1955 Maserati A6G/54 2000 Spyder by Zagato heads to public sale

As Maserati works to rebuild itself, it is vital to recollect the issues that made this Italian automaker nice. Issues like this Zagato-bodied 1955 Maserati A6G/54 2000 Spyder, which is heading to public sale with RM Sotheby’s which is internet hosting a sale on August 19 coinciding with Monterey Automotive Week.

The A6G/54 was the ultimate iteration of a mannequin that launched in 1950. It featured a twin-cam, twin-spark model of the bottom A6G’s 2.0-liter inline-6, together with aluminum-finned drum brakes. Supposed for racing, 60 examples have been constructed via 1957, with 21 getting Zagato bodywork. Even amongst that small group, the automotive headed to public sale—chassis 2101—is particular.

Chassis 2101 was the primary of the Zagato-bodied automobiles, and was constructed as a extra luxurious Spyder moderately than a race automotive. It was additionally exhibited on the 1955 Geneva Salon, the place it caught the attention of Argentinian dictator Juan Perón.

1955 Maserati A6G/54 2000 Spyder by Zagato (photograph through RM Sotheby’s)

Perón purchased it, however requested modifications that included deleting the unique fog lights and outsized Maserati trident badge, whereas including a hood scoop and fender vents. The colour was additionally modified from Grigio Piombo (lead grey) to Blu Algisto Scuro (chilly darkish blue).

By the point these modifications have been accomplished, Perón’s regime was crumbling, and the order was cancelled. In its new kind, shassis 2101 was exhibited on the 1958 Paris Salon and was bought to American embassy staffer Louis W. Schroeder. Two years later, Schroeder bought the A6G to United States Air Power lieutenant colonel Sherod Santos, who was stationed in France on the time.

Santos bought the Maserati in 1966, and it continued to vary fingers over the many years. A restoration to its 1958 configuration was accomplished in 2003, and since then the automotive has made occasional concours appearances, together with at Pebble Seashore in 2003 and Villa d’Este in 2013.

1955 Maserati A6G/54 2000 Spyder by Zagato (photograph through RM Sotheby’s)

With its distinctive Zagato bodywork, the A6G/54 2000 Spyder is a traditional instance of the golden age of Italian coachbuilding. That is why it is anticipated to command between $4.5 million and $5.5 million at public sale.

Maserati is now going electrical, endeavor the most important revamp of its lineup in years and even returning to racing in System E and the European GT2 sequence. However coachbuilt automobiles aren’t a part of the trendy automotive business.

Monterey Automotive Week runs Aug. 12-21 in and round Monterey, California. It culminates with the Pebble Seashore Concours d’Class on Aug. 21. For our full protection, head to our devoted hub.