Maserati A6 GCS/53 (1953)
Maserati is rewritings the script for the 1000 Miglia by bringing to it a car that has already made its mark on the race: the A6 GCS/53 with chassis no. 2043 – the very same model that took part in the last edition of the race in 1957. A comeback that unites passion and memories, Maserati Classiche will provide official support to the crew throughout the competition.
The model belongs to the private collection of a Maserati enthusiast and connoisseur, and took part in five consecutive editions of the 1000 Miglia speed race from 1953 to 1957 – n all likelihood making it the Maserati with the highest number of appearances in the most iconic of historic motorsport races. Currently undergoing the Certification of Authenticity process at Maserati Classiche, the vehicle is distinguished by one of the longest competitive careers of its time and a roster of highly skilled drivers, including the world-famous Luigi Musso.
The Maserati A6 GCS/53, also known as the Sport 2000, was created to take the Trident back to top of the Sport 2-litre category. From early 1953, the vehicle established itself as one of the most sought-after cars among up-and-coming Italian and foreign talents, with 53 models constructed in two years. The A6 GCS/53 achieved its first significant success at the 1000 Miglia, when Emilio Giletti came in sixth place overall and first in the Sport 2-litre category.
Despite it never having won the competition outright, it carved out a special place in the hearts of fans. Its state-of-the-art design choices set it apart from a technical point of view: its short-stroke, twin-ignition “Superquadro” engine, twin overhead camshafts, and geartrain guaranteed it higher rotational speeds.
The Maserati A6 GCS/53 is one of the most iconic postwar Italian sports racing cars—a beautifully styled and potent machine that combined Maserati’s engineering excellence with coachbuilt artistry. The A6 GCS/53 was built to compete in Mille Miglia, Targa Florio, and other sports car races in the under-2-liter class.
The A6GCS/53 was powered by a 2.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine with a double overhead camshaft that produced 170 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. This engine was a significant improvement over previous Maserati models. The A6GCS/53 was a lightweight car, with the berlinetta weighing just 740 kg. This, combined with its powerful engine, allowed it to reach a top speed of 235 km/h (about 146 mph).
Maserati A6 GCS/53 – Overview
- Full Name: Maserati A6 GCS/53 (GCS = Ghisa Corsa Sport / 1953)
- Years Built: 1953–1955
- Total Produced: 52 chassis
- Most were barchettas (open sports racers)
- 4 chassis received closed Berlinetta bodies by Pinin Farina
- Category: Sports racing car
- Purpose: Customer race car for 2-liter sports car class
Technical Specifications
Engine:
- Type: Inline-6, dual overhead cam (DOHC)
- Displacement: 1,985 cc
- Power Output: Approx. 170–190 hp
- Top Speed: Up to 235 km/h (146 mph)
Chassis:
- Tubular steel frame
- Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Weight: Around 740 kg (1631 lbs)
Coachbuilders:
- Most cars were bodied by Fantuzzi or Fiandri as open barchettas
- Only 4 Berlinettas were bodied by Pinin Farina—widely regarded as some of the most beautiful closed sports cars ever made
Maserati rewrites the script of the 1000 Miglia by bringing a car that has already made its mark on the race: the A6 GCS/53 with chassis n. 2043—the very same that took part in the last edition of the race in 1957. A comeback that unites passion and memory, Maserati Classiche will provide official support to the crew during the entire competition. The model belongs to the private collection of a Maserati enthusiast and connoisseur. It took part in 5 consecutive editions of the 1000 Miglia speed race from 1953 to 1957—in all likelihood making it the Maserati with the highest number of appearances in the most iconic historic motorsport race.
Currently undergoing the Certification of Authenticity process by Maserati Classiche, the vehicle is distinguished by one of the longest competitive careers of its time and a roster of highly skilled drivers, including the world-famous Luigi Musso. The Maserati A6 GCS/53, aka the Sport 2000, was created to bring the Trident back to top of the Sport 2-liter category. From early 1953, the vehicle established itself as one of the most sought-after cars among up-and-coming Italian and foreign talents, with 53 models constructed in two years.
The A6 GCS/53 achieved its first significant success at the 1000 Miglia, when Giletti came in sixth place overall and first in the Sport 2-liter category. Even if it never won the competition outright, it carved out a special place in the hearts of fans. Its state-of-the-art design choices set it apart from a technical point of view: its short-stroke, twin-ignition “Superquadro” engine, twin overhead camshafts, and gear train guaranteed it higher rotational speeds. Seventy years since its debut, the A6 GCS/53 is back and ready to once again take on the roads of the Red Arrow— not merely for nostalgia, but to deliver thrills and excitement in true Trident fashion.
Racing Success:
The A6GCS/53 proved to be a highly successful race car. It achieved class wins at the 1953 Mille Miglia, 2nd and 3rd overall at the 1953 Targa Florio, and wins at other circuits. Some of the era’s most renowned drivers, including Juan Manuel Fangio, Roy Salvadori, and the Marquis de Portago, piloted the A6GCS/53.
You must be logged in to post a comment.