Maserati Bora 4.9
The 1971 Maserati Bora 4.9 was a groundbreaking automobile that combined Maserati's race-bred V8 engine with mid-engine architecture, Giorgetto Giugiaro's design genius, and Citroen's advanced hydraulic technology. The result was one of the most sophisticated and refined mid-engine supercars of the 1970s, a car that prioritized grand touring refinement alongside its performance capabilities.
The Bora's 4,930cc V8, producing approximately 320 horsepower (SAE net), was essentially the same four-cam unit used in the Ghibli, but now relocated behind the passenger compartment. This mid-engine layout, adopted from contemporary racing practice, provided superior weight distribution and improved handling characteristics. The engine was mated to a five-speed ZF manual transaxle.
Giugiaro's design for the Bora was both futuristic and elegant. The clean, wedge-shaped body featured a distinctive glass rear deck that covered the engine bay, allowing the V8 to be visible from outside while providing sound insulation for the cabin. The overall shape was aerodynamically efficient, contributing to a top speed of approximately 170 mph.
The Bora's most unusual feature was its use of Citroen hydraulic technology, a consequence of Citroen's ownership of Maserati during this period. The high-pressure hydraulic system powered the brakes, clutch, steering, seat adjustment, headlight height adjustment, and pedal position. This integration was remarkably sophisticated, providing power assistance with a precision and sensitivity that conventional systems could not match.
The hydraulic braking system was particularly impressive. Ventilated disc brakes at all four corners, powered by Citroen's high-pressure hydraulic system, provided extraordinary stopping power with a pedal feel that was sensitive and progressive. The system's self-adjusting nature meant that brake performance remained consistent regardless of pad wear.
The interior was one of the Bora's strongest assets. Unlike many mid-engine cars that sacrificed passenger comfort for engine accommodation, the Bora provided a genuinely luxurious cabin with leather seats, air conditioning, comprehensive instrumentation, and a level of refinement that matched front-engine grand tourers. The noise insulation, aided by the glass rear deck, was remarkably effective for a mid-engine car.
Maserati produced approximately 564 Bora coupes between 1971 and 1978, split between 4.7-liter and 4.9-liter variants. The 4.9 was the definitive version, offering the strongest performance. Today, the Bora is increasingly appreciated as one of the most intelligent and refined mid-engine cars of its era, offering a unique combination of Maserati performance, Giugiaro design, and Citroen engineering innovation.
The Citroen hydraulic system is the primary maintenance concern — check all accumulators, lines, and seals for leaks and proper pressure. The four-cam V8 requires specialist knowledge. The glass rear deck area can trap moisture and cause hidden corrosion. Check the chassis monocoque for rust, particularly around suspension pickup points. The ZF transaxle should shift smoothly. Finding a specialist familiar with both Maserati engines and Citroen hydraulics is essential.
Produced at Maserati's Modena factory from 1971 to 1978. The body was designed by Giugiaro at Italdesign and constructed by various coachbuilding subcontractors. The Citroen hydraulic components were sourced from Citroen's parts supply chain.