In today's world of high-tech racing, wind tunnel testing and strict regulations shape the sleek carbon-fiber panels of modern race cars, ensuring maximum performance on the track. However, in the 1950s, the art of crafting a fast and aerodynamic race car involved a team of skilled Italian coachbuilders meticulously hand-forming lightweight aluminum sheets into stunning masterpieces that not only sliced through the wind but also boasted an undeniable artistic allure.
A perfect embodiment of this artistry and speed is the remarkable 1955 Maserati A6G/2000 Berlinetta Zagato, which is about to captivate enthusiasts at RM Sotheby's Villa Erba auction, held in conjunction with the prestigious Villa d'Este concours near Lake Como, Italy.
The Maserati A6G/2000 was a significant step forward for the renowned automaker, evolving from their first production car for the streets, the A6 1500. While the A6 1500 was equipped with a 1.5-liter, single-overhead-cam straight-six engine, the AG6/2000 boasted a bored and stroked 2.0-liter engine fitted with three carburetors for enhanced performance. With a power output of 100 horsepower and the replacement of coils with leaf springs, the AG6/2000 achieved an impressive top speed of over 110 mph, setting new standards for its engine class.
Among the most intriguing offerings at the auction is the Maserati A6G/2000, chassis #2102. This remarkable vehicle is just the second example bodied by the renowned coachbuilder Zagato and holds the distinction of being the first coupe built on the new Maserati underpinnings. The car's journey began when the chassis was delivered to Zagato in December 1954, with the completion recorded in March of the following year. Its maiden race at the Rallye of Sestriere in early 1956 showcased its potential, winning the first stage and achieving a notable placement in the second. Although gearbox trouble led to an early withdrawal, the car's true prowess was soon to be unveiled.
Later that year, the Maserati A6G/2000 served as a practice car for racing icons Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson during the Mille Miglia race. The duo concluded that the car was not only faster but also easier to handle compared to the famed Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR they had triumphed with the previous year. Despite a lackluster 117th overall finish in the Mille Miglia that year, the car's legacy as a competitive racer endured.
Following a period of storage, Maserati refreshed the vehicle with new paint and air ducts in the front fenders before selling it to its first private owner in 1959. Over the years, the Maserati A6G/2000 traveled across continents, finding homes in the U.S., Japan, England, and Germany. Undergoing two restorations during its journey, the car was given a new body, preserving its heritage as a formidable racing machine.
As this exceptional automotive masterpiece takes the spotlight at the auction, it symbolizes the harmonious blend of engineering ingenuity and artistic craftsmanship that defined an era of racing excellence. The 1955 Maserati A6G/2000 Berlinetta Zagato remains an enduring testament to the fusion of speed and style, captivating enthusiasts and collectors alike with its timeless allure and remarkable racing heritage.