Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this extremely elegant and sophisticated 1968 Maserati Mexico.

The documentation on file from Maserati Classiche confirms this car was ordered on the 20th November 1968 by Maserati dealer Sport Auto Roma from Rome, Italy. It was completed sometime in December 1968 and delivered on the 3rd January 1969 to its first owner, M. Armando Grimaldi, from Rome.

This car was delivered in Argento Auteuil (silver) Salchi paint code 106E1 with a nero black leather interior Connolly code PAC.1560. It was equipped with Borrani spoked wheels and a five-speed manual ZF gearbox.

The very early history of this car is not known, however, it is understood to have come to Australia in the early 1970s when it was imported by a gentleman from Canberra. Back then left hand drive cars were not permitted to be road registered in this country (with the exception of consular cars), so it was converted to right hand drive upon arrival.

In 1977 this Maserati Mexico was acquired by Michael Adams from Sydney. The car remained in continuous family ownership for the next 35 years. It is understood that Adams used it for the first few years of his ownership, however, in circa 1984 and for reasons unknown it was parked up and put into dry storage. The car sat idle for the next 28 years and after Adams passing in 2012 it was left to his son Adrian. He had no interest in it and offered it for sale.

It was described as: Original 50,901 km has been stored in a garage for over 28 years and has not seen the road since then. Is in need of restoration, body is very straight and has never had any hits or paintwork. Has some typical lower sill rust but nothing too major. Inside the boot there is only surface rust and that is all. No rust in floor or around the windows.

Mechanically the engine has good compression and turns over nicely, with oil pressure registering on factory oil pressure gauge.

Interior the leather is all original and has no tears, but is dull. The dash has no cracks and woodwork is very good, steering wheel does have a split developing in the wood. Was converted to right hand drive over 34 years ago. Car has been in the family for 35 years.

It has the original factory fitted Borrani wire wheels, plus the spare Borrani wheel in the boot. All badges are on the car with none missing. Car deserves full restoration. Will consider all serious offers.

The Mexico was acquired by a well-known Sydney based Maserati enthusiast and collector who went on the journey of restoring it. The body and paintwork was completed by Anthony Xenos from Sydney. All the mechanical work and assembly was completed by highly respected Maserati specialist Mario Lombardi from Melbourne. All the timber was refurbished by Carwood Refurbishing Service in Melbourne and all the instruments were rebuilt and refurbished by Lionel Otto Instruments in Brisbane.

The project took three years and in 2015 the Mexico was finally back on the road. At that time it was registered in NSW as BXA03F.

This Maserati Mexico was exhibited at Motorclassica, which was Australias leading Concours dElegance and classic car show, in October 2015.

In April 2016 it won the Classics 1946 1981 class at Auto Italia in Canberra.

The current owner acquired the car through the Classic Throttle Shop in Sydney in January 2018 and at that time the odometer read 53,909 km.

In his ownership the car has been regularly used and it was often seen at Maserati Owners Club of Australia events and rallies. It has been consistently maintained and serviced, initially by Maranello Pur Sang Motors in Brunswick (Melbourne) and in more recent years by Sports & Classic Car Services in Braeside (Melbourne).

In July 2026 it was exhibited at the Noosa Concours dElegance, where it was very well received.

At time of photographing the odometer read 62,727 km.

We have a real soft spot for the Maserati Mexico. Designed by Virginio Vairo, an Italian designer who collaborated with Carrozzeria Vignale, it is best described as the ultimate expression of understated elegance. Its crisp, clean lines are a masterclass in restrained Italian design. The long bonnet, slim pillars and balanced proportions give the car a purposeful stance, while subtle details such as the quad headlights, delicate chrome trim and distinctive C-pillar create a timeless design that has aged remarkably well. In many ways the Maserati Mexico is a wolf in sheeps clothing. Beneath the bonnet lies Maseratis glorious quad-cam V8 engine, mated to ZFs five-speed manual gearbox. The car is equally at home cruising across continents or tackling a winding mountain road.

