1931 Maserati Tipo V4

This 16 Cylinder Maserati was built by mounting two Tip 26B inline 8 cylinder engines in a common crankcase with two crankshafts geared together. The result was a power output of around 280 to 305 horsepower from 4.0 liters. The Tipo frame was stretched to a wheelbase of 2.75 meters and the car mounted on 19 inch wheels. The car was a monster to drive, with a claimed speed of 155 to 161 mph and consumed fuel at the rate of 5.45 mpg. It also had a healthy appetite for tires as well.

Before retiring in the second heat of the Monza Grand Prix, Alfieri Maserati drove the V4 to a lap speed of 124.2 mph a record that stood until 1954. Baconin Borzacchini set a Class F world record at an average speed of 153.79 mph for over 10 kilometers. Driven by Borzacchini, the Maserati V4 won the Tripoli GP in 1930 and Luigi Fagioli took the Rome GP in 1931.

Taken at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

You may purchase a print in our dElegance 2014 online gallery.