For Sale: 1950 Maserati A6/1500 in Saint Louis, Missouri

Emerging from the ruins of war-torn Italy, Maserati's transformation in the late 1940s stands as one of the most remarkable rebirths in motoring history. Long renowned for their prewar Grand Prix cars, the Maserati brothers-Bindo, Ernesto, and Ettore-remained at the company after its 1937 acquisition by industrialist Adolfo Orsi, continuing to lend their technical mastery to a new vision. Under Orsi's leadership, Maserati evolved from a competition-focused constructor into a marque capable of producing refined road cars for the discerning enthusiast. The foundation of this new era was laid in 1942 with the development of a sophisticated six-cylinder engine-an all-new design that would power Maserati's first production automobile, the A6 1500.
The A6 1500 made its public debut at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show, signaling Maserati's transition from the racetrack to the open road. Beneath its elegant aluminum skin lay the company's racing pedigree: a 1,488 cc inline six-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft, magnesium oil sump, and aluminum block. Chassis engineering reflected the same competition-inspired ethos, with an independent front suspension, tubular frame, and a finely tuned balance that made the car a joy on both autostrada and mountain pass. Pinin Farina clothed the A6 in a sleek, aerodynamic coupe body that blended early postwar restraint with unmistakable Italian grace-a shape that would influence the design of future Maseratis for years to come.
Production of the A6 1500 spanned just three years, ending in 1950 with a mere sixty-one examples completed. Each car was essentially hand-built, with Pinin Farina's subtle variations lending every A6 its own personality. Despite its modest power output of around 65 horsepower in single-carburetor form, the car's lightweight construction-just 950 kilograms-allowed for spirited performance. In competition, the A6 1500 proved its mettle, scoring an impressive second in class at the 1952 Coppa Inter-Europa and cementing its reputation as both a refined grand tourer and a capable sporting machine.
The beautiful example offered here is one of the final ten A6 1500s produced, chassis number 0101, delivered as a rolling chassis to Carrozzeria Pinin Farina in March 1950 for completion. Upon its return to Maserati later that summer, it was sold through the marque's Rome distributor, Gugliemo Dei, to its first owner, Mr. Catullo del Monte. Detailed factory records note that del Monte's Maserati was equipped with Pirelli Corsa tires, a single Weber 36DCR carburetor, Maserati spark plugs, and a full tool kit-a testament to the meticulous documentation even in Maserati's formative years. In 1952, the A6 was acquired by an American expatriate, Edwin Henry Morris, who later imported it to the United States.
Since arriving stateside, the A6 spent time in California and benefited from a comprehensive restoration by the late Claudio Zampolli-renowned Maserati expert and founder of the Cizeta supercar. His attention to detail ensured the car retained its authentic character while elevating
its presentation to a concours-worthy level. Subsequently, the car passed through the hands of a Japanese enthusiast, who demonstrated its touring prowess during the 2011 Mille Miglia Storica.
The A6 1500 returned to the United States in 2014, joining an East Coast collection, before being acquired by its current owner. In their care, the Maserati continued to be exercised as intended, completing the 2016 Mille Miglia and participating in other esteemed touring events including the Colorado Grand and Copperstate 1000 as exhibited by its spirited sticker livery of events it has driven, easily removeable for the next caretaker if they please. It was also shown at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance and earned a Best-in-Class award at the 2023 Chattanooga Concours d'Elegance-a reflection of its enduring appeal and quality restoration.
Presented today in rich red paintwork over bloodred upholstery, the A6 exudes timeless Italian sophistication. The restoration, now gently mellowed, speaks to the car's dual character: elegant enough for concours display, yet prepared for spirited touring. Under the hood, the car retains its original numbers-matching inline six-cylinder engine, currently fitted with the desirable triple-Weber carburetor setup and a modern BMW five-speed gearbox in lieu of the standard non-synchronized five-speed-both enhancements that improve drivability and performance. Also accompanying the sale is the original gearbox and single-carburetor arrangement, ensuring the car can be both enjoyed as-is or returned to factory specification.
The A6 is FIVA registered, carrying both its FIVA Identity Card and Registro 1000 Miglia certification, offering its next owner an open invitation to the world's most prestigious historic motoring events. Its history, from Rome to Modena, from the California coast to the Mille Miglia, mirrors the cosmopolitan spirit of postwar Italy and the grand touring ethos Maserati helped to define.
More than just Maserati's first production car, the A6 1500 represents a turning point for the marque, a moment where its racing bloodline was blended with refined elegance. For the enthusiast who values artistry, heritage, and the sheer joy of the open road, this beautiful and event-proven A6 1500 embodies the essence of the golden age of Italian motoring.


Offers welcome and trades considered.