50 years of the Maserati Bora

This article was auto-translated. We apologize if some words are confusing or simply amusing. Would you like to help us improve?

Created on March 11, 2021

Text:

Pr/Ticular / Maserati

Photos:

Maserati

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Maserati Bora (1971) - designed by Giugiaro and Alfieri

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Maserati Bora (1971) - Even the interior gives you a feeling of performance

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Maserati Bora (1971) - Futuristic design

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Maserati Bora (1971) - presented at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Maserati Bora (1971) - Lots of glass in the rear

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Maserati Bora (1971) - The flip-up headlights

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Maserati Bora (1971) - With folding headlights

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Maserati Bora (1971) - The almost completely glazed tailgate

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Maserati Bora (1971) - Insight into the luggage compartment

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Maserati Bora (1971) - On show at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Maserati Bora (1971) - At its presentation in Geneva in 1971

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Maserati Bora (1971) - Transparency drawing

You have only

1 out of 17

images seen in high resolution

Maserati Bora (1971) - entworfen von Giugiaro und Alfieri

Maserati Bora (1971) - Schon der Innenraum gibt einem ein Gefühl von Leistung

Maserati Bora (1971) - Futuristisches Design

Maserati Bora (1971) - vorgestellt auf dem Genfer Autosalon 1971

Maserati Bora (1971) - Viel Glas im Heck

Exactly 50 years have passed since March 11, 1971, when the Maserati Bora made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. By 1978, 564 examples had been built, not to mention the spectacular Boomerang, a coupé prototype designed by Giugiaro with futuristic technology and a wedge-shaped body.

Maserati Bora (1971) - designed by Giugiaro and Alfieri

Inspired by the successes of Formula 1

Following the trend that had already revolutionized Formula 1 racing cars in previous years, Maserati commissioned Giorgetto Giugiaro from Italdesign to develop a sports car with a mid-engine at the rear that was characterized by improved performance, design, comfort and safety. The engine was the proven 4700 cc V8 with 310 hp at 6000 rpm (the 4900 cc engine was added two years later), which was mounted longitudinally on a subframe attached to the body.

Maserati Bora (1971) - trend-setting

Characteristic features of the car included retractable headlights to reduce drag, a self-locking differential on the rear axle, independent suspension on all wheels (a first for a Maserati), disc brakes, a dry-mounted single-disc clutch, a 5-speed gearbox and telescopic shock absorbers.

Performance, comfort and futuristic design

The Maserati Bora combined comfort and performance and reached a top speed of over 280 km/h. The exceptionally dynamic response of the engine and the quiet interior ensured great driving pleasure.

While the technical construction of the car bore the signature of Giulio Alfieri, the aerodynamics and design were the work of Giorgetto Giugiaro, who created a two-seater coupé with simple, elegant lines, giving the Maserati Bora a balanced appearance. The approach was futuristic, with a low, sleek, almost tapered front, styled so that it appeared to cut the air. The front grille had two rectangular vents and a central trident. The perfectly shaped sides were divided in the middle by a thin black rubber strip, while the rear ended as if it had been cut off.