<< Prev Page 2 of 2 Dubbed the 5000 GT, the first rolling chassis was sent to Carrozzeria Touring in Milan. As it was ultimately headed to the Shah of Perzia, the chassis was clothed with a lavishly appointed body and interior, which featured gold fittings and fine woods. The size of the car was further accentuated by the relatively small green house. The exclusive Maserati was first show to the public at the 1959 Turin Motor Show. This attracted only limited interest as only one additional example was built in 1960.
Maserati, and Alfieri in particular, did not give up on the 5000 GT and for 1961, it was further refined. The V8 again received the most attention, which received a revised bore and stroke ratio to make for a much squarer engine. It was also equipped with the latest Lucas fuel injection system, although more traditional customers could still specify Weber carburettors. As a result of these changes, the performance was almost back to the prototype engine's levels at 340 bhp.
In 1961, Maserati sent examples of the uprated 5000 GT chassis to all of Italy's carrozzerie, resulting in a wide variety of coachwork for prospected customers to choose from. Most of them eventually settled on the design penned by Giovanni Michelotti for Allemano. Known as the 'Indianapolis', this perhaps was the most understated of all 5000 GT designs. Of the 34 Maserati 5000 GTs built, Allemano clothed no fewer than 18.
Production of the revised 5000 GT effectively ceased in 1964, with a single car built in 1965 using an existing chassis and a final one in 1966. This really was the end of an era, as all subsequent Maseratis were 'mass' produced, when demand allowed. The V8 engine, however, would continue to be used in range-topping models like the Ghibli and Bora. With only 34 examples built, the last Maserati 'fit for a king' is a rare sight today. << Prev Page 2 of 2
Ultimatecarpage.com
> Cars by brand
> Italy
> Maserati
5000 GT Michelotti Coupe
Dubbed the 5000 GT, the first rolling chassis was sent to Carrozzeria Touring in Milan. As it was ultimately headed to the Shah of Perzia, the chassis was clothed with a lavishly appointed body and interior, which featured gold fittings and fine woods. The size of the car was further accentuated by the relatively small green house. The exclusive Maserati was first show to the public at the 1959 Turin Motor Show. This attracted only limited interest as only one additional example was built in 1960.