Hi- I am considering a new toy and have narrowed it down to two cars. Either a Maserati Bora or a Lamborghini Jalpa. I really like the overall look and style of the Bora, but for some reason the Jalpa is pretty tempting. Does anyone own either of these cars? How do they handle, are they reliable, what are the pros and cons, etc.? Are any examples of these cars for sale on the east coast? Best regards, Vincent
Maserati Boras are great to drive as the car produces a lot of wonderful torque and is VERY easy for street driving (not a rev'er like Ferraris). They are easy to work on, parts are readily available and there is a lot of space around the engine, although I am used to jacking the car up and using a creeper to access the forward ancilliary parts of the engine. Mine is a Full European Bora with the 4.7L Engine and the 3.77 (tall) final drive ratio. At highway speeds I get 18mpg. While Maserati's expertise was engine design, they used compnents from other manufacturers to complete the design; Girling brakes and clutch, Bosch Electrical system (everything from headlights to distributor ala Mercedes 6.3), and Citroen high pressure brakes. Note: I have had the original ignition box gutted with a perma-tune system installed. Since it uses the original case/connectors/mounting nobody can tell it is aftermarket.
Thank you both for your replies. Synchro- I noticed your post in Feb. for your Blue Bora. Is it still available? I sent you an email - please let me know if you received it - if not please pm me. Best regards, Vincent
Go for Bora,much,much easier to live with,easier maintenance,nicer and faster to drive,better looking and better put together. Jalpa ,next to a Bora ,looks and feels like a kit car.
Vincent, Two great choices! I had a 1988 Jalpa for 4 years and loved it. It was very reliable and sounded great. The engine was fairly easy to work on but parts are getting scarce. It was not very fast (328 like) and didn't handle extremely well but was a real head turner (and the trunk could hold my clubs). I purchased a 1974 Bora 2 week ago and am just getting to know the car. I like the styling better than the Jalpa but that's a personal preference. The engine is easier to work on than the Jalpa and has MUCH more torque, very easy to drive around town. The car rides great and is surprisingly quiet with the windows up. Parts seem to be easy to get and a lot of them are cross referenced to other (non-Maserati) suppliers. PM me if you want more info on either marque. Good hunting! Rick . . . . Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'd buy a Bora at a heart beat ... close to my all time favourite car. 100% proves that mid engined cars can be practical and refined. Thus I think you should choose by asking yourself this question: "Do you want an exotic fast toy for the ocassional thrash, OR do you want a mid engined GT" The Bora got a hard time from press and early buyers because they were confused about the cars intention. They thought it was going to be a screamer and take on the Ferrari Boxer, etc. ... but that never was the designers intention. Like ALL Maseratis of the period, he designed (Alferi ? ... can't remember but I have a book on the design, etc. of the Bora) it as a tourer and set out to prove that they a mid engined car can be refined just like previous Maserati GT's. Thus DON'T buy one if you are really looking for a raw sportscar ... you may/will be disappointed. Pete
i owned a bora for 2 years and regret selling it. it was simply fantastic! the dash and seats were sexy, the finish was far better than a ferrari of the day. they are silky smooth and were the class of the field in the day. i drove mine each weekend and have thought more than once of buying another to keep! i cannot tell you how great a gt the bora is. i always rember driving and thinking ...what a tremendous sports car!!! they will have their day among those who know and collect!!
Thank you all for your input! I guess that settles it, I need to find a Bora. Is it me or are very few of them for sale? I've been searching and I only found a two that were in good condition. Once again, thank you. Best, Vincent
There are plenty available. The question is how much do you want to spend. There are some very nice cars available at prices that what I would term a bit high. But then again with only 483 cars ever made....................
I have seen decent cars in the $40-$50,000 range. Would you mind sending me a pm or email with the cars that you are aware of. Best regards, Vincent
vincent, i hope im not going off topic here,despite u considering 2 superb cars. the bora was a fantastic yet easy going gt and the jalpa a great starter lamborghini;but i cant help but recommending a somewhat more(IMHO) excellent maserati...the KHAMSIN. the shape is truly superb.in either a light or dark metallic,the contours and details are astonishing.sure,the car is front-engined;but this gives the khamsin an unbelievable poise and great handling at speed. ive driven the bora,merak,khamsin,shamal and 3200GT,but my favourite remains the KHAMSIN.enveloped in that sexy gandini-designed body;it gives me goose-bumps whenever i think about it.to make things even more tempting,the khamsin is easily serviced,comfortable at any speed,mechanically bomb-proof,spacious and rather less irritating than a bora at speed.it's also largely ignored by collectors and hence is cheaper. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
goddamm i love anything with that Bertone badge... except the f#$#kng Holden Astra... what were they thinking
I considered the Khamsin and the Merak as well as the Bora. I prefer the overall styling of the Bora, it's one of my all time favorite cars. Best, Vincent
I happen to have both a Bora #1246 next to last car made and a Khamsin #1226 former Car & Driver Test Car. Which do I like better? This is the second Bora that has been in my garage, the reason I never bought a 2nd Khamsin is that I never sold the first one! Joe
This months OCTANE magazine has an article comparing exotics from all the players. It has the Bora and a Urraco, as well as a 308, Pantera, and Esprit. I would vote for the Bora.
My neighbor has a Khamsin that he's trying to unload; it's no show car, but it's a runner, and probably cheap. Car is near Nyack, NY. PM me if interested and i'll pass it on; nothing in it for me other than helping my neighbor, and one of you, if this car is of interest. Frankly, while it looks cool, and sounds great, it seems like alot of trouble for what it's worth, but you could probably say that about almost any vintage car. I've seen some pretty nice Boras, but not lately; then again, i haven't been hunting.
Other than sound, would prefer Bora to Jalpa. Khamsin is to Bora as C/4 is to Dino (except Bora is faster than Khamsin), and would've been an Espada competitor in the day.
Agree,also I think Bora is the best looking of this bunch.(probably one of the best looking cars in the 70's)
Nyack's just over the new york/new Jersey border and minutes away. Any details as to mileage/color/price etc? Thanks
