VIN: the Basil Read Maserati 5000 GT chassis 004
History of chassis 004
The first 5000 GT was famously created for the Shah of Iran who wanted a Gran Turismo powered by Maserati’s venerable V8 as used in the 450 S sports racing car.
The Shah’s 5000 GT (chassis 002) was completed in October 1959 and then went on display at the Turin Motor Show in November. It was clothed with an elegant body by Touring of Milan of which two broadly similar copies were later made.
Next to arrive was chassis 004, which was the only 5000 GT built in 1960.
Like 002, 004 came with a different engine to subsequent examples. The V8 motors in these cars displaced 4935cc. They ran four enormous Weber 45 IDM carburettors and were fitted with the racing engine’s complex gear-driven overhead camshaft system. Peak output was 340bhp at 5500rpm.
Later 5000 GTs displaced 4941cc, used Lucas fuel-injection and quieter, simpler, chain driven overhead camshafts. These cars produced 325bhp at 5800rpm.
While the general body shape of 002 and 004 were identical, the accessories differed from car to car. For example, 004 came with a re-shaped engine cooling vent behind each front wheelarch, rectangular bumper overriders and an extended chrome swage line down each flank. Inside, 004 was equipped with numerous 18 carat gold features.
004 was sold to South African construction magnate Basil Read.
Together with business partner, Chisolm Jack, Read formed the small construction company, Jack & Read, in 1950. This subsequently became the Basil Read company in 1952.
The organisation grew rapidly during the 1950s and, in 1960, Basil Read built the runways for the JBM Hetzog Airport in Bloemfontein.
Basil Read was a founder member of the South African Motor Racing Club; his company famously designed and constructed the Kyalami racing circuit which was completed in October 1961.
The firm’s first R1m deal followed in 1962 with a contract to build the road from Zeerust to the Cape Town border.
In 1974, Basil Read’s company absorbed five others to become South Africa’s biggest ever construction conglomerate. It was listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 1987. By the early 2000s, it was South Africa’s largest company.
Little is currently known about 004’s history after it was delivered to Basil Read.
It was purchased from an Ohio museum in 1997 and restored. The car was then displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1999 where it was judged best in class.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Maserati courtesy of Michael Furman http://www.michaelfurman.com/
