The Maserati Mexico's design derived from a 2+2 prototype bodywork by Virginio Vairo shown on the Vignale stand at the October 1965 Salone di Torino[2] and built upon a 4.9-litre 5000 GT chassis,[3] rebodied after it had been damaged.

[5] The production Maserati Mexico debuted in August 1966 at the 20° Concorso internazionale di eleganza per auto in Rimini,[6] while its international première was at the October Paris Motor Show.

Originally powered by a 4.7-litre 90° V8 fed by four twin-choke 38 DCNL5 Weber carburetors that was rated at 290 hp, the car managed to turn out a top speed between 240–250 km/h (149–155 mph).

Its luxurious interior included a rich leather seating for four adults, electric windows, wooden dashboard, iodine headlights and air conditioning as standard.

In May 1967, under commission from the German concessionnaire Auto Koenig for one client, Herr Rupertzhoven, Maserati built a 'Mexico' similar to Vignale's original prototype design but it was the work of Frua.