Maserati 5000 GT Monterosa

Vehicle Overview

The Maserati 5000 GT Monterosa stands as a beacon of automotive excellence, a rare gem in the annals of automotive history. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and boasting unrivaled performance, this masterpiece of engineering represents the pinnacle of luxury and speed. Carrozzeria Monterosa, renowned for their impeccable craftsmanship, lent their artistry to only two of these illustrious machines. Among them, a striking red beauty with the chassis number #103.006, originally sold by former F1 racing driver Perdisa in the year 1960 to German businessman Rolf Helm .The car is understood to have been supplied by the Maserati main dealer for Bologna, Cesare Perdisa, who had been employed to race for the factory during 1955 and ‘56. Chassis 006 was numerically the third of the 34 5000 GTs built by Maserati between 1959 and ‘64. Unlike the first pair which ran 4935cc 340bhp engines with four enormous Weber 45 IDM carburettors and the complex 450 S-derived gear-driven overhead camshaft system, 006 and all subsequent examples were fitted with 4941cc 325bhp engines that incorporated Lucas fuel-injection and quieter, simpler, chain driven overhead camshafts. Rolf Helm reputedly experienced many problems with the engine in 006 and ultimately insisted it be rebuilt at the factory in the presence of his personal mechanic. During this early period of the car’s life it was tested at the Modena Autodrome, Monza and the Nurburgring. Another, bearing the chassis number #103.012, found its home with Filippo Montanari’ in 1961. These cars, each a testament to the era’s pursuit of automotive perfection, embody the spirit of speed and sophistication. At its heart lies a potent V8 engine, a direct descendant of the legendary powerplant that propelled Juan Manuel Fangio and Jean Behra to victory at the 1957 Sebring 12 Hours race in the fearsome 450S racing car. Chief engineer Giulio Alfieri spared no expense in sourcing the finest components, ensuring that the 5000 GT stood as a paragon of performance. Built upon the chassis of the 3500GT, every aspect was reinforced and modified to accommodate the sheer power of the drivetrain. The engineering prowess extended to the braking system, which boasted servo-assisted four-disc brakes, a cutting-edge feature at the time. Such innovations ensured that the 5000 GT delivered unprecedented performance, setting new standards for road-going vehicles of its era. Production of this automotive marvel spanned from 1959 to 1965, yielding a mere 34 units. Each car bore the distinctive mark of its coachbuilder, with renowned names such as Touring, Pinin Farina, and of course, Monterosa, contributing to its timeless allure. From the sleek lines crafted by Bertone to the elegant curves sculpted by Ghia, every iteration of the 5000 GT stood as a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of its creators. Today, the Maserati 5000 GT Monterosa stands as a rare and coveted collector’s item, a symbol of an era where automotive excellence knew no bounds. With its blend of performance, luxury, and timeless style, it remains a true icon of motoring history.