Introduced in 1966, the exact origins of the Maserati Mexico Coupe’s evocative name remain something of a mystery: One theory maintains that the prototype show car was sold to Mexican President Adolfo López Mateos, with the subsequent production car named in his honor. Another claims it received the moniker after a Mexican owner crashed a Maserati 5000 GT chassis and returned the car to Italy for repair.

Wherever the truth may lie, the Mexico—with its dignified lines by Vignale’s Virginio Vairo, its airy, luxuriously trimmed cabin, and its powerful V-8—epitomized the notion of the stylish, mid-century grand tourer. A two-door development of the Maserati Quattroporte saloon, it was technologically advanced as well: It was the first production Maserati to come equipped with four-wheel servo-assisted ventilated disc brakes.

According to factory records, this Mexico was completed on 14 September 1971, after which it was delivered to its first owner in the Rome area. Originally finished in Argento Auteuil over a Senape interior, its exterior was later repainted in an attractive dark blue—a colour that pairs nicely with the tan interior upholstery.

While the Mexico was powered by a 4.7-litre V-8 at its introduction, Maserati introduced a smaller 4.2-litre option in 1969; it ultimately became the more popular engine choice. This example was one of only 175 Mexico Coupes to be equipped with the larger V-8, and it retains its numbers-matching 4.7-litre engine to this day. Producing 290 horsepower and paired with a five-speed manual transmission, it enables suitably spirited driving, yet the car features like air conditioning and power steering ensure comfort on even the longest journeys.

This handsome grand tourer was reportedly purchased out of an Italian museum collection in the early 2000s and, fittingly, recommissioned for reliable and enjoyable road use. Acquired by the consignor and imported to the United Kingdom in 2015, this Maserati Mexico Coupe remains ideally suited to the task for which it was designed: Spirited, luxurious, and stylish drives of any duration.

Please note that this lot is currently on display at CARS in Chobham at Alpha 319 Chobham Business Centre, Chertsey Road, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8JB and can be viewed on appointment on Thursday October 29th and Friday October 30th between 9am and 5pm. Please contact our office at +44 (0) 20 7851 7070 or email Britta Buchmann at bbuchmann@rmsothebys.com to secure your appointment. Should you want more information on this lot, feel free to email jlittle@rmsothebys.com