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Launched in 1966 at the Paris motor show, the production Mexico was offered with the same engine variants as the Quattroporte, either a 4.2 or a 4.7 litre version. The chassis itself was derived from the Quattroporte II, with a wheelbase shortened by 11 cm.

It shared its general construction with the original Quattroporte, although the first Mexico prototype was actually derived from a damaged 5000 GT and was thus powered by a 4.9 litre engine.

A true four-seater, the Mexico sported very elegant and refined coachwork courtesy of Vignale. Contrary to other Maserati four-seat coupés, it was not named after a race track; the name was chosen because the prototype, was once owned by Mexican president Adolfo López Mateos when it was still a 5000 GT, returned to Mexico after having appeared at the 1965 Turin motor show. It was truly fitting, but also pure coincidence, that John Surtees would close the 1966 Formula 1 season with a convincing win in the Mexican Grand Prix at the wheel of a Cooper-Maserati T81.

In 4.7 guise the top speed was boosted to 255 kph (159 mph) compared to the 4.2’s 240 kph (149 mph). Minor developments were introduced on the model in 1970, including alloy wheels, replacing the wire wheels, however, the latter remained available in bolt-on form instead of knock-on. In total, 480 Mexicos were sold in seven years, with Italian actress Virna Lisi, American actor Ronald Reagan and middle-weight boxing champion Nino Benvenuti among its original owners.

Chassis & Sales

1972 Maserati Mexico Coupé - sold for €44,172 According to a copy of records from Maserati’s Historical Consultancy, this Mexico was originally finished in Metallic Silver with blue Connolly hides and delivered new to Advocato Piero Della Verita in Bologna in March that year. Now, it is being offered from its fifth caretaker, and the odometer currently reads about 95,500 miles. It was selectively restored and has been professionally maintained under the current owner over the past five ye... more
Gallery: 2011 London Auction by RM

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