The Maserati Bora 4.9, which was introduced in 1971, marked a significant milestone for Maserati. It was their first rear-mid-engine production car and boasted a completely independent double-wishbone suspension system. The car’s stunning, wedge-shaped body was designed by Italdesign’s Giorgetto Giugiaro and blended perfectly with his contemporaneous work on other Maserati models like the Ghibli and Merak.
Under the hood, the Bora 4.9 packed a powerful V-8 engine that was based on Maserati’s “Birdcage” Tipo 63-65 race cars. Initially, the engine had a displacement of 4.7 liters, but it was later increased to 4.9 liters. With 330 horsepower on tap, the Bora 4.9 was a formidable performer, able to accelerate to 60 mph in under seven seconds, and reach a top speed of 170 mph. The car’s designers also prioritized weight distribution, safety, and rigidity, with a stout ZF five-speed transaxle mounted directly to the steel monocoque chassis.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Bora 4.9 was also the most practical supercar of its time, featuring a carpet-lined storage compartment in the nose and exceptional levels of sound- and heat-deadening. The hydropneumatic control system, supplied by Citroën, not only powered the ventilated disk brakes but also allowed for “touch-button” movement of the pedal box, driving seat position, headlights, and windows. Overall, the Maserati Bora 4.9 was a remarkable achievement in both style and performance, representing a high point in the storied brand’s history.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
