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Maserati Bora: the first Maserati with a mid-engine, versions and what to know
Maserati Bora — a mid-engine sports car produced from 1971 to 1978. It was the first Maserati road car with an engine layout behind the driver, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. In this article, we look at the model's features, engines, and what collectors should know.
Bora in brief
The Bora was Maserati's response to the Lamborghini Miura and other mid-engine supercars of the time. The design, by Italdesign, features sharp lines with a non-rusting steel roof and a low front end.
Today, the Bora is a very rare collector's car that you'll barely see in Lithuania. It mostly appeals to collectors and investors.
Which version to choose
The Bora was produced in one generation, but it was offered with two engine displacements — 4.7 and the later 4.9-litre version. The first has more authenticity, while the second offers a bit more power and better suitability for daily driving.
When buying such a car, the most important factors are originality, documented history, and body condition, rather than the years or specific version differences.
Engine and gearbox
The Bora featured a Maserati V8 engine: initially 4.7-litre (around 310 hp), later 4.9-litre (around 320 hp). The engine is mounted behind the cabin, with power sent to the rear wheels.
The gearbox is a 5-speed manual. Many systems (such as brakes and some controls) used hydraulic solutions, inherited from Citroën, which at the time owned Maserati.
What to check when buying a Bora
First up — the body and chassis condition: check for corrosion and signs of previous repairs. Hydraulic systems should work without leaks, as they require specialists to fix.
Absolutely check the engine condition, documents, and the presence of original parts. It's worth buying only from a trusted seller and ideally with the help of a classic Maserati expert.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.
Bora 4.7
1971–around 1973The first version with a 4.7-litre V8 engine.
- 4.7-litre V8 engine
- 5-speed manual gearbox
- Hydraulic assistance systems
Bora 4.9
Around 1973–1978Later version with a 4.9-litre V8 engine.
- 4.9-litre V8 engine
- 5-speed manual gearbox
- Hydraulic assistance systems
Comparing Bora versions
| Bora 4.7 | Bora 4.9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For collectors seeking the first edition | For those wanting a bit more power |
| Engine | 4.7-litre V8, around 310 HP | 4.9-litre V8, around 320 HP |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ |
Both versions are collector cars, so condition, paperwork, and originality are key. The difference between the engines is slight, so choose based on the specific example.
Pros
- Iconic styling by designer Giugiaro
- The first Maserati with a mid-rear engine
- Powerful V8 and sporty handling
- A rare model with collector value
Cons
- A very expensive purchase and upkeep
- Complex hydraulic systems
- Some parts are hard to come by
Frequently asked questions
How many Boras were made?
The Bora was produced in relatively small numbers — just a few hundred cars, making it a very rare model.
Why did the Bora use Citroën solutions?
At the time, Citroën had Maserati, so some of the hydraulic systems were adopted from Citroën models.
Is the Bora suitable for daily driving?
Practically not — it's a collector's car that requires specialist maintenance, and parts are expensive.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
