1953 OSCA MT4 Spider

OSCA (Officine Specializzate Costruzione Automobili) was founded by Bindo, Ernesto, and Ettore Maserati in 1947 in Bologna, Italy. During its existence, they produced sports racing, grand touring, and formula cars in limited numbers. Their products were renowned for their advanced engineering and elegant designs.

The OSCA MT4 (for Maserati Tipo 4-Cilindri), one of the company's most memorable products, was initially powered by a single-overhead-cam 1,100cc engine but continually developed and improved throughout its production lifespan. The updated 2-AD, built from 1953 to 1955, was equipped with a twin-cam engine with displacement sizes that ranged from 1,100 to 1,500cc. The ultimate configuration was the twin-plug 1,500cc form which offered 120 horsepower. Coupled with lightweight all-aluminum Spider coachwork and an overall weight of 1,300 lbs, the performance was remarkable.

This particular OSCA was originally with a 1,350cc engine (number 1308) and delivered new to OSCA's official North American distributor Edgar Fronteras and into the care of its original owner, Briggs Cunningham, in time for the 1953 season. Cunningham drove it to an 8th overall and 1st in class finish at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. At the 12 Hours of Sebring, Cunningham and Bill Lloyd drove it to 1st in Class in the Under 1,500cc Class (5th overall).

Cunningham sold the OSCA later in 1953 to Henry W. Wessells III, who raced it in various SCCA races over the next two years, including at Watkins Glen and Andrews Air Force Base, as well as a qualifying attempt at Sebring in 1955. Shortly after its purchased by Mr. Wessells, the car was given the first of two Alfa Romeo engines. Around the same time, the nose of the coachwork was modified with formed sheet metal without provision for headlights. It retains this shape along with a low-set, oblong-grille opening.

It is believed the OSCA passed through several Southern California-based owners before entering the care of Michael Adams of Medford, Oregon, in the late 1970s. In 1986, Mr. Adams sold the car at auction where it entered the care of its current owner. Since then, the car has resided in dry storage under blankets. It is currently powered by an Alfa Romeo engine and gearbox, and without carburetion.

This OSCA has been out of the public eye for four decades and has not been shown publicly or even discussed with outsiders during that time. In 2023, it was brought to Amelia Island, where it was sold into new ownership via the Gooding & Company auction house.

The 1,57cc DOHC Alfa Romeo four-cylinder engine delivers an estimated 120 horsepower and is paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. There are four-wheel finned aluminum drum brakes, an independent front suspension, and a live rear axle.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2023