Maserati Bora & Merek V8 & V6 Giugiaro Designed, Mid-Engined GT

As a member of that familiar Italian supercar triumvirate: Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati (in alphabetical order only), Maserati has unquestionably found itself the underdog in the last 20 or so years. It would be easy to dismiss them altogether and reinforce their lowly position by suggesting that they have not produced the right, competitive cars. This book is a partial attempt to refute that suggestion. The truth is that both the Bora, and its younger sister the Merak, are valid, exciting cars with a lot going for them. The mid-engined, four cam V8 Bora is a rare beauty; a combination of the right mechanical ingredients enclosed in a magnificent piece of Giorgio Giugiaro (Ital Design) swoopy, wedged bodywork. It has masses of horsepower from a large but neat V8 engine of successful racing heritage. A strong chassis with large disc brakes at each corner is complimented by race-style independent suspension front and rear, tied together with accurate steering with lots of feel. Add a five speed gearbox and a relatively sumptuous interior and here should have been a great contender. 170 mph plus is whispered. Today, the Bora is receiving the recognition it somehow missed when it was current. The V6 Merak has all the charm and strengths of the Bora without quite the neck wrenching horsepower. Its small number of body changes is both distinguishing and distinguished. Doubt not its capabilities on the road. It doesn't disappoint, proving itself to be very competitive with its two direct rivals, the Ferrari 308GTB and Lamborghini Urraco. Here is the full story of these two striking Maseratis of the past portrayed for the first time in these pages.