1958 Maserati 450 S – Exterior and Interior – Auto Zürich Classic Car Show 2021

In 1958, Maserati fielded one of the most powerful front-engined sports racing cars of its era. The Maserati 450 S combined a 4.5-liter V8 with lightweight racing construction to compete at the highest level of endurance motorsport. It represented the final chapter of Maserati’s large-displacement sports prototypes of the 1950s.

Technical Details:

The 1958 Maserati 450 S was powered by a front-mounted 4,471 cc V8 engine. Designed under the direction of Vittorio Bellentani and derived from Maserati’s earlier racing developments, the engine featured dual overhead camshafts per bank and four Weber carburetors. Output was approximately 400 horsepower at around 7,200 rpm, making it one of the most powerful sports racing engines of its time.

Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. The drivetrain followed a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The chassis consisted of a tubular steel frame, clothed in lightweight aluminum bodywork produced by Carrozzeria Fantuzzi.

Independent front suspension with wishbones and coil springs was paired with a De Dion rear axle setup, contributing to improved handling stability compared with a conventional live axle. Large drum brakes were fitted at all four corners. The 450 S was capable of speeds exceeding 300 km/h on long straights, depending on gearing and aerodynamic configuration.

• Manufacturer: Maserati
• Model Name: Maserati 450 S
• Year of Manufacturing: 1956–1958

Design:

The Maserati 450 S featured classic mid-1950s sports prototype proportions: a long hood housing the large V8, a low wraparound windshield, and an open two-seat cockpit. The aluminum body was shaped for aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining access to mechanical components for endurance racing service.

The front end typically displayed an oval grille opening with prominent air intakes for cooling. The muscular front fenders and exposed wheels emphasized its competition purpose. The rear section was compact and tapered, with minimal overhang.

Inside, the cockpit was functional and sparse. Lightweight bucket seats, a large steering wheel, and essential instrumentation defined the interior. There was no concession to comfort; the car was designed exclusively for competition.

Historical Significance:

The Maserati 450 S was developed to compete in the World Sportscar Championship against rivals such as Ferrari and Jaguar. It represented Maserati’s most ambitious attempt to dominate the large-displacement sports racing category.

In the 1957 and 1958 seasons, the 450 S was driven by leading drivers including Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss. The car achieved notable successes, including victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1957. However, its immense power also made it demanding to drive, and reliability challenges occasionally affected performance.

By 1958, changes in regulations and Maserati’s financial pressures led the company to withdraw from factory-backed sports car racing. The 450 S therefore stands as the final major front-engined sports prototype produced by Maserati during its 1950s racing era.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The 450 S earned a reputation for raw performance and challenging handling. Its large V8 engine delivered formidable acceleration, but managing that power required considerable skill.

With only a small number of chassis built, the 450 S remains a rare and highly regarded competition car. Surviving examples frequently appear in historic racing events and concours exhibitions.

Although overshadowed in popular memory by some Ferrari and Jaguar contemporaries, the Maserati 450 S remains a defining symbol of Maserati’s late-1950s racing ambitions.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Auto Zürich Classic Car Show in 2021. As part of the broader Auto Zürich Car Show, the Classic section has grown into a key attraction for lovers of historic vehicles in Switzerland. In 2021, the event took place at Messe Zürich and featured a dedicated hall showcasing a curated selection of vintage automobiles, spanning from pre-war icons to youngtimers. The atmosphere combined elegance with accessibility, allowing visitors to admire rare collector cars alongside enthusiast vehicles. Special displays highlighted Swiss automotive heritage and featured club presentations and dealer exhibits.

Conclusion:

The 1958 Maserati 450 S represents the culmination of Maserati’s front-engined sports racing development. Equipped with a 4.5-liter V8 producing around 400 horsepower, mounted in a lightweight tubular chassis with aluminum bodywork, it delivered exceptional performance for its era. Its competition history, including major international races, underscores its significance. As one of the final expressions of Maserati’s 1950s factory racing efforts, the 450 S remains a landmark in sports car racing history.