1949 MASERATI A6 1500

- Originally equipped with three Weber 36 DO2 carburetors. It is believed that just 10 examples of the A6/1500 were factory-equipped with this three-carburetor configuration, just three examples supposedly survived
- Eligible for Mille Miglia, an excellent opportunity to compete with a prestigious Italian sports brand
- Complete with Mille Miglia registro, FIVA ID card and Maserati Certificate of origin
- The first Maserati road car in history, the A6 1500 was a jewel of a machine, born from Maserati’s vast competition experience
- One of just 61 examples ever built
- A lovely combination of performance and luxury that set the pattern for Maserati road cars of later years
- The restoration of the interior was assigned to Tappezzeria Luppi in Modena When it comes to the restoration of classic Ferrari or Maserati interiors, there’s really just this name that is considered the reference

The Fratelli Maserati are woven into the very fabric of Italian motorsport history. Highly respected as engineers, designers, drivers, and team managers, motorsport was their first and only love, and, like Enzo Ferrari, they only saw road cars as a means to an end.

The A6 1500 grand tourer was Maserati’s first road car. It was a jewel of a machine, born from Maserati’s vast competition experience.

The Maserati A6 was made in Italy between 1947 and 1956. They were named “A” for Alfieri Maserati (one of the Maserati brothers, founders of Maserati) and “6” for their straight six-cylinders engine.

The car was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1947, with a Pinin Farina coupé bodywork.

The A6 1500 was powered by a 1.5 litre (1.488 ccs) aluminium and magnesium engine, that was the basis for any racing and street car produced by Maserati in the following years.

These cars had a lovely combination of performance and luxury that set the pattern for Maserati road cars of later years.

The Maserati A6 1500 was produced in 61 units, with chassis numbers from 051 to 0112: two were built in 1946, three in 1947, nine in 1948, twenty-five in 1949 and twenty-two in 1950.

Only 10 examples are built with 3 carburetors and this example is 1 of the 10!

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

This specific Maserati A6 1500, is one of the few fitted with triple Weber carburettors. This desirable enhancement significantly raised power from the single-carbureted base version.

This specific Maserati A6 1500, was completed on the 18th. of October 1948 and was sold new to Francesca Ajella, for whom it was registered in Italy.

In 1989 the new recorded owner was Mr. Luigi Mennella from Carmel, California.

In November 1990, the car was purchased by its next caretaker, who had her shipped back to Italy, to Milan, where it was treated to a complete restoration.

The richly textured fabric and leather cabin was refinished to an exceptional standard by the noted Italian upholster Fratelli Luppi.

When it comes to the restoration of classic Ferrari or Maserati interiors, there’s really just one name that is considered the reference – Tappezzeria Luppi in Modena.

Whilst its subsequent history in Italy has not been thoroughly recorded, the A6 1500 was purchased by a Dutch collector in 2018.

Subsequently, the A6 1500 has been gently enjoyed by its former owner, who took it home to Italy to drive it in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Mille Miglia.

It presents well, as it is finished in a shining example of its original red paint, and it shows limited signs of use.

This wonderful car has the Maserati Certificate of Origin, the FIVA Passport issued in December 2018 and Registro Mille Miglia Certificate.

CONDITION EXTERIOR

The exterior of this A6 has been finished to a high level with a nice paint and very nice fitting and gapping of all body panels. Doors open and close smoothly and various bright work throughout the exterior have been polished and finely detailed to complement the deep Bordeaux paint.

The windows and glasses as well as the rubbers are in a very nice condition.

The Maserati has been used and one can find small signs of use but actually this belongs to a car which drove recently 3 Mille Miglia’s!

CONDITION INTERIOR

The bold and elegant exterior is further enhanced by the art deco influenced interior. Once seated inside, the car is surprisingly roomy and open due to the expansive glass and light pillar work. The door panels and seats are covered in contrasting Beige leather.

The dashboard is a wonderful display of fully functional instruments and indicators, beaming in harmony with what has to be one of the most artfully designed steering wheels ever to grace the interior of a sports car.

All components are very nice in presentation and condition wise overall – beautifully designed and faithfully restored.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

Early Maseratis are considerably more rare than Ferraris of comparable vintage, although Ferrari was just starting production at the time when the A6 emerged from the shop of its legendary racing forebears.

When the engine runs the sound is wonderful and racy like the driving experience.

Due to the extremely rare 3 carburetor version one can feel the power which is produced by the engine.

The handling can be described as easy. Shifting the gears is light and overall handling is compared to other cars from the same era much ahead of the competition.

Disclaimer
The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.