Maserati marks 50 years of the Bora

MANILA: Maserati commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Bora last March 11.

The Maserati Bora is known as the first mid-mounted rear engine road vehicle in the history of the marque, while the MC20 is the first mid-mounted rear engine car in the new generation.

The wind of the Maserati Bora continues to reach the dawn of the new age for the brand. All new models share the distinction, sportiness, and exclusivity that have always defined the Modenese manufacturer.

Bora also passed down its engine role, first launched on the Tipo 63 (1961) and initially revived on the MC12. The engine is now regarded as a core feature of the new MC20.

It was also exactly five decades ago (March 11, 1971) when the Geneva International Motor Show offered the backdrop for the launch of the Maserati Bora, which was manufactured until 1978 with 564 units built.

Moreover, Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign also built the remarkable Boomerang, a coupe prototype with wedge-shaped bodywork and state-of-the-art engineering.

Maserati also requested Giugiaro to produce a mid-mounted rear engine sports car that boast upgraded safety, comfort, design, and performance, following the pattern that transformed Formula 1 racing cars for the past years.

The engine, which was tried and tested, was a 4,700cc V8 generating 310hp at 6,000rpm (will be joined by the 4,900cc unit after two years), installed lengthways on a subframe placed on the monocoque.

Some of the vehicle’s exceptional features include a five-speed transmission, telescopic suspension dampers, dry-mounted single disc clutch, disc brakes, independent suspension on all wheels (a first for the Maserati), projecting differential on the rear axle, and retractable headlights for aerodynamic drag prevention.

The Bora was able to put together performance and comfort and it also has a top speed of more than 280kph. This guarantees excellent driving pleasure due to the vehicle’s quiet cabin and distinctly agile response.

Although the engineering design of the vehicle carried the name of Giulio Alfieri, Giorgetto Giugiaro conceptualized the styling and the aerodynamics. He produced a two-seater coupe on sophisticated and simple lines that provided the Maserati Bora a balanced look. 

The strategy was futuristic, with a low, slender, and nearly narrow front design to cut through air. The front grille has two rectangular air vents with a Trident in the middle part.

A thin black rubber trim centrally separates the perfectly streamlined sides, while the rear ends in a truncated or Kamm tail.

The outcome was a trend-setter; a sleek vehicle that embodies the rock-and-roll spirit of the 1970s, of which car enthusiasts still take pleasure in until today.

Photos from Maserati

Also read: MC20 supercar heralds 'new age' for Maserati