1971 Maserati Mexico 4.2

Highlights

Beautiful Vignale-designed 2+2 Italian GT
One of only 305 of this model
One owner since arriving in the UK in 2014
Good history file showing ongoing investment
MOT, ULEZ and tax exempt

The Appeal

In the 1960s Maserati had been developing beautiful coupes and saloons like the 5000GT and Quattroporte for customers wanting to take advantage of the growth in inter-continental high-speed routes. But it took the design house of Vignale to introduce the idea of a car that would combine the appeal of both in one model – a four seater, two door coupe.

The gorgeous Mexico was launched as a one-off design study in 1965. Demand was so high that it was quickly put into production. Very luxurious and highly specified – there was the option of 4.7litre or 4.2litre V8s – the Mexico was only for the very lucky few. Just 305 4.2litre V8s were sold.

All of which makes this 1971 4.2 very attractive. Imported from Greece in 2014 and in the hands of the seller ever since, it looks superb in dark red metallic over black. It comes with a thick history file and Club VIN verification.

Solid, smart and very usable, the Mexico is one of Italy’s best GTs and a rare sight for sale. This one will surely grace any collection.

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The History and Paperwork

Maserati Club corresponds confirms March 1971 factory build date
First UK registered on 5th March 2014 by current owner
DVLA importation documentation dated 3rd April 2014
Appears to have been imported from Greece to the UK
Greek registration document dated 21st May 2009
Good history file showing invoices back to 2002
Invoice from Orchard View Classics dated 2013 for servicing work
Various invoices from Campana from 2002 to 2010 covering maintenance work
This work shows head gasket, water pump, clutch fuel pump and distributor replacements
UK MOT expired 30th March 2016
Has covered less than 200kms since last MOT test
Tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt

The Interior

Very original four seat interior with black leather and wood veneers
High specification includes electric windows, air conditioning and wood veneers
Stylish Veglia dials with green decals
Original FIV Maserati factory three-spoke, wood rimmed steering wheel

The Mexico was designed for a rarified clientele and the interior specification clearly reflects that.Electric windows and air conditioning were both standard. Simple yet neatly detailed, it is spacious with a big glasshouse, leather trim and veneer accents combining to create a very harmonious whole.

The interior of this car appears to be largely factory original and is complete, right down to the chrome door trimmings. There are some light signs of wear to the seats and door trims, including the chrome embellishers, but arguably they add to the character and patina of this 52 year old car.

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The Exterior

Attractive dark red metallic bodywork with crisp Vignale styling
Factory Cromodora alloy wheels with mix of Pirelli and Nexen tyres
Chromework is complete and well presented
Straight bodywork with consistent panel gaps

In the 1960s Vignale was one of the go-to design houses for any self respecting Italian car company and its run of projects reads like a top trumps of cars of that era. Yet amongst that illustrious company the Mexico stands out – it is surely one of the most beautiful 2+2s of the era.

The dark metallic red of this car seems to particularly suit the crisply styled bodywork, drawing attention to the contrasting chromework that lightly adorns the shape. The paintwork appears to be a partial respray. There are some localised areas of bubbling to the base of both doors and front and rear wings, with an area of touched in paint on the passenger side front wing. None of these points detract overall.

The underside presents well. There are some areas of surface corrosion that would likely respond to a wire brush and underseal regime.

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The Mechanics

4,136cc hand-built Maserati V8
Desirable 5spd manual gearbox
High specification with four wheel disc brakes
Good history file showing older engine work and little use since last MOT

Alongside the gorgeous Vignale lines, key to the Mexico’s appeal was its hand-built V8. 4.2litre and 4.7litre versions were available, of which just 305 smaller-engined cars like this one were ever built. Naturally it is allied to a 5spd manual gearbox, making this a true four seater sports car.

This car was imported from Greece by the seller in 2014. There are some invoices from around that time showing service work as well as earlier receipts for an extensive list of parts including water pump, fuel pump and head gasket that suggest a fairly comprehensive mechanical overhaul.

The car appears to have been little used since the last MOT in 2015.

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Summary

The Mexico went from design board to show stand to showroom virtually unchanged. And looking at this beautiful 1971 example you can see why – it is an exquisite design.

Mexicos are rare too, only a few hundred finding homes over five years. This one looks solid and very usable. Whether you choose to use it as is or gradually improve it, it deserves a place in the collection of any discerning collector.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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