Hello all, I'm having some leather restoration work done on my Bora. The previous owner mounted some large box type speakers in the door panels (punching a big hole where the speaker perforation would have been and there is a cigarette burn in the center console that was horribly repaired to name a few items. I'd like to fix that damage w/o replacing the whole interior. Does anyone know the brand of leather that Maserati would have used in 1977-78? I've been through a bunch of swatches, but can't match the smooth leather finish. Though smooth, there is a grain, but it is very lightly imprinted. I'm just looking for leads. Thanks, Ron
I was under the impression it was Connolly. I had my seats and door panels re-sprayed with the Connolly paint back in the late 1980s after I had the seat side bolsters rebuilt. They looked brand new and wore very well. Maybe a call to Cozza? Very hard to do now but not impossible.
I thought Poltrano-Frau? I believe that is who supplied my old QP III. Maybe a call to Maserati is needed.
I also believe it was Connolly however they have gone out of business. Probably best to find out what RR use today (if it is smooth that is). Mike.
Yep I'm sure it was Connolly, that's what most mags cited in their reports. Also what is stated on the build sheet for my Khamsin. There are folk out there who still have Connolly hides, but you would need to search them out. But as everyone says the factory can confirm and give you a colour code. Bal
I've heard Cozza mentioned before. How do I get in touch with him? I may being too picky. The leather is a big grain very lightly imprinted. Most smooth leathers for Ferrari's or Rolls are tight grain to make it look smooth. I called my local Maserati dealership and got some very confused responses. Basically, in their minds, the Maserati of today is wholly different than the Maserati of the Bora era and they don't know. I'm happy to call other dealerships, but any guidance would be welcome. I'd like to get the car right if possible. Thanks, Ron
Ron You might also contact Frank "portenos" or Colin "cwcmaser" through a PM if they don't pick up on this thread. Jon
Slightly different item: I have a Mistral Coupe that had 'cinghiale' (boarskin/pigskin) interior (replaced prior to my ownership). Does anyone know of a source for this item - and where to obtain a sample - it doesn't show up in the Maserati Connolly sample kits I have. Long ago I had a Mexico with this same cinghiale interior - it is a grayish-tan in colour; and has fairly distinct markings from the removed hair coat - also somewhat 'stiffer' than the thinner Connolly hides interiors. Regards, Colin
Get a detailed build sheet for my Bora. I went through MIE and got a sheet (supposedly from the factory that said essentially said 4.9, Blue, Mustard (in Italian of course). Nothing about the type of leather, any options, etc. Thanks, Ron
Colin, My Mistral also has the pigskin interior. It is all original and is still in very good condition. I did some reasearch a couple of years ago and did find a couple of suppliers on the internet. I have never purchased any to see if it is the same.
Hi Gene: Do you have any of those website addresses for a possible supplier? Can you send me a few overall (few feet away) and close up for texture pictures as well of your Mistral cinghiale interior Cheers, Colin
These days going through official channels will cost you at least several hundred dollars. This was covered in a recent (last 6 months?) thread. I doubt that such information is going to specify the leather supplier just the factory color. A number of folks have back door access to such information but I doubt anyone is going to reveal that here. I think you've gotten good info from several people who have been down this road before and should know.
While we are talking about leather I want to share my experiance with cleaners and conditioners. First I have been informed by professionals NOT to use anything that is petroleum based. That means Lexal and many others. When you use oil based products on your leather you must continue to use it or your leather will crack and tear. I went to a tack shop. They specialize in leather for horses and know leather. They recommended a German cleaner product called Effax, Leder-Combi and a conditioner called Passier. These products are all natural and include NO oils. They are expensive but work very well. I have use it on my original 3500 seats with very good results. Bottom line is be very carful what you do to the original leather in your classic Maserati. Ciao, FGM Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hey fellows, often times what appears to be pig or boar skin is actually specially textured cowhide. Actual pig skin is very thin & soft and does not wear well in car interiors. Just about all cowhide on the market has some sort of texture, or what people call grain, Applied during the tanning process. Cowhide can be stamped with alligator, pig, ostrich, Wild boar, etc.etc. Now, please understand I'm not saying " you do not have a pig skin interior" it's just more then possible it is textured cowhide. There is a leather specialist in Santa Rosa, CA who could help you out. You'd have to send him a sample he could help you Locate the thickness and proper texture. Car manufacturers save money any where they can, you'll notice your leather is surface dyed, it's cheaper than vat dyed, it also wears differently.
Agree completely re the pig skin. It is really cow hide with a pig skin texture. Very sorry if bubbles are being popped. Ciao, FGM
And ... I image that actual pigskin or wild boar might be something of a marketing issue in the middle east?
It is actually a bit helpful. We've figured out that the door panels have been covered at least once before (possibly twice). Oddities abound... The door trim is black and appears to be of the same hide as other parts that must be original (kick panels). The arm rests are black and appear original, but the covered handle insert is beige (painted black). The door panel inserts are black, but cover a beige leather insert that appears original. Instrument inset on dash is beige, painted black as is the strip across passenger side of the dash where "Bora" is written. Seats are all black. I doubt that it would have been two toned in such a way, so I think it was likely as follows: Likely original - Beige dash and door panels, black seats, black dash. At some point - Door panels were two tone (black w/beige inserts), Beige strip added to the dash Today - All black or painted black. Mulling my alternatives since all I have is "Mustard" for the interior color. Best, Ron
