Maserati Driven by Stirling Moss Could Fetch $7.75M at Auction
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Maserati Driven by Stirling Moss Could Fetch $7.75M at Auction
Maserati Driven by Stirling Moss Could Fetch $7.75M at Auction 
By George Kennedy
In the world of historical race cars, finding a vehicle in ‘original condition’ is a very difficult thing. That’s because any race car that has lived a long, serviceable life would have changed engines or bodies a few several times. Through either crashes on the course or changes in the rules, a race car seldom finished its career in the same condition as it started. This Maserati driven by Sir Stirling Moss though, is an ideal example.
The 1956 Maserati 450S is one of the most beautiful race cars on the planet. It was built from 1956 to 1958 and campaigned in the FIA World Championship of endurance racing. This one here is set for the RM Auctions block in Monaco next month, for an estimated €3.3 million to €4.5 million ($4.9 million-$7.75 million).
PHOTOS: See More of the 1956 Maserati 450S Prototype by Fantuzzi
Why is this car so valuable? Obviously its racing history contributes to the exorbitant estimate. The car, which started life as straight-six-powered 350S, was raced in the 1956 Mille Miglia by Stirling Moss. A brake failure caused Moss to lose control of the car, and crashed it– nearly hurling into a ravine.
RELATED: See Photos of the 1954 Maserati 250S
The car was brought back to the factory, where the engine was replaced with a 5.7-liter V8, and was refitted with a Fantuzzi body. These changes technically made the car a 450S, and was tested at the 1956 Swedish Grand Prix.
After being tested several more times, the car was put into storage, where it sat for years. It was then fitted with a Corvette V8, a Ferrari transmission, and was exported to the United States. It was sold again and returned to Italy in the 1980s, and in 1987, it was given a full restoration, bringing back the original 450S equipment, with the exception of an updated transaxle.
By George Kennedy In the world of historical race cars, finding a vehicle in ‘original condition’ is a very difficult thing. That’s because any race car that has lived a long, serviceable life would have changed engines or bodies a few several times. Through either crashes on the course or changes in the rules, a race car seldom finished its career in the same condition as it started. This Maserati driven by Sir Stirling Moss though, is an ideal example.
The 1956 Maserati 450S is one of the most beautiful race cars on the planet. It was built from 1956 to 1958 and campaigned in the FIA World Championship of endurance racing. This one here is set for the RM Auctions block in Monaco next month, for an estimated €3.3 million to €4.5 million ($4.9 million-$7.75 million).
PHOTOS: See More of the 1956 Maserati 450S Prototype by Fantuzzi
Why is this car so valuable? Obviously its racing history contributes to the exorbitant estimate. The car, which started life as straight-six-powered 350S, was raced in the 1956 Mille Miglia by Stirling Moss. A brake failure caused Moss to lose control of the car, and crashed it– nearly hurling into a ravine.
RELATED: See Photos of the 1954 Maserati 250S
The car was brought back to the factory, where the engine was replaced with a 5.7-liter V8, and was refitted with a Fantuzzi body. These changes technically made the car a 450S, and was tested at the 1956 Swedish Grand Prix.
After being tested several more times, the car was put into storage, where it sat for years. It was then fitted with a Corvette V8, a Ferrari transmission, and was exported to the United States. It was sold again and returned to Italy in the 1980s, and in 1987, it was given a full restoration, bringing back the original 450S equipment, with the exception of an updated transaxle.
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Keystone Motor Club (Founded 2012)... Free car show Every 3rd Saturday, newsletter is
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/e...-car-club.html
Keystone picture gallery is here:
https://carstoshow.com/eventdetails.aspx?eventid=93202
Veterans and Friends on First Saturday...Some pictures....
https://carstoshow.com/registerevent...eventid=102331
Port Richey Rod Run at Coast Buick GMC
https://carstoshow.com/registerevent.aspx?eventid=99114
50's Diner US19.... A Florida Attraction.
1730 US-19, Holiday Fl 34691 click: https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/t...-racing.html CHRA sanctioned cruise-in.
Cruise-In; Free; Every Saturday 5-8PM plus 10% off the whole menu to cruisers
50's Diner pictures are here: https://carstoshow.com/eventdetails.aspx?eventid=93194
All Cars Every 2nd Saturday Free Breakfast: Since 2015 and more. click: https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/e...ast-tampa.html
Tampa Racing.com covers the Tampa car scene and supports many fund raisers, worthy causes and events that enrich our community. We hope you enjoy them all.
What do I do? ---- on-site *Aftermarket* spring/suspension installations --- on-site impact wrenching---street lowering with your own stock springs...........True Bi-xenon HID projector headlight conversions........ Much more at Bob's Garage!
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