1951 Maserati A6G 2000

Maserati boasts a rich legacy in motorsport, a compelling aspect that led industrialist Adolfo Orsi to purchase the company in 1937. In the winter of 1939, the factory was moved to Modena, where work commenced on a road-going gran turismo. Ernesto Maserati was assigned the task of designing the upcoming A6 1500, which, after delays caused by the war, was finally revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1947.

The talent behind the Maserati company was the Maserati brothers who had signed a 10-year contract with Orsi, and when it expired in 1947, the brothers left and went on to form O.S.C.A. The ending of one era birth a new one, with the creation of the first Maserati road car, the A6. The 'A' in the name was in honor of Alfieri Maserati, and the '6' was for the straight-six engine.

Maserati A6

The Maserati A6 series of racing and road-going automobiles cemented the company's legacy in the post-war era, successfully blending Italian style with advanced engineering. It showcased their ability to build stylish, high-performance automobiles that fused the company's racing heritage with modern technology and designs.

During the mid-1940s, Ernesto Maserati worked with Alberto Massimino to create two racing prototype Barchettas known as the Tipo 6CS/46. Also known as the A6 Sport and A6CS, it was fitted with a 1,493cc (1.5 liter) straight-six engine sourced from the pre-war Maserati 6CM. Achieving success in racing, further development resulted in a two-seater sports racing car known as the A6GCS. It was completed in 1947 and powered by a 2-liter engine that initially developed 120 horsepower. Approximately fifteen examples of the A6GCS were built between 1947 and 1953.

Maserati's First Production Road Car

The A6 1500 Gran Turismo was introduced in March 1947 at the Geneva Salon International de l'Auto and sixty-one examples were built through 1950. It featured a 1,488cc six-cylinder engine with a 66 mm bore, 72.5 mm stroke, a single overhead camshaft, and a Weber carburetor. Initially developing 65 horsepower, a version with higher compression, a modified camshaft, and three Weber carburetors boosted output to a more respectable figure of 90 bhp. A four-speed manual transmission directed power to the rear wheels.

The tubular steel chassis had a wheelbase size of 100.4 inches, and its suspension included double wishbones at the front coil springs and Houdaille hydraulic dampers all round. Drum brakes were placed at all four corners.

The Geneva show car wore two-door, two-seat coachwork with triple square portholes on its fully integrated front wings. The curvaceous bodywork was skillfully crafted by Pinin Farina, and many of the examples that followed were also clothed by the Italian coachbuilder. The first car was considered a prototype and had hidden headlamps; the production examples that followed had conventional headlamps. Early examples, including the prototype, had a three-window design, while later built examples had a second side window, and some even had 2+2 fastback configurations.

Two convertibles were built by Pinin Farina with one being shown at the 1948 Salone dell'automobile di Torino. Chassis number 052 originally wore a Maserati-built 'barchetta' body but was later re-bodied by Zagato with a unique 'Panoramica' style coupe body. This was the first Maserati to receive coachwork from Zagato.

A Larger Engine : The Maserati A6G 2000

Maserati's inaugural road vehicle did not manage to captivate audiences in the same manner as its racing cars had previously achieved. It was expensive, underpowered, and had conservative styling. Upon its arrival at the 1950 Turin Motor Show, Maserati anticipated that its newest model would address these challenges.

With triple carburetors installed and a displacement size of 2.0 liters (1954.3cc), the engine developed upwards of 100 horsepower and could achieve speeds of around 180 km/h. Refinements to the chassis included a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.

Sixteen examples of the A6G 2000 were produced in 1950 and 1951, with nine being clothed by Pinin Farina in 2+2 fastback configurations. Vignale created one coupe to a design penned by Giovanni Michelotti, and Frua built one coupe and five convertibles.

Maserati showcased three A6 vehicles at the Paris Auto Show in 1951: a Vignale Coupe, a Pinin Farina Berlinetta, and a Frua Spider.

The A6GCS/53 and 54

The introduction of the A6GCS/53 in 1953 marked a significant enhancement in the performance capabilities of Maserati's road cars. With the option of twin overhead camshafts on the two-liter engine, engine output rose to 170 hp. It was installed in a tubular chassis that had a pair of large diameter side members, with smaller diameter sections adding reinforcement to the structure, and was suspended by double wishbones at the front and a live rear axle.

