A Race Against Time for the 1956 Mille Miglia

I photoed this Maserati A6G/54 2000 Berlineta, Chassis 2155, at the Concours of Elegance 2024. It was the 17th out of the 20 bodied by Zagato. Its first owner was Luigi Fornasari, who wanted to compete in the 1956 Mille Miglia. He eventually received his new car two days before the event, in bare aluminium.

Setting off at 03:11, however, the dream of victory soon came to an end on the severely wet roads near Ravenna, as the car ultimately crashed onto its double-bubble roof – at the time, a feature unique among the Zagato-bodied A6G/54s.

Unique Design Modifications

The car was subsequently sent back to Zagato for repairs, where a strip of alloy trim was added to each flank from bumper to door handle, along with a smaller radiator opening and lowered headlights. In fact, it’s believed to be the only Maserati A6G/54 with such a treatment.

Changing Hands and Competing Across Europe

In June that year, the Maserati A6G/54 was sold to Roberto Federici but purchased by Gianfranco Peduzzi a month later. After competing in several European hillclimbs in 1957, the car needed engine refreshment and returned to Zagato.

The Zagato Crash and Rebirth

During the running-in period after its mechanical refreshment, Gianni Zagato – the younger son of company founder Ugo and the uncle of current Zagato boss Andrea – crashed the car. Zagato rebuilt it in a more modern style with kicked-up rear wings, hooded headlights and a double-bubble roof.

A Return to Racing

By 1958 the Maserati A6G/54 was competing again, with Natale Gotelli at the helm at both the Bolzano-Mendola and Trento-Bondone hillclimbs. In 1959 the Maserati was entered in two circuit races at Monza, both the Gran Premio Lotteria on June 28, finishing 11th in the GT class, and in the Coppa Intereuropa on September 13 where it did not finish. Third place in the GT class at the Pontedecimo-Giovi hillclimb rounded out the season and its racing career.

A Journey Through Time and Restorations

Over the years, the Maserati A6G/54 would change appearance again and again. By 1984, for instance, it was painted red and equipped with covered headlamps. Subsequently, after passing through several European owners, it was eventually acquired by US collector John Bookout in 2000. With the aid of marque historian Adolfo Orsi, the car was meticulously restored by Modenese artisans to its 1958 specifications and, consequently, made its debut at the 2005 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

Modern Day Glory

The Maserati A6G/54 was sold in 2008 to a Texas-based collector, who engaged Paul Russell & Co of Essex, Massachusetts to refine mechanicals and cosmetics further. It was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2008, plus The Quail in 2010, the Cavallino Classic in 2013, and at Pebble Beach again in 2014 as part of the Maserati centenary celebrations.

Technical Specifications

ENGINE – 1986cc/six-cylinder/ naturally aspirated/DOHC

TRANSMISSION – Four-speed manual, RWD

POWER – 160bhp

TORQUE – N/A

TOP SPEED – N/A

0-60MPH – N/A

WEIGHT – 840kg

I would so love to own and drive this car. What a beautiful work of automotive art. What do you think of this car? This car really caught my attention and made it into my top 10 cars at the 2024 Concours of Elegance. Check out that top 10 here.

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