Chassis No. 0101

Engine No. 0101

The post-war era marked a pivotal transition for the House of the Trident. While maintaining their commitment to Grand Prix racing, Maserati ventured into new territory with the development of road-going sports and grand touring cars. This evolution occurred under the stewardship of industrialist Adolfi Orsi, who secured a controlling stake in the company and a ten-year contract with the remaining Maserati brothers - Bindo, Ernesto, and Ettore - in 1937. Together they continued their engineering work, developing an innovative six-cylinder engine in 1942 that would become the heart of Maserati's first road car project.

The A6 1500's introduction at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show heralded Maserati's arrival in the grand touring market. The Maserati brothers' engineering showcased the firm's racing DNA with its 1,488 cc aluminum-block inline six-cylinder engine featuring a magnesium oil sump and single overhead camshaft. The chassis engineering demonstrated equal sophistication, employing race-derived double-wishbone front suspension and a live rear axle with coil springs. The A6 1500's lightweight aluminum bodywork contributed to a trim 950 kilogram curb weight. The model proved its sporting capabilities at the 1951 CoppaInter-Europa, where five examples competed against established rivals. One example, piloted by Signor Fezzardi, achieved a remarkable second-place finish in the 1.5-liter class at the 1952 running, bested only by Count Lurani's factory-entered Porsche.

Production of the A6 1500 continued until 1950, with 61 examples completed. The majority received elegant Turismo Coupe bodywork by Pinin Farina, including chassis number 0101 offered here - one of the final ten examples produced. According to previous research, the rolling chassis was dispatched in March 1950 to Carrozzeria Pinin Farina in Turin for its lightweight aluminum body fitting. Following completion three months later, the car was delivered to Maserati's Rome dealer, Gugliemo Dei, where it remained until July 1951. The first owner, Mr. Catullo del Monte of Rome, received the car equipped with Pirelli Corsa tires and a single Weber 36DCR carburetor. In 1952, the car passed to an American living in Rome, Edwin Henry Morris, who later imported it to the United States. While its American history remains partially documented, the car is understood to have received a comprehensive restoration in California by noted specialist Claudio Zampolli.

The Maserati later found its way to a Japanese collector who demonstrated its impressive touring capabilities in the 2011 Mille Miglia Storica, achieving a commendable 175th position among 369 competitors. In 2014, the car passed to a collection near Asheville, North Carolina, before entering the current owner's stable in 2015. Since then, it successfully completed an additional Mille Miglia retrospective in 2016, as well as participation in premier North American touring events including the Colorado Grand and Copperstate 1000. Furthermore, its inclusion in the Mille Miglia Registro ensures its continued eligibility for this most celebrated of historic motoring events under new ownership. Additionally, under current ownership the car was equipped with a period correct and highly coveted Weber 36DO4 triple carburetor set-up, enhancing both performance and drivability during future long-distance touring events.

The car's exceptional presentation has earned recognition at premier concours events, including entry into the renowned Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in 2016 and a Best-in-Class award at the 2023 Chattanooga Concours d'Elegance . Today, the A6 presents beautifully in its red livery, indicating a life of careful use and maintenance. This matching-numbers A6 1500 offers an exceptional opportunity to acquire a historically significant example of the marque's first road car. Its combination of documented provenance, quality restoration, and proven event history makes it particularly compelling for a collector seeking a thoroughbred Italian GT eligible for the world's most prestigious motoring events.