This Maserati Mexico is a very usable example of the rare four-seater grand tourer, finished in a handsome colour combination and offered from long-term ownership. Under the front-hinged bonnet is a 4.2-litre quad cam V8 engine – evolved from the motor in the 450S race car – developing around 194kW / 260bhp and sending it to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates around 63,000 km; however this is not warranted. Believed to be one of 480 Maserati Mexicos produced and sold between 1966 and 1972, this example features the 4.2-litre engine. According to the Mexico registry, it is believed to have been in Virginia, US for much of the 1970s and 1980s, before going to a long-term owner in Missouri. There is also evidence of time spent in Mississippi. After being shipped to Australia, the car underwent a restoration between 2013 and 2015, and has been with its current owner for around 10 years. Based on a prototype design showcased at the October 1965 Salone di Torino, the Mexico’s name came from this vehicle, which was sold to the then Mexican president Adolfo López Mateos. Technologically advanced, the Mexico was the first Maserati to be fitted with servo-assisted ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. This example is finished in white with a chrome front grille, bumpers, mirrors, sill covers and window trims, over a red leather-trimmed cabin, offset by a black upper dashboard and carpets, with wood inlays on the dash, door cards, steering wheel, and gear knob. Well-equipped for its time, the model features electric windows, a wood panel dashboard and air-conditioning, while this example also features the optional radio as well. 4.2-litre cars left the factory with steel disc wheels, but this example has been fitted with a set of the optional 15-inch Borrani chrome wire wheels, shod in Goodyear tyres. It is accompanied by a small selection of maintenance invoices. The car’s number plate is not included in the sale. The white paintwork is reported to be in fair to good condition, showing some light scuffs, touched-up blemishes and stone chips on the front end, a small crack behind the offside rear wheel, marks and a crack around the driver’s door handle, and some small markings on the rear of the car. There is also some overpainted on the black rubber seals in places. The offside rear light cluster has lost some of the red tint colouring, and the seller notes some corrosion on the lower doors and some on the chrome Borrani wheels. Inside, the reupholstered cabin presents well, with just a hint of wear on the driver’s side outer seat bolster. Elsewhere there are modest signs of use, which present as a handsome ‘patina’ of age, with no major wear. The seller notes the wood was refinished and the carpets replaced during the restoration and retrim. The seller notes that the clock, the choke and the air conditioning are not working. The oil pressure gauge is also faulty and needs attention. The car is also missing its original spare wheel. The seller is not aware of any other electrical or mechanical faults. The latest service was carried out at around 63,000 km. The work comprised of an engine oil and filter change service. The seller notes that during their ownership the brakes, carburettors, radiator, electrics, fuel tanks and all of the hoses and brake lines were repaired and reconditioned. This Maserati Mexico is a handsome and rare four-seat grand tourer, which underwent a respray and re-trim around eight years ago, and which now presents in good overall condition. While there are a few areas where the car could be improved in due course, this example is reported to be running and driving well. It should make a fine long-distance classic tourer, and a head-turning car for enjoyable weekend drives. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number.