Maserati 5000GT Coupe, 1962
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Chassis No.: AM103.028
Engine No.: Unnumbered block (see text)
Estimate: US$600,000 - US$700,000 USD
- 4,941cc DOHC V8 Engine
- Lucas Mechanical Fuel Injection
- 325bhp at 3,600rpm
- 5-Speed ZF Manual Transmission
- Independent Front and Live Axle with Semi-Elliptical Rear Suspension
- 4-Wheel Girling Disc Brakes
- Landmark luxury Maserati touring car
- One of just 32 ever built for an exclusive clientele
- Gorgeous coachwork by Allemano
- Mighty race-bred four-cam V8 engine
- Desirable Series II specification
- Delivered new to Monte Carlo for Ricardo di Portanova
- Freshly restored in a stunning black over red livery
- Previously in long term private ownership
The 4.5-liter V-8 was increased to 4,935cc and it was detuned for greater tractability and reliability-especially after plug fouling problems reported by the Shah. Initial examples were carbureted, although Lucas mechanical injection was introduced later. The engine was mounted in unit with a ZF four-speed manual transmission sending drive aft to the live rear axle. The chassis was based on that of the six-cylinder 3500GT and used an independent front suspension consisting of coil springs, tubular shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar. The live rear axle was suspended by leaf springs, aided by tubular shocks and a second anti-roll bar. The combination of front disc brakes and large rear drums gave way to discs all around on the series II versions of the big GT.
With the Shah effectively underwriting development costs of this new model (he paid $15,000 for his) Maserati proceeded with limited production and further development. Additional coachwork came from Monterosa, Bertone, Pinin Farina, Ghia, Frua, Michelotti and Allemano, while Vignale is said to have built one open car. The most prolific of the 5000GT coachbuilders was certainly Allemano, which is thought to have built as many as 20 of the 32 examples.
THE CAR OFFERED
On January 20, 1962, Maserati 5000GT 103.028 was completed and two months later it was shipped to Immobilaire Monte Carlo for delivery to Italian nobleman Ricardo di Portanova. Its coupe body was crafted by the tiny Turin firm of Allemano, which finished it in black over black leather upholstery – and it undoubtedly made a statement on the Cote d'Azur. As a Series II model, it benefits from the 5-speed gearbox, Lucas mechanical fuel-injection and four-wheel disc brakes.
Two years later the coupe passed to a M. Sirotta of Vignola, also in Italy, before returning to the factory later that year. In the spring of 1964, the Maserati was advertised for sale by Auto Becker of Dusseldorf, when its mileage is recorded as being 15,000 kms, adverts continued through that fall.
At this point ownerships are not traced until the car surfaced in the ownership of James Brackley of Houston, Texas, who placed the car for sale in need of refurbishment in July 1985. Remaining in the USA, by 1991, the car was in Ohio with its next owner, Rocky Piscazzi, and had still not been restored.
At that point, either before or once in the ownership of Jerry Wood and back in Texas, after being stored away for some years, a restoration finally took place. Notes from that time state that the body was stripped to bare metal and refinished in its original black hue, while the chassis and undercarriage were carefully cleaned and painted. The engine was removed and found to be very healthy and strong. Meanwhile, the ZF transmission was inspected, and the drivetrain was reunited with a rebuilt clutch assembly. Upon reassembly, the engine was carefully detailed and tuned.
In 2004, Bonhams|Cars presented the 5000GT for sale, and the previous owner acquired the car then, joining a wide-ranging group of cars where it has been on static display. During the ensuing years, the restoration aged considerably, and the car required further freshening when it emerged from the collection in 2023 and was again sold by Bonhams|Cars. Thankfully, the consignor treated this very special Maserati to the care it deserved. It has been sympathetically refurbished and now presents in marvelous condition, ideal for concours events or for storming across the landscape on any number of high-speed rallies.
It should also be noted that while generally stated throughout its history file as having its matched numbers engine, this number has not been found on the unit in the car.
Any Maserati 5000GT is a powerful and magnificent automobile designed for heads of state and captains of industry, with this subtle and sophisticated color scheme, this gorgeous Allemano-bodied example.
