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One of the
most exciting lots at Gooding & Co's Scottsdale Auction
later this month will be a stunning Maserati A6G/54 with
acclaimed bodywork by legendary Italian coachbuilder
Allemano. When Maserati introduced the latest version of
the A6G in 1954, it was a revelation for fans of
high-performance Italian cars. While many felt that the
new car was simply a coachbuilt variation of the
successful A6GCS sports racer, in reality, the A6G/54
was a refined road-going sports car that happened to
share its basic underpinnings with one of the most
successful two-litre race cars of the era.
Contemporary
road tests praised the A6G/54 and enthusiastically described
its instantaneous acceleration, exceptional road holding,
light, responsive steering and powerful brakes. The Maserati
truly excelled in long-distance races where it proved to be
the only competitive two-litre Italian GT – a quality that
made it a top choice for wealthy privateers and gentleman
drivers.
Coachwork for
the new car was available from Zagato, Frua and Allemano,
and each body came with its own distinct style and purpose.
Where as the Zagato Maserati sports cars were purposeful
road-racers and the Frua-bodied examples extravagantly
decorated fashion statements, Allemano succeeded in
producing a rather sophisticated, subdued and luxurious
body, of which a mere 21 examples were made.
Presented at
Gooding & Co's Scottsdale Auction will be an example that is
beautifully appointed and an exceedingly rare gran
turismo, perfectly suited for long-distance driving
events such as the Colorado Grand, the California Mille and
European rallies like the Coppa d’ Oro delle Dolomiti.
The Allemano-bodied A6G/54 cars are capable of nearly 120
mph and offer a wealth of character and personality while
still providing a surprising level of practicality that
includes plenty of space for luggage and all the amenities
expected of an exclusive coachbuilt automobile. In addition
to its potential as an event entry, its lovely condition and
infrequent public appearances, allows the next owner to make
the concours rounds and have a good chance of taking home
awards.
The A6G/54 is
one of the most sophisticated grand touring cars to be
produced in the 1950s – a true connoisseur’s car that
possess a timeless style, a motor sports pedigree and the
cachet of a coachbuilt exotic. These Allemano A6G/54
motorcars perfectly illustrate the quality, craftsmanship
and artistry that went into each Maserati automobile – a
tradition that can be traced right back to the Maserati
Brothers’ earliest creations. Under the bonnet is a 1,986cc
DOHC twin-plug inline 6-cylinder engine with three Weber
carburettors production 160 bhp at 6,000 RPM coupled up to a
4-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh.
According to
copies of the original dispatch and invoice, this splendid
Maserati A6G/54 was originally delivered to Sig. Giulio
Dubbini of Padua, Italy. As one of the earliest collectors
of significant Italian racing cars, Sig. Dubbini was no
stranger to exotic sports cars and had an array of the
finest Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Maserati race cars. His
A6G/54, the 5th example bodied by Allemano, was delivered on
November 27, 1956, and carried a price of 3,034,000 lire.
The Maserati was originally finished in Verde Suro
(Mackerel Green) with a green interior, the same livery it
sports today and, during the first few years of Mr.
Dubbini’s ownership, A6G was routinely serviced by the
factory, a fact confirmed by historian Adolfo Orsi.
In the
mid-1970s, this particular A6G/54 was exported to Canada
where it remained for over a decade before returning to
continental Europe. In 2001, the current owner purchased the
Maserati out of Holland and imported it to the US. Photos
taken around the time of its purchase show it to be a
remarkably honest example. Although it had been repainted
red, original paint remained on the fascia and below the
re-spray, the panels appeared to be straight and true and,
importantly, all of the distinctive trim pieces unique to
the Allemano body were intact. This A6G/54 is said to retain
all of its original handmade coachwork and its
matching-numbers engine. Even the original Cottino radiator
is still in place. The only deviation from factory
specification is an updated full-synchromesh gearbox that
makes for a much more user-friendly driving experience.
Between 2002 and
2006, a comprehensive cosmetic restoration and thorough
mechanical sorting was undertaken within the workshops of
one of the foremost Maserati collectors. When the work was
completed, this A6G/54 was returned to its original,
factory-delivered color scheme – a sensational medium green
that perfectly suits the subdued lines of the car and
accentuates the jewel-like brightwork. The engine,
transmission, differential, brakes and suspension were all
inspected, serviced and detailed so that the Maserati’s
performance was in keeping with its stellar appearance.
Gooding & Co. estimate the sale price of this car at
US375,000-450,000.
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