Pinin Farina was now working with Ferrari, so design and construction of the coachwork was handled by Carrozzeria Fantuzzi or Celestino Fiandri of Carrozzeria Fiandri e Malagoli. Aldo Brovarone of Pinin Farina designed one spider, and Vignale also made a single spider. Two examples were bodied by Carrozzeria Frua in open-top configuration.

Between 1953 and 1955, a total of 52 examples of the A6GCS/53 were built. The A6G/54 2000 was built from 1954 to 1956 with production totaling 60 cars.

The engine powering the A6G/54 2000 had a twin-cam inline six-cylinder engine with 2 liters of displacement and fed by twin-choke Weber DCO carburetors. Dual ignition was added in 1956.

Between 1954 and 1956, a total of 60 examples of the A6G/54 were built with coachwork by Allemano, Zagato, and Frua with production nearly split evenly between the three. Frua made six coupes and twelve Grand Sport Spyders; Allemano bodied 21 coupes to a design created by Michelotti; and Zagato built a spider and 20 competition-oriented fastbacks.

The A6 series were custom-bodied cars built for the road; its replacement, the 3500 GT, was a road-going car with (essentially) a production body. The 3500 GT was built in much higher quantities, with 2,226 examples constructed between 1957 and 1964. Beneath its bonnet was an all-new 3.5-liter long-stroke six-cylinder engine which had been developed for endurance racing. The coupe bodies were built by Carrozzeria Touring, and the Spyders by Vignale to a design by Giovanni Michelotti. The A6 series laid the foundation for the 3500 GT, which is considered the company's first successful series production Gran Turismo.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster by Frua
Chassis number: 2017
Engine number: 2013

This Maserati A6G/2000 wears Spider Coachwork by Pietro Frua. It was the first Maserati designed by Frua and one of only three to be fitted with a Frua Spider body. After spending some time in Italy, the car was sold to a California resident in the mid-1950s. A short time later, the Maserati engine was replaced with an American V8. The car was rediscovered in 1997 in the California garage of the late Robert Yorba. It is believed that Mr. Yorba purchased the car around 1964. Mr Yorba was a racing enthusiast who participated in SCCA and vintage racing events with his Frua Spyder for 25 years. In 2000 the car was purchased by the current owner, who had it shipped to Modena, Italy, for restoration under the supervision of Maserati historian Dr. Adolfo Orsi. Upon completion in 2006, the car participated in the Concourso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este where it won the Trofeo Ruoteclassiche, or best restoration award.

Berlina by Pininfarina
Chassis number: AM2020
Engine number: 2020

The first coachbuilder given the opportunity to cloth the new Maserati A6G 2000 chassis was Pinin Farina. The chosen bodystyle was a 2+2 coupe arrangement that was shown at the Turin Motor Show in April of 1951.

This particular example is one of just nine Pinin Farina-bodied examples built. It was originally finished in Celeste (light blue) and fitted with a four-speed manual transmission and triple carburetors. The Maserati factory extensively tested the vehicle from February to August of 1951.

The car was sold to its first owner on September 8th of 1951, to Terzo Monachesi. By 1960, it had been imported to England. It was first registered in the United Kingdom on April 13th of 1960 as '2081 MK.' It remained in England, passing through the hands of a Mr. Hambledon and Stan Derbyshire, before being purchased by Simon Moore in 1967. While in Mr. Moore's care, the car was painted dark blue and fitted with wire wheels.

After spending about a decade in England, the car was sent to the United States where it was sold to Gordon Bradt of Wilmette, Illinois, on October 13th of 1970. It was later sold to Joe Alphabeth of Huntington Beach, California. By 1990, it was owned by Dr. Mark Brinker of Houston, Texas who owned it for the following decade.

John Bookout purchased it in 2000 and restored it in dark red over a beige interior in 2001. Mr. Bookout retained the car for another five years before selling it to Doug Magnon for inclusion in the Riverside International Automobile Museum.

