The 310hp 280kmh Maserati Bora is now 50 years old
The Maserati Bora was launched on 11 March 1971 at the Geneva International Motor Show. It was the first mid-mounted rear engine road car in the Brand’s history, it remained in production until 1978 with a total of 564 cars being built.
Maserati asked Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign to come up with a mid-mounted rear engine sports car with enhanced performance, design, comfort and safety.
The engine was the tried and tested 4,700cc V8 producing 310hp (the 4,900cc unit was added two years later), mounted lengthways on a subframe installed on the monocoque.
The Bora’s distinctive features included retractable headlights to prevent aerodynamic drag, projecting differential on the rear axle, independent suspensions on all wheels (the first time in a Maserati), disc brakes, dry-mounted single disc clutch, 5-speed gearbox and telescopic suspension dampers.
While the car’s engineering design carried the name of Giulio Alfieri, the aerodynamics and styling were by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who created a two-seater coupé on simple, elegant lines, which gave the Maserati Bora its distinctive appearance.
The result was a trend-setting, streamlined car perfect for the rock-and-roll spirit of the ‘70s, which is still appreciated by Maserati fans today.
