Fantasy Junction

Description

1953 Maserati-type A6GCS/53 Engine
Engine stamped “2053”

The legendary Italian marque of Maserati was founded in 1926 as a manufacturer of, predominantly, single-seat racing cars. A number of two-seat sports variants were produced pre-World War 2 but they were relatively rare, particularly in contrast to the many Vetturetta or Voiturette-class purebred open-wheeled racing models they manufactured.

In 1937 the founding Maserati brothers sold their company to the industrialist Adolfo Orsi, who moved their factory from Bologna to Modena, and who retained the brothers’ services under a ten-year service contract. Upon its expiry they returned to Bologna where they founded their own independent OSCA company, but in Modena the Gruppo Orsi’s Automobili Maserati company went from strength to strength. The A6GCS was a very important model for them. It enjoyed great racing success right from its debut in time for the 1947 season and continued to compete well through the 50’s.

Ever since the first races of the single-seat Maserati 6CM, Ernesto Maserati had nurtured a plan to use that 6-cylinder engine as the basis of sports car. As early as September 1946 Ernesto Maserati and engineer Alberto Massimino had produced an unsupercharged 6C-1500 driven by its new owner Guido Barbieri to race wins at Mantua and then – with Gigi Villoresi behind the wheel – at Voghera. This 1500cc 6-cylinder with single overhead camshaft breathed through three twin-choke Weber carburettors and developed around 90bhp. For 1947 Maserati had learned that Ferrari was poised to launch a new 1500cc V12-engined sporting rival. The news was literally like a red rag to a bull. The result was the Maserati A6GCS. Major styling houses such as Pinin Farina and Frua subsequently produced Gran Turismo versions of the basic A6G – “G” for “Ghisa”, ‘iron’ crankcase engined model. For some reason, the “G” was retained even when alloy was used.

The engine offered here has powered Maserati A6GCS Fantuzzi Spyder, s/n 2053 for many years, and was stamped “2053” to match that chassis. The A6GCS Fantuzzi Spider, s/n 2053 was acquired by Francis G. Mandarano of the Maserati Information Exchange (MIE) in 1989. The MIE Corporation completely restored the car shortly after his purchase. As published in Viale Ciro Menotti (Issue No. 62), the chassis was fitted with this engine number “2053” during the restoration, which was likely an item produced around the same time, as a period production A6GCS engine was both unavailable, and also not likely to prove as reliable for spirited competition usage. Thus, the Maserati A6GCS was fitted with this correct type reproduction A6GCS engine, stamped “2053” to match the chassis it was produced to accompany.

The Fantuzzi Spyder has since been through the hands of several important collectors, many of whom actively used the car in prestigious international rally and racing events. With this engine, chassis number 2053 was a participant in the Colorado Grand as well as the Monterey Historics, where in 2009, it qualified on the front row and finished 2nd to a very well prepared Porsche 550 Spider. During that same year, it was victorious in class at the Sonoma Shell Historic Ferrari-Maserati Challenge.

In 1998, on behalf of the owner at the time, Epifani Restorations installed a set of mild cams with street-friendly profiles to increase the size of the power band, making the engine more drivable in road rally events, especially at altitude. Accompanying the car are dyno results from Epifani restorations, as well as compression results from May of 2009, showing all six cylinders between 120-130 lbs., showing that the cam timing, even now, is not exactly “mild”

In August of 2013, with very little time logged since finishing 2nd at the Monterey Historic Reunion, this engine was removed from chassis number 2053 as engine number 2067 was sourced and installed in its place.

This wonderful A6GCS-type reproduction engine represents a unique opportunity to existing Maserati A6 owners who wish to preserve or bolster the historical provenance of their matching numbers automobile. Complete with correct Weber DCO3 carburetors, clutch and flywheel assembly, oil pump, and one (of two) distributors, it is ideal for use in race and rally events, where the stress and strain of competition is best directed away from a car’s matching numbers power plant.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608