Maserati Bora Frua

The Maserati Bora Frua concept, created in 1971, remains one of the most intriguing “what-ifs” in automotive design. While this striking mid-engine sports car proposal never made it into production, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative direction Maserati could have taken. The concept was designed by the renowned Pietro Frua, but ultimately, Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign won the competition, and their design became the iconic Bora that Maserati would eventually produce. The story of the Bora began shortly after Citroën acquired Maserati in March 1968. The new general manager of Maserati, Guy Malleret, along with chief engineer Giulio Alfieri, envisioned a revolutionary two-seater, mid-engine sports car to symbolize the brand’s future. Alfieri, already having a concept for the car in mind, instructed the design studios of both Pietro Frua and Giorgetto Giugiaro to submit their proposals. By the end of January 1969, Frua had completed four design drafts for a mid-engine coupé, each showcasing his signature style of elegance and dynamism. In an unusual move, Frua created a painted clay mock-up based on these sketches in March 1969—his first non-roadworthy prototype for a client. The clay model combined elements from the four drafts, with the side profile largely reflecting Frua’s initial vision. However, despite the creative and bold nature of Frua’s design, Maserati ultimately selected Giugiaro’s Italdesign proposal for production, which became the Maserati Bora introduced in 1971. Frua’s concept, though never realized, remains a testament to his skill and innovative approach to automotive design, offering a unique interpretation of the mid-engine sports car that could have been.