Maserati – A6G/54 (1956)

In its sleek, extended form, this Maserati A6G / 54 bodied by Zagato is not prone to self-doubt. Not only is this conveyance mind-blowingly beautiful, it is also uncompromisingly lightweight and speedy. The A6 model manufactured from 1947 onwards forms the platform, but it benefits from many of the attributes of the sports-racer A6GCS version. These included the brakes, the steering and parts of the chassis, but most importantly its engine.

This traced its roots back to an aluminium racing engine with two overhead camshafts by Gioacchino Colombo, which the Maserati engineer Vittorio Bellentani had somewhat domesticated for service on public roads. The A6G / 54 offered sufficient potential to challenge Ferrari seriously in hillclimbs and endurance trials. Maserati succeeded in selling around 60 vehicles, and alongside Allemano and Frua, Zagato also had the privilege of tailoring lightweight aluminium bodies to clothe the tubular frame – the chronicles report on 21 units. This particular example is the last to be delivered by Zagato. Its history is wonderfully documented, including a barter transaction that reinstated the original engine which had been lost at an earlier stage. An in-depth restoration was brought to a conclusion in 2014.