1965 Maserati Prototype Vignale Mexico 1 of 1 AM10302 5 Speed ZF Original Red

1965 Maserati Prototype Vignale Mexico Description

This car is aone of a kind piece of Maserati history. Very first prototype built and considered the Father of all Maserati Mexico models. Factory records verify this car, as well as, correspondence with Maserati archive historianFabio Collina.The car was showcased and wellreceivedat the 1965 Turin Motor Show. This car is a one of a kind production prototype, from which Maserati Mexico were modeled with limited production of only 484 units starting in 1966.

According to historical archives, Vignale body built upon a tipo 101 chassis (Maserati 3500 GT.) The correct VIN should have been AM101*11X.This car's chassis is neither 5000GT (Tipo 103) nor the regular Mexico production chassis that followed in 1966 (Tipo 112).Although, it was VINed as a 5000GT AM103022 to avoid import taxes when shipped to Mexico.

History from the official Maserati archives:

• The 5000GT # AM103*022* was originally manufactured in 1961 with an Allemano body and delivered in Mexico to President Adolfo López Mateos.
• In August 1965, the vehicle was sent back to the Maserati Factory after an accident by the new owner, Mr. Barroso.
• During Mr. Barroso's visit to the Factory, an estimate for the complete repair work was presented to him. While at the factory, he saw the Vignale designed body and asked to change the damaged car body with the Vignale design.
• On 15th October 1965, Mr. Barroso accept a factory order for a brand NEW car. On the order, it is reported that the model of the new car was the type 101/11external colour "RED" interiors in "Senape" (Tan) leather. Furthermore, on the order is clearly written to stamp the car with the number 103*022* (our supposition about this fact is that Mr. Barroso asked to have the new car stamped with the same numbers of the previous damaged car in order to avoid to pay importation taxes in Mexico).
• Finally the new car was shipped to Mr. Barroso in Mexico.

• 4.2-liter V8, dual overhead camshafts and four Weber carburetors. (Stamping of the block matches the replaced 5000 GT’s serial number)
• ZF five-speed manual transmission
• 15x6.5 Borrani RW3910 wire wheels, secured by three-eared knock-offs with older tires
• Braking system incorporates discs all around.
• Suspension utilizes an independent front system with coil springs and a live rear axle with leaf springs
• Engine has not been started in 30 years.
• The five-digit odometer shows 59k kilometers (~37k miles), with true mileage unknown.
• Smith’s instrumentation is housed in a wooden dash face and includes a 300-km/h speedometer and a 7k-rpm tachometer.
• The car’s dimensions are wider and longer than the production Mexico model, with a lower and aggressive profile. Rear section and trunk lid has a sportier design and much different than the regular production Mexico.
• Exterior is in the original deep red but is chipped and flaking/
• Interior features seats for four adults in tan leather, beige headliner, black carpeting, polished sill plates, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a locking glovebox.
• Missing: spare wheel, tool kit and jack, one interior door panel, front bumper, left rear taillight are also missing.

If you want to view the individual photos, I can send you the link.

• Clean California Title as 1982 Maserati VIN AM103022
• This Maserati is located in Gardena California near SpaceX or LAX.
• Local inspection is very welcome.
• There are a number of shipping companies around this area and arrangements for overseas can easily be made.