The Mexico (Tipo 112), first shown in prototype form at the Turin Motorshow in 1965 (final design shown at Paris the following year), was a replacement for the 5000GT based on the Quattroporte mechanicals. It used a shortened chassis from the latter car, and the same 4.2 or 4.7-litre quad cam V8 engines. The body was an all new 2-door 4-seat coupe design by Vignale (actually penned by Michelotti), with ample room for the rear passengers. The steel body panels were welded to the oval tube frame, with a front subframe supporting the engine. The suspension was the same as the later Quattroportes, that is with wishbones at the front and a live rear axle with leaf springs whilst the brakes used ventilated discs all round for the first time on a Maserati.
In keeping with its market position features such as full leather interior, wooden dashboard, electric windows and air-conditioning were all standard. A five-speed manual gearbox was standard, with a three speed Borg-Warner automatic unit optional. Fifteen inch wire wheels were also standard,
A series of minor improvements were made in 1970, including changes to the external door handles, seats, instruments plus some tweaks to the engine such as the adoption of electronic ignition.
Production started in 1966 and continued until 1972 by which time around 485 examples had been built.
Technical Details
| Engine | 4136cc (88x85mm) dohc 90deg V8 with 290bhp @ 5,200rpm 4719cc (94x85mm) dohc 90deg V8 with 300bhp @ 5,000rpm |
| Suspension | front : independent with double wishbones and coil springs plus anti-roll bar rear : live axle with leaf springs plus anti-roll bar wheelbase : 2640mm track (front/rear) : 1390mm/1360mm |
| Brakes | ventilated discs all round with servo assistance |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual (3 speed automatic available as option) dry, single-plate clutch |
| Steering | Worm and sector (power assistance optional) |
| Kerb weight | 1500kg |
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