This car makes a very strong first impression. The colour of Argento Auteuil suits the Mexico perfectly, accentuating its subtle design features. Overall the paint work remains in very good condition. It has retained a strong depth of colour and a nice gloss finish. Upon closer inspection there are some very minor imperfections, as one might expect from a car that was restored over ten years ago and subsequently used and enjoyed the way its makers intended. Most notably, there is a very tiny bubble on the bonnet, a tiny stress crack near the rear windscreen and another one near the edge of the boot.

The brightwork is plentiful and a real design feature on a Maserati Mexico. From the headlight surrounds to the grill, the bumpers, window surrounds and the sills, it just flows from one end to the other. Everything is in very good condition and the same can be said for the badges as well as the lights and lenses. All the glass on the car is in a very good condition with no chips or cracks evident. Overall, the external trim presents beautifully.

The very stylish Borrani wheels are in an excellent condition. They are shod with period correct Michelin XWX tyres, size 215/70 VR15 and they are date stamped 01/09 (week 1, 2009). Whilst they look to be still in good condition, they probably should be replaced based on their age.

Open the door and you are welcomed by a very impressive looking interior. Inside, the Mexico is all class, offering a luxurious environment trimmed in fine leather, polished timber and elegant Smiths instrumentation. Unlike many contemporary Italian exotics, it was designed as a true grand tourer, providing relatively comfortable accommodation for four passengers.

The black leather upholstery provides a perfect contrast to the paint work and also with the wood finished dash board, door caps, steering wheel and gear knob. All the wood work is in excellent condition with no signs of any cracks or discoloration. The same can be said for all the leather covering the dashboard, door cards, centre console and arm rests. The only small imperfection in the leather we noticed is on the rear parcel shelf where it meets the rear window.

The leather seats are in excellent condition. They are comfortable, as one would expect in a car like this, and provide excellent support. There is some very light wear on the pipping on the front seats, most likely caused by the seatbelts.

The vast array of instruments present as crisp and clean. We love the entertaining arrangement of gauges and toggle switches, which is more akin to sitting in the cockpit of an aeroplane.

The car is equipped with air conditioning which appears to be working though it is currently not blowing cold air.

The boot or luggage compartment is generous and will even fit a suitcase or a number of small to medium size bags, making the car perfectly suited to extended journeys or a fun weekend away. The trademark Maserati diamond pattern vinyl is essentially unmarked.

Under the bonnet the engine bay is neat, clean and today. The original matching numbers 4,136cc engine takes pride of place and the crackle black Maserati scripted cam covers are the first thing you see, a gentle reminder of Maseratis rich competition heritage. Everything looks to be very correct and importantly the car retains its correct tags and stampings. There is more diamond pattern vinyl under the bonnet and on the firewall, which is also in very good condition.

Starting a Maserati Mexico is a ritual that immediately reminds you this is a hand-built Italian grand tourer from one of the marques golden eras. Settling into the beautifully trimmed leather seat, your view is framed by a classic wood-rimmed steering wheel and an elegant array of Smiths instruments spread across the dashboard.

Turn the ignition key and the electric fuel pump begins its characteristic ticking as it primes the quartet of Weber carburettors. A twist to the start position brings the all-alloy quad-cam V8 to life with an eager bark before it settles into a smooth, confident idle. There is a subtle mechanical symphony at work, which combined with the unmistakable burble from the exhaust creates a soundtrack that is uniquely Maserati.

We patiently allow the engine some time to warm up before taking the car out onto the open road. Even before selecting first gear, the experience is one of occasion. All senses are working overtime. It is easy to let the mind wander and one could imagine that this Maserati Mexicos first owner would have been dressed in a Versace suit and tie when he collected the car from the dealer back in the day and his first drive would have been an adventure through the Italian Alps. All this of course, with the family in tow!