Mr. Magnon later had the car restored and refinished in its original light blue color with a tan interior. After the work was completed, the car was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

by Dan Vaughan

Berlina by Pininfarina
Chassis number: AM2020
Engine number: 2020

In 1937 the Maserati brothers sold the company to the Orsi family but continued to work for the factory until 1947. One of the legacies the Maserati left was a newly designed straight-6 1.5-liter engine that found its way into Maserati's first Grand Tourer. Dubbed A6, the new Maserati debuted at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show; but with a poor performance, a high price and conservative styling, it did not sell well. Three new versions with a new 2-liter engine, the A6G, were introduced at the 1951 Paris Motor Show as a Frua Spyder, a Vignale Coupe and a Pinin Farina Berlina. This latter Pinin Farina design, as seen in this example, would become the standard body for the A6G. Again, due to its high price, only 16 examples were built.

This 1951 Maserati A6-G, chassis #2020, is one of nine Pinin Farina bodied examples and was originally finished in light blue (Celeste), fitted with a four-speed transmission and triple carburetors. The car saw extensive testing from February to August 1951, as the company worked to perfect the design and execution of the car. The car was initially fitted with provisional bodywork and returned to Pinin Farina in July 1951 to receive final coachwork.

The Pininfarina Berlinetta design became the standard body for the A6.

The car was sold new in its native Italy in May in September of 1951 to Terzo Monachesi. It was featured in company advertising (Auto Illustrazione), in 1952. By 1960, the car had been imported to England. It remained in England and passed through two owners prior to being purchased by Simon Moore in 1967. It was painted dark blue and had wire wheels fitted while under his stewardship.

This car is considered one of the most significant vehicles in the Riverside International Auto Museum's collection (acquired in 2006).

The Maserati A6G/2000 was produced from during the 1950s with around 60 examples being created, many receiving custom bodywork from prestigious coachbuilders such as Zagato, Pinin Farina, Vignale, and others.

Even though the company was not in financial difficulty, the Maserati brothers sold their shares of the company to the Orsi family from Modena in 1937. The headquarters were moved from Bologna to Modena. When they sold the company, the brothers had agreed to stay with Maserati for another ten years performing duties as chief engineers. In 1948, after their ten year agreement was satisfied, they left the company and formed OSCA.

With the chief engineers gone, the company was positioned for failure, but the company did have a strong history and more importantly, they had a newly developed straight six engine, courtesy of the Maserati brothers. The engine produced by Maserati brothers was nothing spectacular; the 1.5-liter power-plant produced 65 horsepower. It was, however, a good starting point and would prove to be very tunable in the years to come. The primary intention for the engine was competition, but Orsi understood that money needed to be made, so that it could be spent. So Orsi commissioned a sports road car that could be produced for exclusive clientele.

In 1947 Maserti introduced the A6 with custom coachwork by Pinin Farina. Under the hood was the 1.5-liter single overhead camshaft engine matted to a four-speed gearbox. The steel tubular frame was suspended by a live rear axle and a front wishbone suspension. Even though Pinin Farina is noted for their elegant styling, their design of the A6 was not well received. Coupled with the poor performance, the vehicle was not well received.

Modifications were performed on the engine resulting in an increase to 2 liters and 100 horsepower. Three updated versions of the A6 were displayed at the 1951 Paris Motorshow. The Berlina body styles were created by Pinin Farina and were the standard style; the Spider variants were created by Frua; and the Coupe was courtesy of Vignale. With all the mechanical improvements and bodystyle options available, the two-liter A6 was poised for success. With only 16 examples created, the A6 proved it needed more work.

The famous Gioacchino Colombo, known for his work with Ferrari, joined Maserati in 1953. His first task was to modify the A6GCM to include a DOHC valve train, dual-spark ignition, and more. Horsepower rose to nearly 200. The success of Maserati in racing was heightened with the new engine and new drivers such as Fangio, Gonzalez, Marimon, Bonetto and de Graffenried. Fangio had won the 1953 Italian Grand prix driving a Ferrari.

