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American Editor's Notes
by An American Contributor
While this issue is ostensibly a review of current Maserati activity in the US, circumstances have forced a divergence from the original concept. As my primary interest is in the racing cars, all of the material presented here is oriented toward them. I'm not apologizing by any means for the non-snub against Maserati road cars, but rather believe a separate issue should be devoted exclusively to these increasingly collectible machines.
This issue has been broken into several component areas:
1. A short review of Maserati sports racing activities and successes in the US.
2. A survey, by no means complete, of some of the racing cars existing in the US these days.
The Sportsracing Cars
Sports car racing in the US began in the mid-1930s based in the north-eastern part of the country, but was a low key operation during that period. It began to flourish following World War II with the formation of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and burgeoned immensely in the years that followed, though it has never come close to attaining the popularity of dirt track stock car racing. The American racegoer likes excitement in their racing and no other form can begin to compete with the dirt tracks in terms of thrilling and always competitive racing.
Getting back on the track (sic) the earliest known Maserati sports racer in the US is believed to be the A6GCS single cam roadster of Walter Von Schonfeld who ran it at several events including Sebring in 1952. There may have been a predecessor, but if there was, I can only plead my ignorance.
A number of second series A6GCS cars came here in the 1953-55 period acquitting themselves very well on the few road tracks then in use. During that period most American races were staged on airport courses where brute power and large displacement were of paramount importance. The availability of larger displacement sportsracing Maseratis such as the 300S and 450S coincided with an upsurge in true road racing courses being constructed such as Thompson, Watkins Glen, Elkhart Lake, Riverside, Virginia International Raceway, Lime Rock, etc, resulting in numerous wins for the marque and several national championships. However, Maseratis were always distinctly in the minority so far as the popularity department was concerned, as sales, service and promotion activities were largely ineffectual. There never was any really coordinated effort by the factory to push Maserati sales in the US, the job generally being left to the key dealers: Alfred Morno in the east, Carroll Shelby in the southwest and Joe Lubin in the far west.
The successes in the mid-1950s at the hands of Shelby, Jim Hall, Jack Hinkle, Bill Lloyd and others had largely faded away by 1959 due to the factory pullout from racing but an amazing resurgence occurred in that year when the Tipo 60/61 family was announced, as numerous US purchasers decided they would be perfect for our typical short and twisty courses. They were certainly proved correct as Birdcages won numerous races in 1960 and 61, as well as capturing national championships both years - Gus Andrey in 1960 and Roger Penske in 1961.
One of the last major American victories for Maserati came at Elkhart Lake in 1961 when Walt Flansgen won the 500 mile enduro in a Cunningharn owned Tipo 63. In the 1962 and later seasons Maserati activities gradually tapered off, though Birdcage and Detroit engined Maserati specials continued to appear well into the mid-1960s.
Preservation, restoration and vintage racing were slow to take hold in the US, and a considerable number of our Maseratis were exported to England in the 1967-71 period. The flow finally stopped when interest picked up here and the prices became equalized between the US and Europe.
The author is aware of approximately 60 racing Maseratis of all types currently existing in the US, but many are incomplete and/or unrestored. It is certain that others are here but their current whereabouts are unknown. Including the potential unknowns, it is likely that something of the order of 80 racers are here in the US, or roughly 40-50 per cent of all the racing Maseratis still extent.
A SURVEY OF MASERATI RACING CARS IN THE USA
The survey is organized in a regional form, discussing the cars by area of the country, as vintage activity here seems to be concentrated in distinct pockets.
New England
This area was the original breeding ground and heartland of Sports Car Club of America activities and is one of the current centres of vintage interest. A considerable number of racing Maseratis exist here these days, perhaps more than anywhere else in the USA.
Starting at the top, so to speak, there are several 200SIs in Maine. David Laeramle of Wiscasset owns No 2423, a very clean car he bought from its original owner in Florida several years ago. The car has the larger brakes typical of most 200SI production, but is equipped with the four speed transmission normally found on the 200S. His car was only raced on a few occasions in 1957-58 and then stored for many years.
