VIN: Maserati 5000 GT chassis 006
History of chassis 006
Chassis 006 was the first of two 5000 GT Maseratis dressed in bodywork by the comparatively little known Carrozzeria Monterosa of Turin.
Founded by ex-Bertone stylist Giorgio Sargiotto in 1946, Monterosa initially specialised in station wagon conversions of second-hand commercial vehicles; in the gloom of post World War 2 Italy there was much demand for inexpensive but practical private motor cars and for several years Monterosa did a roaring trade.
Later, the firm branched into special-bodied small displacement Fiats and Lancias and went on to employ Giovanni Michelotti as a stylist.
In many respects, Monterosa’s design for the Maserati 5000 GT resembled a less refined copy of Carrozzeria Touring’s attempt on the same platform. Most notably, an attempt was made to house the front lights and grille within a chrome-trimmed full width aperture, but the result was overly fussy.
The first owner of chassis 006 was German businessman Rolf Helm .The car is understood to have been supplied by the Maserati main dealer for Bologna, Cesare Perdisa, who had been employed to race for the factory during 1955 and ‘56.
Chassis 006 was numerically the third of the 34 5000 GTs built by Maserati between 1959 and ‘64. Unlike the first pair which ran 4935cc 340bhp engines with four enormous Weber 45 IDM carburettors and the complex 450 S-derived gear-driven overhead camshaft system, 006 and all subsequent examples were fitted with 4941cc 325bhp engines that incorporated Lucas fuel-injection and quieter, simpler, chain driven overhead camshafts.
Rolf Helm reputedly experienced many problems with the engine in 006 and ultimately insisted it be rebuilt at the factory in the presence of his personal mechanic. During this early period of the car’s life it was tested at the Modena Autodrome, Monza and the Nurburgring.
How long Mr Helm retained his 5000 GT is unclear.
In recent years, the dark red over beige car has been restored to its original configuration.
Monterosa did go on to clothe a second 5000 GT in similar fashion (chassis 012 in 1961), but soon afterwards the company filed for bankruptcy.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Maserati - https://maserati.com