The third iteration of the A6 occurred in 1954, dubbed the A6G/54. This was the same year for the introduction of the Maserati 250F, which, in the hands of the capable Fangio won the Argentine Grand Prix on its debut. The A6G/54 was outfitted with a competitive engine and wonderful styling from Frua and Zagato. Production lasted until 1954 with multiple types of body styles being created. One of the most memorable bodystyles were the 19 lightweight Zagato bodies which could often be seen at race tracks. All of the Zagato hand-formed body styles were unique, even the interior.

The A6G/54 was replaced by the 3500 GT. The A6 endured many growing pains but by the final iteration, the A6 variants were respectable and stylish machines. With the mechanical prowess of Colombo and the driving talent of Fangio and others, Maserati could continue to provide competition on the race track. While back at home, the A6 provided the bread-and-butter to continue racing and further development.

by Dan Vaughan

Even though the company was not in financial difficulty, the Maserati brothers sold their shares of the company to the Orsi family from Modena in 1937. The headquarters were moved from Bologna to Modena. When they sold the company, the brothers had agreed to stay with Maserati for another ten years performing duties as chief engineers. In 1948, after their ten-year agreement was satisfied, they left the company and formed OSCA.

With the chief engineers gone, the company was positioned for failure, but the company did have a strong history and more importantly, they had a newly developed straight-six engine, courtesy of the Maserati brothers. The engine produced by Maserati brothers was nothing spectacular; the 1.5-liter power-plant produced 65 horsepower. It was, however, a good starting point and would prove to be very tunable in the years to come. The primary intention for the engine was competition, but Orsi understood that money needed to be made so that it could be spent. So Orsi commissioned a sports road car that could be produced for exclusive clientele.

In 1947 Maserati introduced the Maserati A6 with custom coachwork by Pinin Farina. Under the hood was the 1.5-liter single overhead camshaft engine matted to a four-speed gearbox. The steel tubular frame was suspended by a live rear axle and a front wishbone suspension. Even though Pinin Farina is noted for its elegant styling, its design of the A6 was not well received. Coupled with poor performance, the vehicle was not well received.

Modifications were performed on the engine resulting in an increase to 2 liters and 100 horsepower. Three updated versions of the A6 were displayed at the 1951 Paris Motorshow. The Berlina body styles were created by Pinin Farina and were the standard style; the Spider variants were created by Frua, and the Coupe was courtesy of Vignale. With all the mechanical improvements and body style options available, the two-liter A6 was poised for success. With only 16 examples created, the A6 proved it needed more work.

The famous Gioacchino Colombo, known for his work with Ferrari, joined Maserati in 1953. His first task was to modify the A6GCM to include a DOHC valve train, dual-spark ignition, and more. Horsepower rose to nearly 200. The success of Maserati in racing was heightened with the new engine and new drivers such as Fangio, Gonzalez, Marimon, Bonetto, and de Graffenried. Fangio had won the 1953 Italian Grand Prix driving a Ferrari.

The third iteration of the A6 occurred in 1954, dubbed the A6G/54. This was the same year for the introduction of the Maserati 250F, which, in the hands of the capable Fangio won the Argentine Grand Prix on its debut. The A6G/54 was outfitted with a competitive engine and wonderful styling from Frua and Zagato. Production lasted until 1954 with multiple types of body styles being created. One of the most memorable body styles was the 19 lightweight Zagato bodies which could often be seen at race tracks. All of the Zagato hand-formed body styles were unique, even the interior.

The Maserati A6GCS was produced from 1953 through 1955 with a total of 52 examples being constructed. Four where Berlinetta bodies by Pininfarina while 48 were in Spyder configuration and bodied by Fantuzi. The A6GCS was very important to Maserati and scored many victories for the marque. In 1953 the A6GCs won its class at the Mille Miglia in its inaugural debut.

The Maserati A6G/2000 was produced from 1954 through 1957 with 60 examples being created, all receiving custom bodywork from prestigious coachbuilders such as Zagato, Pinin Farina, Vignale, and others. Serafino Allemano constructed twenty-one examples of the A6G/2000. All of these cars were equipped with the DOHC engines. The A6G/2000 is sometimes referred to as the A6G/54. These second series cars used many mechanical components from its predecessor, such as its twin parallel tube design. The engine, however, had been modified which resulted in an increase in horsepower.

by Dan Vaughan