This superb 1956 Maserati 450S Prototype by Carrozzeria Fantuzzi is the exact racecar that Stirling Moss drove in the 1956 MilleMiglia, with Dennis Jenkinson alongside him. A works entry at the event, the Maserati 450S was restored with factory consultation in 1987 and is authenticated by correspondence from the carmaker.
Originally built as a six-cylinder 350S and assigned chassis number 3501, this particular car was hastily prepared for the 1956 Mille Miglia, with Stirling Moss behind the wheel and Dennis Jenkinson as navigator. Just outside of Rome, the 3501’s brakes gave out and the Maserati went off the road, suffering considerable damage. Moss and Jenkinson walked away unharmed.
After the accident, the car became a test-bed prototype for the 450S program, with the wheelbase extended to accommodate the new V8 powerplant. A new body was fitted to the car by Fantuzzi, which featured a bulbous new bonnet and monoposto coachwork.
After participating at the 1956 Swedish GP, the car collected dust in the factory’s garage and was sold by Maserati without an engine in 1965. One of the subsequent owners installed a Corvette V8 engine and imported it to the U.S. However, in 1981 a discerning Italian collector discovered the car, acquired it and re-imported it to Italy, where it was restored to its 450S configuration.
This meant that the foreign Corvette engine was replaced by a 5,657-cc Maserati V8 with four Weber 45 IDM carburettors producing 520hp. The car features independent front suspension with double wishbones and coil-springs, reinforced de Dion rear suspension with Houdailles and telescopic shock absorbers, and four-wheel drum brakes.
The car will be auctioned on May 10 in Monaco at an RM Auctions event and it is estimated to fetch anywhere between €4 million ($5.5 million) and €5.5 million ($7.58 million).
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
