One to Buy: ex-works Portuguese GP winning 1956 Maserati 300 S
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In a similar fashion to the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR which was a sports racing version of the W196 Formula 1 car, Maserati’s 300 S was heavily derived from the fabled 250F.
Built around a tubular spaceframe chassis with double wishbone suspension up front and a de Dion axle out back, the 300 S was powered by an all-alloy three-litre straight six with dual overhead camshafts, dry-sump lubrication and a bank of three twin-choke Weber carburettors.
With a peak output of between 260bhp and 280bhp (depending on the year of manufacture), these circa 750kg cars were a formidable proposition during one of Sports car racing’s most competitive eras.
Thanks to its pared down coachwork fashioned in aluminium by Carrozzeria Fantuzzi, the 300 S also ranks among the most beautiful racing cars ever produced.
Chassis 3069, currently on offer at the Fiskens showroom in central London, was built during the most successful year for the 300 S: 1956. That season, works examples of the model won two of the five World Sportscar Championship events: the Buenos Aires 1000km and Nurburgring 1000km. Ultimately, Maserati were pipped to title glory by their bitter rivals over at Ferrari.
Of the 26 examples of the 300 S built between 1955 and 1958, chassis 3069 is among the most famous.
Having been ordered by an Italian customer who failed to take delivery, 3069 subsequently made its competitive debut mid-way through 1957. It did so with a victorious appearance as a works car for Juan Manuel Fangio at the Grand Prix of Portugal which took place at the Monsanto street circuit.
The car was then purchased by Fangio’s manager and exported to South America where the four-time F1 World Champion won back-to-back races in Brazil.
Chassis 3069 continued to race in South America until the early 1970s. In later years it was discovered in complete condition by automotive super sleuth, Colin Crabbe, who purchased it from Brazil and sold it the same day to John Pearson.
Today, this most significant Maserati sports racing car is offered in wonderful condition and would make an ideal entry to practically any of the most desirable events on the calendar.
