Bora turns 50: Maserati’s most rock-and-roll model, by the hand of Giorgetto Giugiaro

The Golden Year of rock, dominated by artists such as David Bowie, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, was also the year the Maserati Bora was born. The car, characterized by sleek, tapered lines with a futuristic and profoundly "rock and roll" soul, debuted 50 years ago today at the Geneva Motor Show.

The influence of the Maserati Bora winds its way through the history of the brand up to the present day and the dawn of the latest chapter in the story of the Trident. As the first Maserati road car featuring a mid-rear engine, Bora set the path towards the future and to this day still shares key characteristics with all Maserati models: exclusivity, sportiness and design.

Following the trend that had already revolutionised Formula 1 racing cars over previous years, Maserati asked Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign to come up with a mid-mounted rear engine sports car with enhanced performance, design, comfort and safety. Bora’s silhouette highlights the car’s pure aerodynamic and sporty soul, mixed with elegant detailing. One of the many distinctive features of this car are the retractable headlights to prevent aerodynamic drag.

The Bora had a top speed of over 280 km/h, ensuring great driving pleasure thanks to the engine’s exceptionally agile response.

The car’s engineering design was the work of Giulio Alfieri, while the aerodynamics and styling were by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Bora was a trend-setting, streamlined car with a futuristic mind-set a perfect iconic for the rock-and-roll spirit of the ‘70s.