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The Maserati 5000 GT is one of the most important cars in Maserati’s history. A rule change forced Maserati to abandon its 450S racing program and left them with a room full of 450 engines. About that same time the Shah of Iran contracted Maserati to build him a car with unique bodywork based on a 3500GT chassis with a 450 engine. The commission turned into a series of 34 or so coachbuilt specials internally know as AM103 and marketed as a Maserati 5000 GT.
The 5000 GT is literally a car of royalty. Purchasers of 5000 GT’s include a King of Saudi Arabia, the Shah of Iran, an Italian Count, and three princes including the Aga Kahn. The non royal owners include a President of Mexico, Briggs Cunningham, and a host of major industrialists.
All 5000 GT’s were coachbuilt and no two were exactly alike. AM103.100 is the third of three built by the coachbuilder Frua. It was ordered new by Herr Engelhardt, a renowned German architect. Herr Engelhardt designed several buildings for the Aga Kahn and was so impressed by his 5000 GT that he ordered one for himself. Engelhardt’s 5000 was the last one built. It has many special features including brown suede upholstery and gold interior trim.
The car has had a mechanical restoration and an older cosmetic
restoration.
There are collectable cars and there are important cars. If you have a collectable car, you apply to the best events and hope you get selected. If you have an important car you get asked to consider attending the event. This 5000 GT is an important car and if you are willing to bring it up to show condition it will open the door to a world of exciting experiences.
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STOCK/INV. NUMBER:
AM103.100
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