This car performs superbly out on the open road, which is where Maseratis 4.2 litre V8 engine really comes to life. Quoted as delivering 260 bhp and 267 lb-ft of torque, there is more than enough power on tap for the this to be considered a fast car, however, the driving experience encourages relaxed cruising as much as spirited driving. Long legged gearing and excellent high speed stability make covering great distances almost effortless, with the car settling into a confident, unhurried stride.

Driving this car is a deeply engaging experience. The engine feels strong and it pulls willingly through the rev range. The 5 speed ZF gearbox is smooth up and down the box and really suits the engine. The car sits tightly on the road and handles well, though the steering does feels a little bit notchy. The brakes perform well and pull the car up quickly and in a straight line when needed.

The current owner has thoroughly enjoyed his 8 years of ownership of this fabulous car, but feels its time for someone else to become its next custodian.

Accompanying the car is a good history file, which includes Maserati Classiche documentation, a copy of an owner manual, a correct Borrani spare wheel, jack and a (non original) tool kit.

Today, the Maserati Mexico is appreciated by enthusiasts as one of the marques hidden gems. Produced in relatively small numbers and overshadowed by more famous contemporaries such as the Ghibli, it offers the same charismatic V8 performance, exceptional craftsmanship and unmistakable Italian style in a more discreet and highly usable package. It is a car that rewards those who appreciate understated elegance, engineering excellence and the enduring appeal of a hand-built Italian grand tourer.

Highlights:

- Presented in its original and stunning colour combination which really highlights the elegance of the car.
- A beautifully presented older restoration.
- Well maintained by marque experts.
- Ready for its next owner to use and enjoy.

Price $199,950



Background

The Maserati story is a fascinating one. It is the story of a family with daring, courageous and forward-thinking ideas. The story starts with Rodolfo Maserati, a railway engineer who was employed by the Italian monarchy and the father of seven sons who all had a passion for engine design and racing cars. The Maserati brothers all became involved in the automotive industry in some way or another, however, it was on the 1st of December 1914 that Alfieri, Ettore and Ernesto Maserati officially opened Alfieri Maserati Workshop in Bologna, Italy.

Maserati chose the trident logo to adorn its cars. Its design was based on the Fountain of Neptune in Bolognas Piazza Maggiore. The colours chosen for the logo were also the colours of Bologna, red and blue.

The business was focused on repairing, servicing and preparing cars, however, the World War cut business short and it wasnt until 1926 that Maserati built its first car, the Tipo 26.

It was all about motorsport back then and in 1937 the Orsi family acquired ownership of Maserati which was in desperate need of financial backing to be able to survive. During the Orsi years Maserati grew from a boutique but very successful race car builder to one of the worlds leading manufacturers of hand-built sports and GT cars.

Maserati built its first road car in 1946 even though times were tough in post War northern Italy. The car was the Maserati A6 where A was for Alfieri and 6 for the number of cylinders. The initial reception of the car was positive and a production Maserati A6/1500 was then shown at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show.

This was a significant milestone in the Maserati legend and subsequent models included the A6G/2000, 3500 series cars, 5000GT, Mistral. Quattroporte, Mexico, Sebring and Ghibli. Maserati also continued to build very successful race cars that dominated tracks around the world including the 250F, 300S, 150S, 450S and the Birdcage.

In 1965 a prototype was introduced on the Vignale Stand at the 1965 Salone di Torino. A major Mexican customer, who had brought his 5000 GT in for repairs, saw the car and was so impressed with its look that he decided to have the body transferred onto his 5000 GT chassis. These series of events led to the new model being named Mexico.

The Maserati Mexico (Tipo AM112) was introduced in October 1966 at the 53rd edition of the Mondial de lautomobile de Paris.

The Mexico stayed in production till 1972 and in total 485 were produced, 5 prototypes and 480 production models of which 175 were equipped with the 4.7-litre engine and 305 with the 4.2-litre engine.