MASERATI 5000 GT
A SIGNIFICANT AUTOMOBILE
Built for only a few years (1959–1964) and in miniscule numbers (34), the 5000 GT came at a precarious time for Maserati, following the firm’s bankruptcy in 1958 as a result of failing to win the 1957 World Sportscar Championship and thus unable to pocket expected income.
The book explains all this in satisfying detail, beginning by setting the scene with a technical description and brief competition history of the V8-engined Maserati racecars and a summary of the economic realities that forced the cancellation of the racing program—and the resultant surplus of V8 motors.
There is also mention of the successful 3500 GT model, whose reinforced chassis became the basis for the 5000 GT.
While the idea of shoehorning a V8 into a 3500 GT is always, and plausibly, attributed to the Shah of Persia, one should think that Maserati would have hit upon that solution for repurposing their stockpile of leftover racing engines themselves sooner or later.
Be that as it may, the first 5000 GT—intended, in fact, as a one-off—was his. History didn’t record his reaction to other well-heeled clients liking it so well that Maserati ended up building another 33 (35, if you count the two remanufactured cars).
The book presents the whole design and development history along with technical specs. Aside from minor mechanical differences, it is the custom coachwork by eight different stylists that distinguishes these cars from each other and also from other cars of the time.
It is on this subject that the book advances the body of knowledge the most. Based on a thorough examination of factory records and correspondence with owners, the author is able to describe each and every chassis in great detail and suitably illustrated.
As long as the model designation “5000” is still fresh in your mind, realize that only 5000 copies, individually numbered, of this book exist.
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