Consequently, it's in a highly original state and in very good order throughout. At the time this is being written, the 200SI is up for sale and hopefully it will be purchased by someone who will actively compete in our vintage racing events.
Near Laemmle, in the town of Newcastle, is Capt Ralph Stevens, who has a 200SI and an OSCA. He may be familiar to many Trident readers who have seen pieces he had authored on these cars in the past few years. Ralph has restored his 200SI to perfection and it is a real beauty, though considered by some enthusiasts to be a bit over restored. However, our cars tend to reflect the tastes of their owner, I can certainly see nothing wrong in restoring a car to suit yourself.
A bit south of Maine in Lincoln, Massachusetts, is Phil Cade, a Maserati enthusiast for many years. His V8RI has been in his ownership for close to 30 years. The original engine was blown up in the early 1950s, forcing him to substitute a Chrysler V8 with four Winfield downdraft carburettors. He raced the V8R1 in this form on many occasions during the 1950s and early 1960s and has recently brought the old beast out of a long hibernation and run at several vintage events. It's always a pleasure to see the old fire breathing monster on the track. Phil also owns a 250F No 2524, brought to the US by Joakim Bonnier in 1959. He competed with it on several occasions before crashing at Watkins Glen in 1962 in an awesomely destructive mishap. The 250F remains in a very sad state but he vows to yet restore it.
Stored at Cade's is Jeff Kneilly's 8CTF No 3030, unfortunately with a broken engine, though the true extent of the damage is not known as it has never been disassembled. It certainly appears to be both very original and complete and Jeff has recently begun to make noises that he will shortly undertake the restoration. We hope he does, as it would be great to see it on the track once again.
Also in Massachusetts is the 450S No 4504 of Simeon Shortman acquired less engine and with a somewhat modified body. He is beginning the restoration and has secured a proper engine. This particular 450S was originally owned by Jim Kimberley, but never extensively raced by him.
Connecticut has numerous racing Maseratis scattered about the state. Barbara Weaver, George's widow, still retains his two Grand Prix cars. The V8R1 that George drove on so many occasions is still in good condition, but the ex-Parnell 4CLT with bronze blocks is very much apart and in need of a restoration.
Jack Dugan in Southport has an A6GCS No. 2077. The motor has been apart since he broke several valves at a 1969 racing event and we're hoping he'll soon get it screwed back together. This particular A6GCS is one of a number of this model re-bodied in the 1956-57 timeframe with 200S1 like front ends. It is similar to the Reuter machine pictured elsewhere in this issue. Residing just a few miles north of Jack in Newtown is Gordon Birrell, the proud owner of the ex-Sid Green A6GCS No. 2052 with engine No. 2053 currently installed. He has restored the car to first class condition and is a regular competitor at our vintage events. Contrary to Pritchard's statement in his new book, this car has most certainly not disappeared.
Ali Lugo in Brookfield owns and is attempting to restore a 200S1 believed to be No. 2033. The car is little more than a bare frame and body. He needs literally everything. Any members knowing of 200S1 parts that might be available are requested to contact the author who will pass on the information.
I will only pass over my Maserati collection rather lightly as several articles have been recently published about some of them and others are in the works. I would like to note that the 4CLT No. 1605 has, at last, been completely finished. The sequel to my earlier "Trident" article on the restoration project should be finished shortly. My 250F No. 2525 suffered a broken transaxle at Long Beach in March 1976 and still remains hors de combat. We expect to get it going again soon now that the new internal shafts have been made.
In this scribe's garage at the moment is a Tipo 61, in quite good original condition, belonging to another party who wishes to dispose of it. Being fully sated with four Birdcages in my own stable, I would be happy to pass on to the owner any inquiries regarding its purchase.
There are several Maseratis in Connecticut belonging to owners who, to quote one in particular, "do not wish to be known---. This is a real pity as the cars include an 8CM in excellent original condition, a 4CM, also quite original and equipped for road use with cycle fenders, lights, windshield and believe it or not, a folding top! A more ungainly looking top you'll never see. Also included in this category, and all belonging to another individual, are three of the rattiest cars in the world-an A6GCS and two 150Ss. Shocking does not even begin to describe their condition, after being left to rot outside for almost 15 years. Connecticut winters are not known for being kind to magnesium, and the owner steadfastly refuses to sell them, though at this stage they are probably unrestorable.
