Maserati Barchetta
Encyclopedia
The Maserati Barchetta was a mid-engined, two-door, two-seat sports car
, like the 350
and 450S
, that was designed by Carlo Gaino of the "Synthesis Design", an Italian design house.
Fifteen examples of the racing model were produced at De Tomaso
's factory in Modena
, plus two prototypes (one racing-corsa, one street-stradale). It featured a mid-engine V6 AM501 Maserati biturbo engine 1996cc (red intake manifold for the Corsa) an evolution of the AM490 (black intake manifold used for the Stradale), a central frame holding an integral fuel tank and a very light glass fiber/carbon fiber spyder body, accelerating the car to about 180 mph (289.7 km/h). The development of a road version was stopped at a late stage. However, today some racing cars hold a road title in Europe, after minor modifications to allow road compatibility.
The racing series Grantrofeo Barchetta was held 1992 and 1993. It has featured sixteen races total, most of them in Italy.
The central-frame concept was survived on the De Tomaso Guarà
, but the frame was around 13 cm (5.1 in) longer because it was engined by a longer V8.
This was thought as a way to inject much needed excitement and enthusiasm for the carmake whose reputation had been badly ruined by years of producing exciting but maintenance sensitive products, eventually culminating in Maserati's withdrawal from the North American
market at this time.
It is also true that the amount of delicate maintenance necessary to take care of these high output small engines was not compatible with the auto repair industry in several territories.
This model has become a collector item valued at several time its introduction price.
Sports car
A sports car is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for high speed driving and maneuverability....
, like the 350
Maserati 350S
Maserati 350S were three racing cars made by Maserati of Italy, built by Giulio Alfieri, aluminum body design by Medardo Fantuzzi, both Maserati engineers....
and 450S
Maserati 450S
Maserati 450S were nine racing cars made by Maserati of Italy, and used in FIA's endurance World Sportscar Championship racing....
, that was designed by Carlo Gaino of the "Synthesis Design", an Italian design house.
Fifteen examples of the racing model were produced at De Tomaso
De Tomaso
De Tomaso Automobili SpA is an Italian car-manufacturing company. It was founded by the Argentine-born Alejandro de Tomaso in Modena in 1959. It originally produced various prototypes and racing cars, including a Formula One car for Frank Williams' team in 1970. The company developed a reputation...
's factory in Modena
Modena
Modena is a city and comune on the south side of the Po Valley, in the Province of Modena in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy....
, plus two prototypes (one racing-corsa, one street-stradale). It featured a mid-engine V6 AM501 Maserati biturbo engine 1996cc (red intake manifold for the Corsa) an evolution of the AM490 (black intake manifold used for the Stradale), a central frame holding an integral fuel tank and a very light glass fiber/carbon fiber spyder body, accelerating the car to about 180 mph (289.7 km/h). The development of a road version was stopped at a late stage. However, today some racing cars hold a road title in Europe, after minor modifications to allow road compatibility.
The racing series Grantrofeo Barchetta was held 1992 and 1993. It has featured sixteen races total, most of them in Italy.
The central-frame concept was survived on the De Tomaso Guarà
De Tomaso Guarà
The De Tomaso Guarà is a sports car and the last project of the founder and owner Alejandro de Tomaso put into the market. Presented at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show, the Guarà was available as a coupe and open barchetta...
, but the frame was around 13 cm (5.1 in) longer because it was engined by a longer V8.
This was thought as a way to inject much needed excitement and enthusiasm for the carmake whose reputation had been badly ruined by years of producing exciting but maintenance sensitive products, eventually culminating in Maserati's withdrawal from the North American
North American
North American generally refers to an entity, people, group, or attribute of North America, especially of the United States and Canada together.-Culture:*North American English, a collective term used to describe American English and Canadian English...
market at this time.
It is also true that the amount of delicate maintenance necessary to take care of these high output small engines was not compatible with the auto repair industry in several territories.
This model has become a collector item valued at several time its introduction price.
