Owning a classic Maserati would be special enough. But even among classic Maseratis, the one you see here is more special than most. And it’s up for grabs to the highest bidder.
It’s a 1967 Maserati Mexico – a two-door version of the first-generation Quattroporte – named in honor of John Surtees’ win in a Cooper-Maserati T81 in the 1966 Mexican Grand Prix. But it’s unlike any of the other 485 examples that were made.
What you see here is the first of three pre-production prototypes, each of which were sent to different coachbuilders. While the winning contract was awarded to Vignale, and another was sent to Bertone, this one was bodied by storied carrozzeria Frua.
Despite its pre-production status, chassis number AM112 001 was sold to a private customer in Maserati’s home town of Modena. It subsequently made its way to the United States, where it was owned by Concorso Italiano founder Frank Mandarano.
It passed through a number of different hands throughout its lifetime, and along the way was fitted with the later model’s 4.2-liter V8. It’s finished in deep red Amaranto with tan Connolly leather and Borrani wire wheels, and remains – in the words of the auctioneer – “one of the most historically significant road-going cars to bear the Trident.”
The Italian prototype is one of the more tempting lots consigned for RM Sotheby’s upcoming auction set to take place a month from now in Arizona. And if you place the winning bid, it could be yours.
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