Mid Atlantic States
Maserati racing cars in this area seem to be congregated in New York for some unknown reason, with very few elsewhere.
Stan Nowak of Bronxville has a single cam A6GCS No 2014, one of the very few to come to the US. It was run at Sebring in 1952 by Walter VonSchonfeld and later acquired a Buick V8 engine (ugh! ). Stan has rectified the problem by installing an original engine. It is now for sale and I wish someone would buy it as I'm getting tired of seeing his adverts.
Jim McAllister in Port Jefrerson has three racing Maseratis in his large collection, an A6GCS, 150S and Tipo 60. The A6GCS No 2093 has been an active vintage participant in Jim's hands for some years, one of the few Maseratis to consistently appear at our US vintage events. His 150S No 1655 is an ex-Tony Parravano car brought of a long Mexican hibernation several years back. While a very original car, Jim is planning to undertake a full restoration. His Tipo, 60 No 2466 should be familiar to many English members as it is the ex-Bob Owen car. It has the distinction of being the winner of the 1974 Watkins Glen Vintage Race, the only Maserati, as yet, to win the event.
Bill Wonder of Glen Cove has the ex-Bill Spear 300S No 3053, the third place finisher at Sebring in 1955. Bill keeps the car in absolutely immaculate condition and the car is a beauty in every way. Near Bill is John Levitt who has a Tipo 61 No 2454, originally owned by Loyal Katskee. It now is fitted with a 2 litre engine and used only as an occasionally driven street car.
Dieter Holterbosch of Oyster Bay, who owns a magnificent collection of antique and classic automobiles, has a Tipo 61 and most of another. His Tipo 61 is No 2470, the ex-Lord Hesketh machine, and is currently in the restoration process.
Also in the New York City area and the property of Charlie Noble are an 8CLT and 8CM brought to the US from New Zealand some years ago. The cars are in dead storage and never run. For some reason, I can't seem to find my notes on their chassis numbers at this moment, but any member requiring this information should feel free to write to me.
Richard Dicker in Scarsdale has a 150S No 1657 originally owned by Briggs Cunningham and converted by him to 2 litre, and later raced by Bill Wonder. Dicker purchased the car after it had been bashed in a road accident, stripped out all the mechanicals and left it ever since to lay outside exposed to the elements. The reason he bought the car was a source of spare parts for his other Maserati, a 200SI No 2402, though you'd never tell that's what it is at first glance. More correctly it should be classified as a Maserati hot rod, now sporting a 3 litre Tipo 63 V12 engine and the most amazing cockpit full of gauges and gadgets ever stuffed into a car. It's absolutely mind boggling what he's done and must be the all-time winner of the electricians' nightmare award.
The MidWest
While an enormous area in terms of space, most Maserati activity is concentrated in the St. Louis and Chicago vicinities.
Wayne Golomb of Springfield, Illinois, has a 200SI No 2425 with the late type body style. It is in very nice condition and a regular competitor in our vintage events for several years, though not campaigned recently due to brake problems.
Dave Deuble of Glenview, near Chicago, has a 250F No 2529, a 1957 "Lightweight", brought to the US in 1959 by Camoradi. It is a very historic machine, having been driven by Fangio to several Grand Prix wins in 1957. The car is restored and can be seen on display at the Briggs Curmingharn Museum in Costa Mesa, California.
Ed Osborne Af Novelty, Ohio, owns a 300S No 3053, an ex-Parravano bolide, brought in from Mexico several years back in remarkably good, original condition.
At the Speedway Museum in Indianapolis is housed the 8CTF No 3032 that Wilbur Shaw won the 1939 and 1940 races with and lead in 1941 until crashing. The car has been beautifully restored, but I don't believe that it has actually been run in some years.
Moving to the St Louis area, Jack Reuter has an A6GCS No 2047, similar in shape to the DuGan car. He also owns, in partnership with Fred Leydorf of Detroit, a 250F recently purchased from Cameron Millar and still under restoration in England. John Fischer, also in St Louis, owns a A6GCS No 2062, now being restored at a shop near Los Angeles.
