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1956 Maserati 350S

While development of the new Maserati 4.5-liter Tipo 450S V8 engine continued, Maserati experimented with a racing version of the 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine found in the 3500GT road car. The hope was to install this powerplant in the existing 300S sports-racing chassis. Under the direction of Chief Engineer Giulio Alfieri, the 3500GT engine was modified, updated, and prepared for competition purposes. At least two different versions were produced; one had a wet sump lubrication system while the other had a dry sump setup. Both types were given twin-plug magneto ignition and triple Weber 45DCo carburetors, with horsepower in the range of 290 to 325 bhp, depending on the final speciation.

The Maserati 300S chassis was strengthened and modified to accent the new Tipo 350S engine. They were given a new five-speed rear transaxle and a revised De Dion rear suspension setup. The first Maserati 350S was chassis number 3501. It was completed in the spring of 1956 and crashed by Stirling Moss in that year's Mille Miglia. 3501 was later fitted with an early example of the Tipo 450S V8 engine.

The second Maserati 350S was chassis number 3502, intended for Piero Taruffis use in the same Mille Miglia but never racer. It was later sold to Luigi Piotti of Milan, Italy. The third and final example of the 350S series was chassis number 3503. That car was completed in May 1957 with an experimental 3.5-liter V12 engine installed. In this form, the car raced as a works entry by Hans Hermann in that year's Mille Miglia, where it retired. It is believed that later in the car's life, it was re-engined with the 3.5-liter six.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder by Fantuzzi
Chassis number: 3502

The Maserati 350S was not a great success on the track. Using a modified 300S chassis and a bored-out 300S engine, only three cars were built. The first 350S (chassis 3501) was completed in the spring of 1956. Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson would drive this car in the year's Mille Miglia, and the chassis would eventually became the first V8-engined 450S.

This is the only remaining Maserati 350 S of the original three factory cars. It is equipped with updated heavy duty drum brakes and improved five-speed transaxle as per the 450 S. It was entered in the 1956 Mille Miglia to be driven by Piero Taruffi. It was tested by Taruffi at Nurburgring and later raced at Riems in 1956. This car was later sold by the factory to its first owner, Tony Parravano, in 1956.

This car is the second and only remaining Maserati 350S.