This is a
Maserati 3500 GT. Built in 1962 it used a DOHC inline (or straight as the Italians say)
Six. It put out a respectable 235 hp at the rear wheels and attained a top speed of 146
mph. Many Italian car makers used different Carrozzerias, or coach builders to
create the bodies. The convertible pictured here was styled by Vignale.
This is a 1978
Maserati Merak SS on a race track. At the time of build, Maserati was owned by the French
firm Citroen and as such, used a hydraulic system for braking, steering and interior
seating adjustments. The engine however was all Maserati. It was available in three forms,
a 3.0 litre DOHC V-6 producing 190 hp, a 3.0 litre DOHC V-6 producing 220 hp (the SS
version) and a 2.0 litre DOHC V-6 for the Italian market (to avoid extra taxes) that made
160 hp.
A modern
Maserati. A 1992 Maserati Shamal doing what it does best, steering by throttle. Many of
Maserati's famous cars were named after impetuous winds that storm across various
continents. The engine for this beast is totally modern. A 3.2 litre DOHC twin turbo and
intercooled all aluminum V-8. That's a mouthful to say in one breath! Max hp of 326
achieved at 6000 rpms and as evidenced from the picture, the driver seems to have hit that
spot. Lucky him. Six speed gearbox and a top speed of 170 mph makes this a worthy addition
to any garage.
Decisions
decisions. Do I opt for the 600 hp All Wheel Drive quad (yes, that's four) turbo 3.5 litre
V-12 of the Bugatti or do I go for the 3.0 litre twin turbocharged V-8 of the Ferrari,
which 'only' puts out 478 hp? Top speed on both of these cars is in excess of 200 mph.
Well, at the current rate of saving, I'll be 282 years old when I have enough money for
the Bugatti. On the other hand, I'll only be 184 when I have the cash for the Ferrari. I'd
better get started.
Ahh the
Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B. Built in 1935 it sported a 3.0 Litre DOHC twin supercharged V-8. With
a modest compression of 6.5 to 1, it developed 220 hp. It came with a rear mounted four
speed transmission, hydraulic brakes and independent rear suspension. Very advanced stuff
for the time. Alfa Romeo was heavily into racing during this period and a coupe version
was raced with good success.
This is a
Maserati 3500 GT. Built in 1962 it used a DOHC inline (or straight as the Italians say)
Six. It put out a respectable 235 hp at the rear wheels and attained a top speed of 146
mph. Many Italian car makers used different Carrozzerias, or coach builders to
create the bodies. The convertible pictured here was styled by Vignale.
This is a 1978
Maserati Merak SS on a race track. At the time of build, Maserati was owned by the French
firm Citroen and as such, used a hydraulic system for braking, steering and interior
seating adjustments. The engine however was all Maserati. It was available in three forms,
a 3.0 litre DOHC V-6 producing 190 hp, a 3.0 litre DOHC V-6 producing 220 hp (the SS
version) and a 2.0 litre DOHC V-6 for the Italian market (to avoid extra taxes) that made
160 hp. 
A modern
Maserati. A 1992 Maserati Shamal doing what it does best, steering by throttle. Many of
Maserati's famous cars were named after impetuous winds that storm across various
continents. The engine for this beast is totally modern. A 3.2 litre DOHC twin turbo and
intercooled all aluminum V-8. That's a mouthful to say in one breath! Max hp of 326
achieved at 6000 rpms and as evidenced from the picture, the driver seems to have hit that
spot. Lucky him. Six speed gearbox and a top speed of 170 mph makes this a worthy addition
to any garage.
Decisions
decisions. Do I opt for the 600 hp All Wheel Drive quad (yes, that's four) turbo 3.5 litre
V-12 of the Bugatti or do I go for the 3.0 litre twin turbocharged V-8 of the Ferrari,
which 'only' puts out 478 hp? Top speed on both of these cars is in excess of 200 mph.
Well, at the current rate of saving, I'll be 282 years old when I have enough money for
the Bugatti. On the other hand, I'll only be 184 when I have the cash for the Ferrari. I'd
better get started.
Ahh the
Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B. Built in 1935 it sported a 3.0 Litre DOHC twin supercharged V-8. With
a modest compression of 6.5 to 1, it developed 220 hp. It came with a rear mounted four
speed transmission, hydraulic brakes and independent rear suspension. Very advanced stuff
for the time. Alfa Romeo was heavily into racing during this period and a coupe version
was raced with good success.