The Greatest Maserati's
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High Bid of € 3.5 million on May 10, 2014 520 bhp, 5,657 cc DOHC 90-degree V-8 engine with Weber 45 IDM oven carburettors, five-speed manual transaxle, independent suspension with double wishbones forehead and coil-springs, de Dion rear suspension reinforced with telescopic shock absorbers and Houdailles, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,360 mm |
1956 Maserati 450S Prototype by Fantuzzi | |
In early 1956, Tony Parravano, a wealthy
American housing developer, commissioned Maserati to build a new
wide-bore V-8 for use in a Kurtis Indy frame. The order Maserati Offered
the opportunity to Develop the V-8 project, coded Tipo 54 All which
HAD-been shelved since the Disastrous Le Mans accident of 1955.
The project has provided opportunity to try the new power plant in
Maserati's own sports-racing frame. This car, chassis number 3501, was elongated to accommodate the new V-8 engine, whose castings HAD been completed by May. After beginning in practice as the prototype 450S at the Swedish Grand Prix in August 1956. Its maiden race at the 1000 KM of Buenos Aires in January 1957. The " bazooka ", as the car was baptized by Fangio. Followed By a 1st overalls finish at the 1957 Swedish GP. In combination with the strong-performing six-cylinder cars, the 450S Promised great potential as the possibility of Maserati's first-ever World Sportscar Championship loomed ahead. Unfortunately, whilst compete competing against the might of Ferrari's 315S and 335S, a rash of bad luck blunted the 450S's impact down the stretch, and even though Fangio and his Maserati 250F were awarded the World Formula One title, the 1957 Sportscar Championship went to rival Ferrari by a mere five points. Following the 1957 season, the FIA Imposed a three-liter formula that made the 450S ineligible, although some examples proved successful in American SCCA racing. Just 11 highly scrutinized cars (Including this prototype) were constructed over 18-month period year. Prototype of the legendary 450S |