoice file including a full engine rebuild
– Original 1972 Uso e Manutenzione owner’s manual included
The private seller offers for sale this 1972 Maserati Bora 4.7, powered by a 4.7-litre quad-cam V8, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Finished in red with a black interior, this early Bora was delivered new in March 1972 to its first owner in Italy, which makes it an original European-market car rather than a later US-specification example. The car comes with the End of Line Data Sheet, Final Test Data Sheet and delivery note supplied by Maserati Classiche, which confirm that it still carries its original engine and its original gearbox and differential. The original 1972 Uso e Manutenzione owner’s manual is also part of the sale. The Bora has been in the current owner’s collection for more than twelve years, in the hands of a long-standing enthusiast of classic Italian GT cars who has owned and rebuilt several Maserati V8s.
The car has been largely restored, and an extensive history file with invoices documents a full engine rebuild as well as work on the brakes, clutch, suspension, bodywork and hydraulic system. The owner has also renewed the hydraulic accumulators as a preventive measure, and the notoriously fragile switch for the pop-up headlights has been replaced by a more reliable unit, with the original switch included. The car is fitted with electronic ignition. A discreet switch operates two solenoid valves in the exhaust, allowing the silencer to be bypassed for a more vocal soundtrack on track days. The paint presents well and the black leather interior, with its characteristic pleated seats, is in good condition.
Unveiled at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, the Bora was Maserati’s first mid-engined road car and the Trident’s answer to the Lamborghini Miura. It was conceived during the Citroën era, and styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign, whose clean wedge profile, brushed stainless steel roof and glass rear engine cover still look remarkably modern today. Production ran until 1978, with fewer than 600 cars built in total, split between the original 4.7-litre and the later 4.9-litre versions. Many connoisseurs favour the 4.7-litre engine, which avoids the crankshaft concerns associated with the larger unit.
What sets the Bora apart from its contemporaries is how refined and usable it is. The Citroën-derived high-pressure hydraulics power the brakes, the pop-up headlights, an adjustable pedal box and the driver’s seat, and the braking performance in particular is often described as astonishing for a car of this era. The long gearing makes the Bora a relaxed and comfortable grand tourer at motorway speeds, while the four-cam V8 fed by four Weber carburettors delivers strong performance and a glorious sound. With independent suspension all round, light steering and a surprisingly spacious cabin, it is a supercar for the connoisseur, combining 1970s exotic design with genuine long-distance ability. This documented, matching numbers example offers a rare opportunity to acquire one of the great Italian supercars of its generation.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Condition of the interior
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
