Maserati 5000 GT Frua

Vehicle Overview

The Maserati 5000 GT Frua is one of the most iconic and rare variants of the legendary Maserati 5000 GT series, a model that owes its existence to a special request from the Shah of Persia in 1959. As an avid Maserati enthusiast, the Shah sought a road-going sports car powered by the 5-litre engine from Maserati’s racing program. Maserati responded by mounting this powerful engine into a modified 3500 GT chassis, creating what would come to be known as the Maserati 5000 GT “Shah of Persia.” This car marked the beginning of a limited production of custom-made 5000 GTs, each crafted to meet the unique preferences of some of the wealthiest and most influential figures of the era, including the Aga Khan, Giovanni Agnelli, and Briggs Cunningham. While all the Maserati 5000 GTs were based on the same platform, each car was distinctive, with custom coachwork that ranged from subtle alterations to significant design differences, making every vehicle a unique work of automotive art. The Maserati 5000 GT Frua variant is particularly notable for its elegant and stylish design by Carrozzeria Frua. Frua’s interpretation of the 5000 GT combined luxury and performance in a refined and understated manner. While the design was in some ways more restrained compared to the more flamboyant interpretations by other coachbuilders like Pinin Farina or Bertone, the Frua-bodied 5000 GT was no less impressive. The graceful lines, balanced proportions, and attention to detail epitomized high-end automotive craftsmanship. Only 34 units of the Maserati 5000 GT were produced between 1959 and 1965, with only a few of those sporting the Frua coachwork. These rare cars have become highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, representing a moment in automotive history where performance, luxury, and craftsmanship converged. The 5000 GT Frua, like all of its variants, stands as a testament to Maserati’s ability to blend engineering excellence with exquisite design, making it a cherished part of automotive heritage.