Vehicle Description
Few machines captured the spirit of postwar sports car racing as
vividly as the Maserati 450S. Developed under the Tipo 54
designation and introduced for the 1957 World Sportscar
Championship, the 450S represented Maserati's most ambitious
attempt to challenge Ferrari, Jaguar, and Aston Martin on the
international stage. With its 4.5-liter V8 engine, cutting-edge
chassis, and Fantuzzi bodywork, the car possessed both the brawn
and beauty to make an indelible impact. Despite a brief and
turbulent competition career, its legend was sealed by its sheer
performance and the reputation of the drivers who raced it-Stirling
Moss, Carroll Shelby, and Juan Manuel Fangio among them.
This example is a finely executed recreation commissioned by a
dedicated enthusiast to evoke the experience of the original 450S
with remarkable fidelity and craftsmanship. The body and chassis
were constructed by The English Wheel Company of Argentina between
2017 and 2021, employing traditional coachbuilding techniques to
create a hand-formed aluminum body over a steel oval-tube
spaceframe. Upon arrival in the United States, the car was finished
with the installation of the drivetrain and related mechanical
systems, all completed to a high and consistent standard. Finished
in Rosso Indianapolis, it presents visual drama and proportions
true to the original Fantuzzi-bodied sports racer.
Power comes from a 4.9-liter Maserati quad-cam V8, fed by four
Weber 42 DCNF carburetors. Though not a direct match to the
original Tipo 54 engine, it offers authentic Maserati character and
robust performance. A Tremec five-speed manual gearbox transmits
power through an aluminum-case 3.31:1 differential, offering a
reliable and engaging driving experience. Suspension is handled by
an independent front setup with Houdaille lever-arm dampers and a
De Dion rear axle-components chosen to reflect the handling balance
and period-correct layout of the original.
Braking is provided by finned aluminum hydraulic drum brakes
actuated via Wilwood dual master cylinders. The car rides on
16-inch Borrani-style wire wheels wrapped in Dunlop Racing tires,
giving it a purposeful stance and period-appropriate appearance.
Additional features include a riveted aluminum fuel tank and oil
reservoir, electric cooling fans, and electronic ignition-all
thoughtfully integrated for enhanced reliability without
compromising the car's vintage character. A custom wood-rimmed
steering wheel replicates the original gifted to the builder's
father by Fangio himself, adding a poignant and personal link to
the car's inspiration.
Inside, the cockpit is pure motorsport theater. Aluminum bucket
seats trimmed in red leather are paired with a wraparound
plexiglass windscreen and a full suite of re-created Jaeger
instrumentation. Every detail has been executed to evoke the
atmosphere and tactile experience of the original 450S, from the
drilled pedals to the minimalist dashboard layout. The driving
position, control weights, and engine response all contribute to an
immersive experience that captures the visceral thrill of
mid-century endurance racing.
With imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, this 450S
evokes the spirit of Maserati's most formidable sports racer with
remarkable precision and craftsmanship. Every detail-from the
proportions and construction techniques to the sensation behind the
wheel-has been carefully considered to capture the essence of the
original. It is a tribute in the truest sense; built not merely to
resemble a 450S, but to feel like one.
For the enthusiast who dreams of the unmistakable sound of a
quad-cam Maserati V8, the visual drama of Fantuzzi coachwork, and
the thrill of piloting a true sports racer, this meticulously
crafted recreation offers a compelling opportunity. With its
thoughtful engineering, traditional craftsmanship, and deeply
personal story, it stands as a remarkable homage to one of the most
charismatic machines of its era.
Offers welcome, trades considered.
