One to Buy: ex-Richard Cicurel 1956 Maserati A6G/54
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Having produced 1.5 and 2-litre versions of the A6G road car line between 1947 and ‘52, Maserati revived the model when it unveiled the 2000 GT (better known as the A6G/54) at the Paris Motor Show in October 1954. Most notably now featuring a dual as opposed to single overhead cam iteration of Maserati’s legendary straight six, the A6G/54’s engine initially pumped out 150bhp at 6000rpm. An additional 10bhp was released when twin plug ignition came on stream during 1956.
In total, 60 copies of the A6G/54 were manufactured between 1954 and ‘57, all of which wore Coupe or Spyder bodies created by Italian coachbuilders Allemano, Frua and Zagato.
Of the 21 A6G/54s to receive Coupe bodywork by Allemano, only one was built for competition use: chassis 2144.
Ordered direct from the factory by Italian-domiciled American businessman, car collector and amateur racer, Richard Cicurel, chassis 2144 was equipped with around 50 special competition-inspired features to include a long-range fuel tank with quick filler cap, a competition differential, Marchal spot lamps and a backup lighting system. Inside, Cicurel requested installation of a Halda Speedpilot rally computer, folding armrests and customised instrumentation to include a Jaeger-LeCoultre chronograph procured from his Bugatti.
Reputedly the most expensive road car Maserati had built up until this point, chassis 2144 was subsequently enjoyed by Cicurel for rallies until it sustained damage from an accident. At this point, chassis 2144 returned to Maserati where it was rebuilt and renumbered 2147. Following completion, Maserati featured the car in period advertisements and brochures wearing the distinctive red and black livery it bears today.
Chassis 2147 subsequently passed through the hands of two Italian owners before it was exported to the United States in 1976.
According to Fantasy Junction, with whom chassis 2147 is currently on offer at their showroom in Emeryville, California: “By 1988, the car was acquired by the Rosso Bianco collection (Peter Kaus) followed by Evert Louwman, Netherlands, in 2004. In 2006, chassis 2147 was sold at auction accompanied by engine #2180, formerly in the prototype A6G Grand Sport Frua Spider. Shortly after purchase, a concours level restoration was performed which concluded in 2009. That year the car was shown at the Modena Maserati Club Elegance where it was nominated for Best of Show and in 2010 it was displayed at the Schloss Dyck Event winning 1st in class. In 2012, the car received a FIVA identity card which accompanies it today.
In recent years, this Maserati has been lavished with additional cosmetic and mechanical attention including detailed work performed by experts at Phil Reilley & Co, Inc. (2024-2025). Services on the car while at Reilly’s included the installation of engine #2146, a new clutch, gearbox output shaft and clutch release rod work, pressure plate adjustment, generator and water pump services, brake and master cylinder work, and numerous other mechanical details totalling over $50k. To further ensure the mechanical systems and cosmetics were ready for a confident presentation, the owner spent an additional $16k with Rex Nguyen in preparation for the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where it received a class award.”
