The Maserati Bora, designed by the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro, is often regarded as the most aesthetically pleasing sports car of the 1970s. Despite being a mid-engined roadster in a crowded field, it stood out with its striking design. Not only did it weather the challenges posed by the fuel crisis, but it also played a crucial role in saving Maserati from financial ruin.
Source: Historics Auctioneers
During a time of fuel crisis caused by the Arab-Israeli war, a new automobile emerged that followed the style of the impressive Ghibli, but with a focus on evolving design era. The new vehicle had sharper forms and a shorter, higher stern, which was particularly evident in the brand’s vehicles. Ghibli even introduced “blind” headlights before they became popular, and the brand’s novelty solidified this trend in the company’s design. This exceptional vehicle, known as the “hurricane,” was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, who was also responsible for other notable vehicles such as the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Bertone, BMW 3200 CS, and Aston Martin DB4 GT Bertone ‘Jet.’ The aerodynamic design of the car included flip-up headlights, a stylish grille, sporty tires, and a large tailgate providing access to the powerful V8 engine.
Source: Classic Driver
Maserati initially developed mid-engined vehicles for endurance racing prototypes in the early 1960s but lacked the budget to create a production vehicle until Citroen acquired a controlling stake in the company. In 1968, Maserati began work on the Tipo 117 project to create mid-engined sports vehicles similar to the Lamborghini Miura and De Tomaso Mangusta. Ferrari was also in the process of launching their own mid-engined sports car. While development on the automobile began in late 1968, the prototype was not released until the following year. The technical part was overseen by the company’s chief engineer, Giulio Alfieri, while design work was handled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who would later open his own ItalDesign studio in 1970. The novelty officially debuted at the Geneva Salon in 1971 and was introduced during a difficult time for the sports automobile segment. However, the model and its counterpart, the Merak, helped Maserati avoid bankruptcy.
Source: Classiche Masters
The 1977 version saw a few changes and improvements over the previous model years. It boasted improved technical features compared to the 1976 model. The automobile received a 4.9-liter V8 engine that generated 320 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, whereas the 1976 version had a 4.7-liter engine with 310 horsepower. The engine was coupled with a five-speed manual transmission and could achieve a maximum speed of 171 mph. The automobile also came with power-assisted steering, four-wheel disc brakes, and fully independent suspension. The interior of the 1977 release was luxurious and well-appointed. It featured leather upholstery, air conditioning, power windows, and a stereo system. The seats were comfortable and offered ample support for spirited driving. The dashboard was redesigned for the 1977 model year, with a new layout and new gauges. On the exterior, the 1977 edition featured a new grille design with the brand’s trident emblem in the center. The headlights were also redesigned, with a more streamlined and modern look. The overall styling of the 1977 version remained similar to the previous model years, with a low and sleek profile, and sharp lines and angles. One significant difference between the 1977 edition and previous model years was the introduction of a new hydraulic clutch system. This system was designed to make shifting smoother and easier and was a welcome improvement for drivers. The 1977 model year also saw the introduction of the Bora 5-S, a limited edition model with a five-speed transmission and several other upgrades.
Source: Gullwing Motor Cars
A renowned musician and automobile enthusiast Elton John was a notable owner of a 1977 Maserati Bora. He had an extensive collection of luxury and sports cars, and he acquired his Bora in the late 1970s, which he retained for a few years before selling it. John frequently drove his Bora around different areas in California, including Los Angeles.
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