This 1931 Maserati Tipo V4 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.

Overview

Model: Maserati Tipo V4

Production Year: 1931

Manufacturer: Maserati

Historical Context

The Maserati Tipo V4 was developed during a period when the automotive industry was exploring the boundaries of speed and performance. The V4 was introduced as a racing car designed to compete in major races and to showcase Maserati’s engineering prowess.

Specifications

• Engine:

  • Type: 16-cylinder, twin inline 8-cylinder engines mounted on a common crankcase
  • Displacement: 4.0 liters (3961 cc)
  • Supercharger: Roots-type supercharger
  • Power Output: Approximately 305 horsepower
  • Configuration: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive

• Transmission:

  • Type: 4-speed manual

• Chassis and Body:

  • Chassis: Steel ladder frame
  • Body: Lightweight aluminum bodywork to reduce weight and improve performance

• Suspension:

  • Front: Semi-elliptic leaf springs with friction shock absorbers
  • Rear: Semi-elliptic leaf springs with friction shock absorbers

• Brakes:

  • Type: Drum brakes all around

Design and Engineering

• Engine Innovation:

  • The Tipo V4’s most notable feature is its engine configuration. Maserati combined two inline 8-cylinder engines into a single unit, creating a V16 layout. This innovative design was intended to maximize power and performance.

• Supercharging:

  • The use of a Roots-type supercharger was crucial in achieving the car's impressive power output. Supercharging was a cutting-edge technology at the time, providing significant performance enhancements.

• Aerodynamics:

  • The body design of the Tipo V4 was focused on reducing drag and improving top speed. The sleek, aerodynamic lines were designed to enhance performance on the race track.

Racing Achievements

• Record Setting:

  • The Maserati Tipo V4 made history on September 28, 1929, when driver Baconin Borzacchini set a new world speed record for 10 kilometers with a standing start, achieving an average speed of 246.069 km/h (152.962 mph) at the Autodromo di Monza. This record highlighted the car's incredible speed and engineering excellence.

• Race Performance:

  • The Tipo V4 competed in various races, demonstrating its competitiveness and reliability. However, the complexity and maintenance challenges of the V16 engine limited its racing career.

Taken at the Amelia Concours.

You may purchase a print of the 1931 Maserati Tipo V4 in our dElegance 2014 online gallery.

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