Mini monography A6GCS Monofaro - Italian/English

Description

Fascinating monograph of one of Maserati’s glorious racing models recounted across 16 pages that feature classic photographs and exclusive testimonies.

The complex model designation stands for Alfieri (Maserati) 6-cylinder Ghisa (cast iron crankcase) Corsa Sport. In fact, the car was the last design conceived under the Maserati brothers Ernesto, Ettore and Bindo before their departure, with advice from their eventual successor in the technical department, Alberto Massimino. The A6GCS broke with previous tradition by introducing natural aspiration (without a supercharger) and a single overhead camshaft that operated valves (two per cylinder) arranged in a vee. Fed by three Weber carburettors with single-plug ignition, the 2-litre engine was good for 130 bhp when running on methyl alcohol fuel. The chassis frame was supplied by Gilberto Colombo (Gilco) and made from oval tubes of the German Mannesman-type. The 16-inch wire wheels (by Borrani) were shod with Pirelli tyres.

The open 2-seater barchetta body had cycle wings, no doors and a single central headlight (monofaro in Italian) and was crafted by factory coachbuilder Medardo Fantuzzi of Tipo 26 fame. A body with integrated mudguards and three headlights was introduced for endurance racing in 1948. A unique streamlined coupé was built for Villoresi to drive in the 1947 Mille Miglia. 15 cars were made, two of them exported to Brazil and just a single one to the US. Two team cars raced with Alberto Ascari and Luigi Villoresi during 1947/48, the latter winning the Italian championship both years.

The A6G CS also raced in Formula 2 as a single seater, with its road-going equipment removed and the passenger seat blanked-off, resulting in a net weight of 580 kg. From 1950 a new twin-cam engine was tried in two of the sports-racers.