Maserati Mexico
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Maserati Mexico | |
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| Manufacturer | Maserati |
| Also called | Tipo 112 |
| Production | 1966-1973 |
| Predecessor | Maserati 5000 GT |
| Body style | 2-door, 4-seater coupe |
| Platform | FR |
| Engine | 4.7 Litre (4.2 Litre) 90º V8 engine, four twin-choke 38 DCNL5 Weber carburettors |
| Transmission | 5 speed and reverse (automatic transmission an option), Rear wheel drive |
| Wheelbase | 2640 mm |
| Length | 4760 mm |
| Width | 1730 mm |
| Height | 1350 mm |
| Curb weight | 1450 kg (dry) |
| Related | Maserati Quattroporte |
| Designer | Giovanni Michelotti of Vignale |
The Maserati Mexico was originally a prototype of a commission for a 5000 GT one-off. It made an appearance at the Vignale stand at the Salon di Torino in 1965 and was so well received that Maserati immediately made plans to put a version into limited production. A year later the production model debuted at the Paris Motor Show. It was named for the Cooper-Maserati win at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Originally powered by a 4.7 Litre V8 that produced 290 bhp, the car managed to turn out a top speed between 240-250 kph (150-156 mph). In 1969, however, contrary to Maserati tradition, the Mexico was also made available with a 'smaller' engine. This time the 4.2-litre V8 engine that powered the original Quattroporte.
Apart from the smaller engine option the Mexico underwent few changes during its lifetime. Its luxurious interior included a rich leather seating for four adults, electric windows, wooden dashboard and air conditioniong as standard. Automatic transmission, power steering and a radio were available as optional extras. The 4.7-litre version was fitted with 650 x 15" Boranni chrome wire wheels and the 4.2-litre version with 'disc' wheels.
The Mexico was the first production Maserati to be fitted with servo assisted ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels.
In May 1965, under commission from the German concessionaire Auto Koenig for their client, Herr Rupertzhoven, Maserati built a 'Mexico' similar to Vignale's original prototype design but was the work of Frua. Appearing like a 4-seat Mistral and built on the same tubular chassis as the 3500GT (2600 mm wheelbase), this prototype 'Mexico' was fitted with the Mistral's six cylinder 3.7-litre Lucas fuel injected engine. It was finished in Oro Longchamps with a black leather interior. Its dashboard came from the Quattroporte.
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1946-1969: A6 · 3500 · 5000 GT · Mistral · Quattroporte I · Sebring · Mexico · Ghibli I 1970-1979: Khamsin · Bora · Indy · Merak · Quattroporte II · Quattroporte III · Kyalami 1980-1999: Biturbo · 420 · Spyder I · Quattroporte III Royale · Shamal · Karif · Barchetta · Ghibli II · Quattroporte IV · 3200 GT 2000-present: Coupé · Spyder II · Gran Sport · Quattroporte V · MC12 · GranTurismo Racing Vehicles: 8C · V8RI · 6CM · 4CL/4CLT · 150S · Tipo 63 · Tipo 65 · 250F · 200S · 300S · 350S · 450S · Tipo 61 "Birdcage" · Tipo 151 · Tipo 154 · MC12 GT1 · Trofeo Concept Cars: Birdcage 75th |
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| Maserati Brothers | Corporate website | A brand of the Fiat group |
