Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 O.S.C.A 1600GT GT2
Fissore Body No. 5722
Chassis No. 00105
Engine No. 105
Two-Tone Red and Black with Red Interior

Founded in 1947 by Ernesto Maserati and brothers Ettore and Bindo Maserati, the three Maserati brothers were compelled to depart their earlier endeavor after purchase by Adolfo Orsi. Still very much motivated to produce both sports and racing cars, they established Officine Specializzate Construzione Automobili, OSCA, registered under the Maserati brothers’ names. The newly formed company immediately began development dedicated to the Italian 1,100cc class of racing, a rapidly growing segment of European motorsports competition. The brothers rapidly developed their cars to a high level winning top standings in each of the World Sportscar Championships through the 1950s and 60s. Concurrent to their race car programs OSCA developed a series of road cars including higher displacement 1600 cc cars which were offered with coachwork by Zagato, Touring, and in the case of this stunning example, Fissore. Production was very limited as finances were challenging for the small but capable company, even more so with the rare Fissore bodied examples, of which a mere 21 were built.

Fissore, a highly capable Saligliano, Italy coachbuilding firm had already established their name in the industry working on several one-off prototype and concept cars but also lending their hands in larger production car designs. Even with their capabilities in larger endeavors, the firm preferred to work in the handmade crafting traditions of coachbuilt cars achieved in a bespoke manner. Unlike other OSCA models built with Fiat support, the 1600GT was uniquely constructed as a totally OSCA derived endeavor. It was powered by the uniquely developed OSCA twin-cam engine and hand built to exacting standards for each of the premier customers. The Fissore body was hand formed over a tubular Italian built Gilco chassis, and a rare option for these cars, this example featured independent front and rear suspension, along with disc brakes all around. At the heart of the OSCA 1600, the dual-overhead cam 1600cc engine and 4-speed manual gearbox completed a package steeped in racing history but built for road use. For those who were seeking just a bit more power from the already robust GT engine, OSCA offered the GT2 package which updated the engine using twin dual-throat Weber 42 carburetion resulting in as much as 145 hp when set up with competition tuning. Of the mere 21 examples constructed between 1962 and 1967 Fissore supplied just three examples that were configured to OSCA GT2 specifications.

This one of three Fissore GT2 OSCAs, chassis 00105 was sold to the first owner, Salvatore Ferragamo Spa of Florence, Italy. Subsequently sold to Alfredo Pierucci and then in 1967 acquired by Renzo Andrei, he later sold it to the third private owner, Ida del Bigallo. The car is then known to have resided for nearly 30 years in the Mario Righini collection, where it remained until the mid 1990s. Two more owners followed until the car was imported to California where it has been under private ownership in the company of a well-known Italian car restoration expert who has finished it to the current condition. With FIVA certification having been achieved under Italian ownership, ASI, Italian ownership paperwork, and recently performed engine rebuild by Niederst Restorations, this OSCA 1600 GT2 is certainly one of the most desirable examples of the Maserati brothers’ finest work.

Today this OSCA 1600 GT2 presents as a beautifully restored example of one of the finest and rarest of the OSCA 1600 series cars ever offered. Restored in originally delivered red and black finishes, retaining the matching numbers engine, and supported by known ownership history since new, it is rare to find such a properly presented and beautifully prepared example. The cleanly executed Fissore coachwork is beautifully enhanced by the glossy red and black two-tone paint which has been expertly applied throughout the car. The cleverly executed paint scheme creates a dramatic lower profile by minimizing the upper portion of the car, already lightened by the expansive glass and delicate pillars. The black roof and hood evoke the competition history confirmed by the GT2 performance series. The black and white Italian license plates confirm the early ownership history while other fine details delight the eye, including the beautiful grille, quad headlights, delicate side vents, and raised body cut line. Each of these details alone are uniquely inspired and yet harmoniously come together in the Fissore design as a unified and dramatic example, perfectly captured in this short wheelbase GT2. The rare, ventilated Campagnolo Amadori magnesium wheels are correctly finished in satin silver creating a dramatic and purposeful performance stance. All body panels have excellent fit including tight closures from the doors, hood, and trunk. The near panoramic glass is in excellent shape as are the surrounding trim and polished features. The delicate body trim and emblems are all in excellent condition with fine detail and delightful Italianate character. Every aspect of the exterior is both visually exquisite and impressive. It’s easy to see how these cars made such a strong impact when first revealed – a dynamic design that continues to impress those who view it today nearly 60 years later.

Opening the driver’s door, the two-tone red and black interior comes to life vividly against the competition inspired satin black dash top. The beautifully trimmed seats have been faithfully upholstered with correct piping and red perforated vinyl inserts that give the interior a dynamic character befitting the racing lineage of the OSCA name. The dashboard features a stunning array of Jaeger gauges with superb clarity and near perfect numeric indication. The wood rimmed Nardi steering wheel rim is handsomely finished with center split aluminum rim and spokes, and a rarely seen Maserati/OSCA center emblem. Overall, the various trim, interior components, and details have been addressed with thoughtful authority and impressive attention to detail. The four-speed manual gear lever, Audiovox radio, and contrasting red and black floor coverings with distinct Italian diamond pattern stitching make for a unique and impressive interior. The trunk compartment is carpeted and houses the battery and stamped metal spare wheel and tire, tools in a small tool roll, and jack.

Under the hood, the original matching numbers twin-cam, 1600 cc engine delivers a very strong and captivating visual impression. The restoration performed on the car has addressed every aspect of the engine and engine compartment with particular focus on originality. Having been recently rebuilt by experts at Niederst Restorations the owner reports that the engine is currently developing approximately 130hp. The engine compartment features correctly painted finishes, correct components, proper hoses, lines, and correct fasteners, all of which have been properly prepared to retain the most accurate representation of this example when first built. The matching numbers engine features twin dual-throat Weber 42 carburetors, correct air cleaners, tuned exhaust, and exceptionally refined finishes throughout. The underside of the car is clean and well-tended, showing sound chassis structure overall, correct components, and no visual evidence of structural compromise.

The car starts easily and warms up to a smooth idle, delivering a tight twin-cam sound with just the right amount of exhaust burble. The 4-speed gearbox is easily engaged, and the clutch takes up smoothly as the car accelerates progressively through each gear. Weighing just 1,772 lbs, with the GT2 engine, acceleration is very engaging. Driving position is quite nice and offers great visibility through the open greenhouse. The engine has a confident and snappy throttle response which comes on strong in the higher revs. Four-wheel disc braking is very good, coming down from higher speeds with excellent pedal pressure, even tracking, and responsive suspension. With the combined suspension and handling features of this OSCA, the twin-cam GT2 upgrades deliver a captivating motoring experience truly exemplary of Italian GT cars of this era.

The embodiment of great Italian style and motoring elegance, steeped in competition lineage, this rare Fissore bodied OSCA 1600 GT2 features stunning colors, striking design, matching numbers, and the rarity of being one of three GT2 factory models. Boasting a high-quality professional restoration, a recent professional engine rebuild, and excellent visual presentation, this wonderful OSCA is ready for enjoyable driving, vintage events, or concours exhibits.

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