1978 Maserati Bora: Sleek, Powerful, Iconic

The renowned designer Giorgetto Giugiaro created the Bora, which was widely considered the most stunning sports vehicle of the 1970s. This mid-engined roadster distinguished itself from its counterparts and successfully navigated the challenges posed by the fuel crisis, playing a pivotal role in rescuing the company from bankruptcy.

Source: Artcurial

The Maserati Bora made its debut during a challenging period, coinciding with the fuel crisis brought on by the Arab-Israeli war. Although it carried on the styling elements introduced by its predecessor, Ghibli, it also signaled a new era in automotive design. Its contours became edgier, with a shorter and higher rear end, which was particularly noticeable in the brand’s cars. Additionally, the “hidden” headlights, which had already appeared in Ghibli before becoming popular, were fully embraced in Bora’s design. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, this remarkable vehicle was part of his impressive portfolio of work, which included other exceptional vehicles such as the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Bertone, BMW 3200 CS, and Aston Martin DB4 GT Bertone ‘Jet’. The novelty boasted a sleek aerodynamic design with flip-up headlights, a stylish grille, sporty tires, and a spacious tailgate that revealed the powerful V8 engine.

The origins

Source: Uncrate

Maserati’s mid-engined vehicles in the early 1960s were limited to endurance racing prototypes, and the company lacked the funds to develop a production model with such a layout until Citroen purchased a controlling stake. In 1968, the brand began working on a mid-engined two-seater sports vehicle, dubbed Tipo 117, to compete with supercars like the Lamborghini Miura and De Tomaso Mangusta. Ferrari was also working on its own mid-engined sports vehicle at the time. The model’s development began in late 1968 under the guidance of chief engineer Giulio Alfieri and designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who had recently opened his design studio, ItalDesign. The prototype was completed in the following year, and the model made its official debut at the Geneva Salon in 1971. Despite the challenging conditions in the sports car market, the new automobile and its stablemate, the Merak, with their mid-engined design, helped rescue the company from bankruptcy.

The 1978 model year

Source: Top Gear

In 1978, Maserati stopped production of the car, a legendary sports vehicle that had established itself as a powerful and aesthetically pleasing vehicle of the 1970s. This automobile was a testament to Maserati’s exceptional engineering and design capabilities. The vehicle’s technical specifications were impressive for its time. Under the hood, it was powered by a 4.9-liter V8 engine that produced 320 horsepower and had a top speed of 177 miles per hour. It featured a five-speed manual transmission and four-wheel independent suspension, making for a smooth and responsive ride. The Bora’s mid-engined layout provided excellent weight distribution, resulting in exceptional handling. The interior of the 1978 edition was luxurious and sophisticated. It featured a spacious cabin with leather upholstery, power windows, and air conditioning. The dashboard was adorned with wood trim and housed a comprehensive array of gauges, including a speedometer, tachometer, and oil pressure gauge. The exterior of the Bora was nothing short of stunning. Its sleek, aerodynamic body featured a low-slung nose, sharp lines, and a distinctive glass engine cover. The pop-up headlights added to its unique aesthetic. The 1978 model year saw some minor changes to the exterior, including new side mirrors and black rubber bumpers.

Compared to previous model years, the 1978 edition had some notable differences. One of the most significant changes was the introduction of fuel injection, replacing the carburetors used in earlier models. This resulted in improved performance and better fuel efficiency. Additionally, the 1978 release featured larger brake calipers and a new exhaust system, further enhancing its performance capabilities.

Did you know?

Source: YSM Motors

1978 became the last year of production for this iconic sports vehicle. It was one of the last models produced by the brand before the company was taken over by De Tomaso in the late 1970s. As a result, the 1978 version became a highly sought-after collectible among enthusiasts.

Contact us if you have this or another classic car to sell.