The Maserati Mexico is a two-door, four-seater fastback grand tourer available from 1966 to 1972. It has the model code Tipo AM112. Most of the Maserati Mexicos were produced during 1966 to 1969, but limited production continued through 1972.
Maserati Mexico Design and Introduction
The Maserati Quattroporte was produced before the Mexico, but its rare large size and super-saloon design led Maserati to come up with an alternative that fit their usual designs a bit more closely. While Maserati had always had a knack for racing vehicles, they were bracing into grand tourers and wanted something to appeal to a market they had been missing. One with four seats for touring, but a relatively small design that is more appropriate for spirited driving periods. Giovanni Michelotti designed an original specially-commissioned prototype that was unveiled at the 1965 Salone di Torino under the Vignale brand name. Due to the 5000 GT being phased out of production, this prototype brought back a similar style. The prototype was reportedly sold to the Mexican President Adolfo López Mateos. The wide acclaim for the design led Maserati to bring this prototype design to full production, using the name Mexico as a reference to the purchaser of the prototype design. The production vehicle was first unveiled at the 1966 20° Concorso Internazionale di Eleganza. Based on a shortened platform used on the larger super-saloon Quattroporte, the Mexico was designed by Vignale with sharp lines and a large glass-enclosed passenger compartment. The soft lines contrasted other luxury cruisers of the day, while the four spherical headlights made a usual Maserati statement in front. It was not a 2+2 design that had been used in many four-passenger vehicles, but was a true four-seater with a robust rear passenger area. Rear occupants were affordable amble space and had no trouble seeing with the expansive rear windows, nearly invisible b-pillar, and razor-thin c-pillar.
Specifications and Performance
The overall width was 68 inches (1,730 mm) and wheelbase was 104 inches (2,640 mm). Wheel tracks measured in at 54.7 inches (1,390 mm) in front and 53.5 inches (1,360 mm) rear. The Maserati Mexico weighed in at 3,197 pounds (1,450 kg). It originally featured a four-cam 4.7L V8 engine but was also available as a 4.2L option in later years. It produced 290 horsepower at 5,000 RPM and a top speed of 150-156 mph. The engine design was based on the 5000 GT racing car, but tuned down for road use. The engine was paired to a 5-speed ZF manual transmission, although those looking for a more convenient package with decreased performance and driving feel could opt for a 3-speed automatic transmission. It was the first production Maserati to feature servo-assisted ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. The chassis was a welded tubular trellis, while independent front suspension featured coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers and the rear suspension used a rigid axle with leaf springs and telescopic shock absorbers. While the larger 4.7L base model came with 650x15 inch Borrani chrome wire wheels, the 4.2L engine version that came later was adorned with steel disc wheels. All came with Pirelli Cinturato tires. The interior was full of leather seats and upholstery with wood trim pieces, filling out with luxurious statements and bringing forth the world class Italian design from the era. Air conditioning and power steering were available, along with a Blaupunkt radio. Electric windows were standard. The Maserati Mexico did not have many changes made to it during the production period. Overall, 481 units were produced, with 305 4.2L engine units, 175 4.7L engine units, and 1 rare 4.9L engine (which may have been reportedly outfitted by a third-party).