Maserati Tipo 151 Drogo

Vehicle Overview

The Maserati Tipo 151, conceived by Giulio Alfieri in 1962 specifically for the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, was a high-performance racing car that embodied both speed and innovation. Developed in a limited production of just three examples, each equipped with a distinctive Drogo body, this model marked Maserati’s ambitious foray into endurance racing. Two of the Tipo 151 cars were allocated to Briggs Cunningham’s renowned American racing team—chassis 004 and 006—while the third, chassis 002, was entrusted to Colonel Johnny Simone’s Maserati France team. At the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans, the cars showed their potential during qualifying, with Cunningham’s entries securing 3rd (006) and 5th (004) positions on the grid, while Simone’s car started from 7th place, driven by Maurice Trintignant and Lucien Bianchi. Despite their promising start, the race itself proved challenging, culminating in disappointment as all three cars were forced to retire prematurely. Nevertheless, the potential and capabilities of the Tipo 151 were evident, prompting further development and refinements for future competitions. Following the setbacks at Le Mans, Colonel Simone took proactive measures to enhance the performance of chassis 002 for the 1963 season. This involved significant upgrades, including enlarging the engine displacement to 4941cc, replacing the Weber carburetors with more efficient Lucas fuel injection which boosted power output by 70 bhp, and optimizing weight distribution and suspension settings. These modifications were aimed at improving reliability and overall competitiveness, reflecting Maserati’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries in pursuit of racing success. While the Tipo 151’s racing career was brief and challenging, its legacy endures as a testament to Maserati’s engineering prowess and determination in the competitive world of endurance racing during the early 1960s.

Photo courtesy of Jarrah Venables