The Maserati Mexico's design derived from a 2+2 prototype bodywork shown on theVignalestand at the October 1965Salone di Torino[2]and built upon a 4.9-litre5000 GTchassis,[3]rebodied after it had been damaged. As the car after the show was sold to Mexican presidentAdolfo López Mateos, the model became known as the Mexico.[4]By coincidence,John Surteeswon theMexican Grand Prixon aCooper-Maserati T81the following year.[4]Vignale's prototype was so well received that Maserati immediately made plans to put a version into production.
The production Maserati Mexico debuted in August 1966 at the 20° Concorso internazionale di eleganza per auto inRimini,[5]while its international première was at the OctoberParis Motor Show. It was built on the first generationQuattroportechassis with a wheelbase shortened by 11cm (4.3in).
Originally powered by a 4.7-litre 90° V8 fed by four twin-choke 38 DCNL5Weber carburetorsthat produced 290bhp, the car managed to turn out a top speed between 240–250km/h (149–155mph). In 1969, however, contrary to Maserati tradition, the Mexico was also made available with a smaller engine, the 4.2-litre V8 engine.