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Chassis:
Following Jean Thepenier's request, Maserati engineers prepared two experimental chassis (3000 and 3001) for racing ahead of the 1973 season. The main focus was shedding weight and much of the 400 kg saved was down to the removal of the pop-up headlights and fitting a much simpler engine cover. A 4.9 litre version of the V8 was fitted with larger Webers, high compression pistons and hotter cams. By the time the work was completed the engine produced a hefty 430 bhp.
The first car was completed in time for pre-season testing and proved blisteringly quick. Unfortunately the two entries for Le Mans were refused as the Group 4 regulations demanded a minimum production of 500 cars per annum for homologation. The cars were allowed to compete in the Tour de France but only in the prototype class. The program faced further set-backs when Thepenier's business partner ran off with the team's funds, bringing the Bora Group 4 project to a very premature end.
To relieved Thepenier of some of his financial burden, chassis 3000 was acquired by one of his other backers, Philippe Cornet Epinat. He modified the car for the street and used it for many years. In 1996 Epinat finally sold the car to historic racer and broker Jean Guikas, who had previously also owned 3001. In the following years he had the Bora Group 4 brought back to full competition specification and campaigned it with considerable success. Guikas still owns the car today but it is currently for sale.
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