1972 Maserati Mexico 4200
Chassis no. AM.112.948
Engine no. AM.112.948

Named later in honour of Cooper-Maserati's victory in the 1966 Mexican Grand Prix, when John Surtees triumphed in the final round of that year's Formula 1 World Championship, the Mexico debuted at the 1966 Turin Motor Show. The new V8-engined sports car boasted elegant coachwork by Carrozzeria Vignale, Maserati's preferred coachbuilder at this time, and was intended for customers who wanted a luxurious four-seater but preferred something more sporting than the larger Quattroporte saloon.

Maserati's long-established four-cam V8 engine was employed in 4.7-litre form for the newcomer. Designed for competition, this robust unit had first been seen in the 450S sports-racer back in 1957 and made its road-car debut in that most celebrated of Maseratis: the 5000 GT. Progressively developed for road use, the V8 arrived in 'production' form in the first Quattroporte of 1963 and would be the backbone power plant of the Maserati range throughout the 1960s and '70s. As installed in the Mexico, the 4.7-litre version produced 290bhp, which was good enough for a top speed of around 225km/h (140mph) though several sources quote speeds of around 240km/h (150mph). A more economical 4.2-litre (4200) version was available also, which despite having 'only' 260bhp on tap, was only a few kilometres per hour slower. Apart from its live rear axle, the Mexico's underpinnings were similar to the contemporary Quattroporte saloon's, featuring double wishbone independent front suspension, disc brakes all round, a ZF five-speed gearbox as standard and optional automatic transmission.

A subtle piece of styling - photographs do not do it justice - the Mexico afforded space for four adults and their luggage, while the well-equipped interior featured comfortable seating and an elegant dashboard with enough instruments and switches to make an airline pilot feel at home. On the road, the Mexico accomplished the difficult trick of offering both secure handling and a supple ride. Production ceased in 1973 after 480 cars had been built, 305 of which had the 4.2-litre engine. These are numbers that make the contemporary Ghibli (1,274 built) seem mass produced by comparison.

This Mexico 4200 was sold to previous owner Mr Jérémy Menuhin 2007 and appears to have benefited from considerable expenditure while in his ownership (see bills on file). The current vendor purchased the Mexico in January 2011 from Christoph Grohe SA, since when it has been kept in dry storage. Re-commissioning is advised before returning the car to the road. Additional documentation consists of copies of the 2011 purchase invoice; a California Certificate of Title; assorted correspondence; and a cancelled Swiss Carte Grise.

Please note that if this vehicle is to be imported into Switzerland, Swiss Customs charges (Duty, Car Tax and VAT) will apply at roughly 12.5% of the Purchase Price. Included in this is the Swiss Duty which is calculated on the weight of the vehicle and shall be CHF 15 per 100 kg. Also included is Swiss Car Tax at 4% and this is calculated on the total Purchase Price (Hammer + Buyers Premium). Swiss VAT will then be applicable on the aggregated amount of the Hammer Price, Buyer's Premium, Swiss Duty and Swiss Car Tax at a rate of 7.7%.
Please note that customs rates to other countries shall vary. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.