For Sale: 1956 Maserati 450S in Saint Louis, Missouri

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.