Though not strictly defined as being in the midwest, Jim Rogers of Nashville, Tennessee, has several desirable racing Maseratis including the ex-Costin bodied 450S 1957 Le Mans coupe. This car, originally built on chassis No 4501, now carries the number 4512 to match its later engine. This car has had a long history of expensive mechanical derangements and Jim gave it to Holman and Moody several years ago for a complete restoration that has just been completed. The 450S is very nicely done and Jim told me it will shortly be featured in an Automobile Quarterly article.
In addition he owns the A6GCS No 2039, the well known ex-Koster, Ludvigsen machine featured on several occasions by various magazines. Jim also has a Tipo 60 No 2462, re-engined in recent times as a Tipo 61 during its restoration.
The Mountain States
Most Maserati activity in this area seems to be concentrated on one person: Bob Sutherland of Denver. His collection includes an 8C, 4CM, 200SI, 250F and Tipo 64.
The 8C No 3001 is the car with which Campari won the 1933 French Grand Prix and is currently being restored by Peter Shaw. The 200SI is No 2419 and came to Bob from Salt Lake City, Utah, its original home. The 250F No 2508 is the ex-Moss owned car. It unfortunately suffered some damage when run at Long Beach this past March, but Alf Francis has undertaken the repairs, so it should be ready to go once again very soon. The Tipo 64 No 63-002 is one of Cunningharn's Tipo 63s that was converted by the factory to Tipo 64 specs. in 1962. It later acquired a Ford V8 and was purchased by Bob in rather derelict condition. Both the Tipo 64 and 200SI were beautifully restored for him by Mike Dopudja of Englewood, Colorado. The December 1976 issue of R & T features his Tipo 64 as part of their Birdcage salon.
The Far West
California was the scene of a great deal of racing Maserati activity in the old days and our favourite marque is enjoying a recent spurt of popularity there, once again.
Sid Colberg in San Francisco has several racing Maseratis, including a Tipo 61 No 2463 which has been painstakingly restored over the past three years. His first outing with it was a Laguna Seca in August 1976, but running revealed a cylinder sleeve alignment problem that hopefully will be quickly resolved. Sid's other car is an A6GCS No 2087, a long tailed car in quite good original and as yet unrestored condition.
In the same area is Steve Griswold who has a Tipo 61 No 2458 currently in restoration. As Steve is both a super restorer and excellent driver I fully expect him and the Tipo 61 to be top contenders for wins in future vintage racing events.
Also with a Birdcage in California is Chris Cord of Los Angeles. This car, chassis No 2465, has recently been re-restored for him by Steve Griswold and converted to a Tipo 61. Chris is a talented driver of long experience and in his first outing with the car at the just concluded Laguna Seca Vintage event, he very convincingly blew all his competitors into the weeds. This car is featured extensively in, a salon article in the December 1976 issue of "Road and Track".
Boris Subbotin has an A6GCS No 2089, one of the few very pretty Farina coupes ever built. I believe he is in the process of restoring the car, but am not up to date on his progress.
Dan Smith of Sherman Oaks has a 300S No 3077 less engine. I know he has been searching for an engine to install and possibly may have secured one by now.
Chuck Jones of Los Angeles has a 150S No 1675 but it is not yet restored, though it is relatively complete and well into restoration.
Paul Kyle has the remains of a V8RI No 4503. This was the car brought over for the Vanderbilt Cup in 1936 and sold to Dan Topping who fitted a two man body and ran it at Indianapolis. In later years the engine powered a dirt track car in Oregon. Many pieces are missing and it will be a tough car to restore.
The Harrah Museum in Reno, Nevada, has one racing Maserati on display, a 6C chassis No 1547 in very good but unrestored condition. I do not know the past history of this car very well but am told it was originally delivered to Dobson Austin in England.
In addition to Deuble's 250F, the Cunningham Museum in Costa Mesa contains a 4CS No 1124, and Brigg's Tipo 60 No 2468 in which he placed eighth at Le Mans in 1961.
This article first appeared in the Spring 1977 issue of Trident
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