Maserati 5000 GT Frua

Vehicle Overview

The Maserati 5000 GT Frua was produced in three distinct chassis, each with its own unique history. The first of these, AM 103.048, was delivered on June 18, 1962, to Colonel John H. Simone, a Maserati dealer in Paris. This particular car was originally finished in a striking gold metallic exterior with a brown suede interior. It was later repainted in a deep ruby red metallic color with a beige interior. Colonel Simone, who was a Maserati racing team owner, used the car for trips between Modena and Le Mans. Interestingly, Prince Karim Aga Khan, who later purchased another 5000 GT, also drove this vehicle. The car was later exhibited at the 49th Paris Auto Salon in October 1962 and eventually passed through several hands, including Maserati S.p.A. and Antonio Alécce, president of the Istituto Farmacoterapico Italiano in Rome. By the late 1960s, it found its way to Saudi Arabia, before being seized by Egyptian authorities in 1967 due to import duties. The car would later resurface in multiple auctions, achieving significant prices in the world of classic cars, including a notable sale in 2000 for £222,000. After extensive restoration work, including a repaint to its original ruby red metallic, it participated in prestigious events like the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, where it earned multiple awards.

The second chassis, AM 103.060, was delivered to Aga Khan VI on August 2, 1962. This car was initially painted in a twilight blue (Penombra) with a light beige leather interior. It was designed with several unique features, including a custom radiator grille and rear tail-lights from the Jaguar Mk II. The car’s history is somewhat shrouded in mystery, as it is rumored to have briefly passed through the ownership of actress Rita Hayworth. It was later sold to various owners, including Tom Price in San Francisco, before undergoing a significant restoration and repainting in aubergine blue metallic. The car became a prominent figure in numerous concours events, winning awards at Pebble Beach and the Concorso Italiano. It was finally offered for sale again in 2022 by Kidston S.A., Geneva, and displayed alongside AM 103.048 at various high-profile car events.

The final chassis, AM 103.100, was completed in 1966 and was unique due to the lack of available 5.0-liter V8 engines, leading to the installation of a 4.7-liter V8 from the Maserati Mexico. This car was originally ordered by Dr. Engelhardt, an architect based in Hannover, Germany. The vehicle was finished in a rich brown metallic with a beige suede interior. It was among the last of the Maserati 5000 GT models, and its delivery was delayed due to production issues. Nonetheless, AM 103.100 made its way into the hands of Engelhardt and was eventually sold to other collectors. Notably, it featured a 320 horsepower engine, which was an upgrade from the standard configuration, and was recognized for its exceptional craftsmanship and performance. Each of these cars represents the culmination of Pietro Frua’s work on the Maserati 5000 GT, showcasing his skill in blending elegance with high-performance engineering. These chassis went on to become some of the most coveted models among collectors of rare, vintage cars, cementing their place in Maserati’s storied history.