Maserati Bora - the best sports and rare car
Maserati Bora - the most innovative car of all time
Maserati is one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious automotive brands, famous for its achievements in motorsport, which have contributed to the creation of a number of outstanding road cars.
The Maserati Bora, the first Maserati road car with a central engine and the first to be developed entirely under the direction of Citroën, was a significant contribution to Maserati's heritage.
The Maserati Bora is known for introducing innovations that fundamentally changed the brand's approach to automotive engineering and marked Maserati's entry into the modern era. In particular, this car was equipped with independent suspension on all four wheels, which was a novelty for Maserati but had already been used by Lamborghini on their first model, which appeared in 1964. Although the Maserati Bora may not be as well known as other models of the brand, this car is one of the most significant ever produced under the Maserati brand.
Thanks to the acquisition of Maserati by Citroën in 1968, it was possible to develop an innovative car that combined Italian engines and chassis with advanced French hydro-pneumatic systems. The styling, created by Giorgetto Giugiaro, elegantly combined the curves of the 60s with the sharp-edged shapes of the 70s. The Maserati Bora, originally called the Tipo 117, was unveiled in its final form at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1971. The Bora's quirkiness perfectly combined French comfort with Italian performance.
Technical characteristics of the Maserati Bora
The Maserati Bora was characterized by special comfort and technical features that put it above many competitors. The car had fully independent suspension, disc brakes and factory air conditioning, and was equipped with a tilt and telescopic steering column and electric windows.
Unlike its competitors, the Bora had double glass separating the cab from the engine compartment and an aluminum-coated engine mat that significantly reduced cabin noise and improved driver comfort.
In addition, the Bora had a Citroën hydraulic system that controlled the brakes, retractable headlights, driver's seat adjustment and pedals. The car also had a full-size trunk in the front, making it much more civilized than other sports cars.
The body of the Maserati Bora is made of steel, and the monocoque chassis adds weight to the car, but thanks to a drag coefficient of 0.30, the weight feels lighter. The central longitudinal position of the engine, with a five-speed ZF gearbox at the rear, mounted on a tubular steel subframe connected to the monocoque chassis by four flexible mounts, greatly improves ride comfort.
Maserati Bora - the best luxury sports car
The Maserati Bora stood out not only for its speed, but also for its luxury, which could even compete with some limousines. The interior was upholstered in high quality leather, including the seats, doors and dashboard. Power windows and air conditioning were standard on almost every model, and the steering column was adjustable. Most central-engine sports cars were known for their speed, but the Bora also stood out for its luxurious performance.
The 4.9-liter engine of the Maserati Bora is a modification of the 4.7-liter V-8, with the cylinder diameter increased from 85 mm to 89 mm. These engines are equipped with DOHC and four Weber downdraft carburetors. Both engines are mated to a five-speed ZF transmission.
Top speeds vary, but it is generally accepted that the 4.7-liter version can reach a speed of 169 mph (271 km/h), while the 4.9-liter version can reach up to 177 mph (285 km/h). Acceleration from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) is typically around 6.0 seconds.
Maserati Bora - a rare and collectible car
The Maserati Bora was not produced in as large a quantity as expected, making it a rare and valuable model for collectors. Only 564 cars were produced during the seven-year production period from 1971 to 1978. Of these, 289 were equipped with a 4.7-liter V-8 engine and the remaining 275 had a 4.9-liter V-8. Today, you have to spend at least $150,000 to buy one of these cars.
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