The Mexico made its debut at the 1966 Turin Motor Show, reportedly named in honor of Cooper-Maserati’s triumph in the 1966 Mexican Grand Prix, where John Surtees emerged victorious in the final round of the Formula 1 World Championship that year.
This new sports car, powered by a V8 engine, showcased elegant yet understated coachwork crafted by Carrozzeria Vignale, Maserati’s preferred coachbuilder at the time. It was targeted towards customers seeking a luxurious four-seater but desired a more spirited driving experience than what the larger Quattroporte saloon offered.
Under the hood of the Mexico was Maserati’s long-established four-cam V8 engine, initially designed for competition and later refined for road use. This V8 power plant had already been introduced in the 1963 Quattroporte and would remain a mainstay in the Maserati lineup throughout the 1960s and ’70s.
In the Mexico, the 4.7-liter version of the V8 produced 290bhp, enabling the car to reach a top speed of approximately 225km/h (140mph), although some sources claimed it could reach around 240km/h (150mph). Additionally, a more fuel-efficient 4.2-liter (4200) version was also available.
The Mexico’s engineering shared similarities with the contemporary Quattroporte saloon. It featured a double wishbone independent front suspension, disc brakes all around, and came with a ZF five-speed gearbox as standard, with an optional automatic transmission available. The car’s rear axle was of the live type.
Source: Bonhams
