1956 Maserati A6G-54 Berlinetta

Throughout the 1950s Maserati would be responsible for designing and building some truly elegant and striking automobiles for the track and the road. Meant to replace the A6G, Maserati would introduce its A6G/2000 in 1954. Known as the 'Gran Turismo', the car would have a hard act to follow, but the car would deliver.

The A6G/2000 would employ nearly every lesson learn on the track, from its single-seaters right on up to its A6GCS sports cars. Powered by three carburetors and using dual-overhead cams, the car certainly had the performance. Combined with individualized bodies matching the tastes of every one of its clientele, Maserati would offer, yet again, beauty and performance.

In total, just 60 examples of the A6G/2000 would be built from 1954 through 1957. Yet, despite the elite nature of the automobile, many would engage their performance-minded nature on hillclimbs and other road races throughout Europe. As a result, the A6G/2000 would be among the most elusive and rare examples from the Trident-bearing marque.

One of those rare examples is chassis 2147. While rare, this car also has a very intriguing story. It would all begin in August of 1956.

Originally, this car was numbered 2144 and was intended to be not very much different from the others, but that was not to be.

The American Richard Cicurel had been in Europe on business and was a keen sports car racer throughout the early 1950s. He would come across the A6G/2000 and would have an unusual idea. Each example of the car was custom-ordered and Cicurel would waste no time making his demands known. The result would be a beautiful Gran Turismo Maserati modified for rallying.

It would be the only example to ever leave the Maserati factory adorned in a rally outfit. This was not a laughing matter. The Rosso Alfa Romeo over black livery would be just one of the individual features of the car. Others would include Marchal recessed fog lamps, larger bumpers, a larger fuel tank, passenger-side map light, Becker radio, Halda Speedpilot, and even a Jaeger-LeCoultre chronograph that was taken from a Bugatti Cicurel owned.

Cicurel would compete with the Maserati throughout the 1956, but, would end up suffering an accident with the car toward the end of the year. As a result, he would sell the back to the Maserati factory who would take the necessary steps to repair the car.

It would be at this time the car would be renumbered to 2147. The car would be repaired and prepared for resale. It wouldn't take long before it would be sold. The car would remain in Europe for a number of years, but then, would make its way to the United States.

The Maserati resided in the United States until the late 1980s when it returned to Europe. Returning to Europe, the car would end up changing hands more than a few times. Not surprisingly, the car would find its way into a couple of prestigious collections. Peter Kaus would be one of those who would buy the Maserati to add a significant piece to an already impressive collection. Another would be Evert Louwan of the Hague.

In 2006, the current owner would procure the Maserati and has enjoyed its exceedingly rare presence ever since.

Adorned with an ultra-rare Allemano body and the only example of the car ever to leave the Maserati factory ready for rallying, it would be beyond an understatement that 2147 is one of the most exclusive Maseratis ever. It would set a precedent of its own, one that would never be eclipsed.

Offered as part of Gooding & Company's 2015 Pebble Beach auction, the 1956 Maserati A6G/2000 would be a momentous part of an already impressive lineup. Accompanied by numerous documentation and numerous 'extras' not seen on any other Maserati, 2147 would end up selling for an impressive $1,045,000.

By Jeremy McMullen