1957 OSCA S187

OSCA is the initials of the firm founded by the Maserati brothers after World War II. The brothers sold the original Maserati in 1938 to the Orsi brothers. They were retained under a ten-year contract supervising the design & development of new models.

When the contract expired, the Officine Specializzate Costruzione Automobili (O.S.C.A.) was born. Working in the remains of the pre-war plant, with minimal capital and equipment, the brothers continued the tradition of building racecars to be campaigned by the private owner. The first OSCAs were sold in 1948.

After opening a new plant in Bologna in 1955, OSCA was producing about 30 chassis annually. This car is one of 19 four-cylinder, 750cc cars built in 1957 to contest for the Index of Performance at major international races. This engine features Weber carburetors, a hemispherical-shaped head, twin plugs and twin overhead camshafts, producing 70 horsepower.

This car, serial #758, was particularly successful, finishing first in LeMans in 1958 and second in the 1959 Sebring race. Drivers included A. Detomaso, C. Davis, Isobel Haskell, Denise McCluggage, and A. Rodriguez. The car has been vintage raced by the current owner for five years. It was shown at Pebble Beach in 2001, taking second in class.