Maserati A6 1500 The 75 Year Old Straight Six With 65 Hp
Maserati many years ago, 75 in this case, produced lovely smaller engined GT cars like the A6 1500 with a straight six engine producing only 65 hp. But this was more than enough, the cars were small and light.
These days Maserati’s are large, powerful and ultimately more complex. This is something of a trend that grew over many years under different owners and changes in requirements for the customer base. But back in 1947 this was sophisticated, styling and fast enough.
It was March 1947 when Maserati announced the A1500 at the Geneva Motor Show which was the first Grand Turismo in history. A GT is a type of high performance car suitable for long distances and comfortable journeys. Arguably just what they produce today.
The A6, which took its name from the Tipo A6 project, was welcomed by both press and public. The new car represented the first step in a long story where Maserati revamped the technology and design of their cars.
1947 wasn’t the start for the A1500, the roots of the car go back even further to 1941. Maserati designed a sedan with a twin cam fixed head engine which was a close descendant of the 6CM’s. The result of this was a fantastic engine with a power output of 65 hp with a single Weber 35DCR carburettor. The top speed was 150 km/h and was pretty fast back in the day.
The name A6 came from the number of cylinders, A for Alfieri, 6 for the number of cylinders.
It also featured independent front suspension, with oscillating trapeziums and coil springs. Rigid beams and leaf springs at the rear. Hydraulic brakes hidden behind 16″ disc wheels, unless you specified the optional spokes.
Intentionally produced for the Geneva Motor Show, the first model was completed in February 1947 by the Pininfarina coachbuilders. The mechanically operated retractable headlights inside the wings being a Pininfarina specialty.
Under the skin another innovation was that of the tubular chassis with circular cross section components which was an adoption of some of the most fashionable trends at the time.
But it wasn’t just the retractable headlights and chassis that would attract the attention of the Geneva show goers, the plexiglass sunroof was appealing as was a bonnet that could be raised from both sides, or even removed.
Complements were plentiful and the awards followed. This led to a quick decision to give the project the green light to go into production, with a few changes to the original prototype. More conventional headlights were fitted and were framed in chrome plating.
The Extra Lusso version had a new more modern grille and larger side windows.
The A6 remained in production until 1950, with only a cosmetic update in 1948. Pininfarina would make a few more changes to the bodywork, the embossed trim was removed from the front fenders and two rear seats were added into the cabin.
All early Maserati’s were produced in limited numbers, only 58 in the 4 year model life, the A6 1500 is a milestone in Maserati history.
This was the point the brand became established as a manufacturer of tailored, high quality road cars. The racing heritage was evident in the DNA.
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