The 1957 Maserati 150 GT Spider started with a foundation similar to that of the 300S sports racer, Maserati revised a successful A6GCS race car chassis to accept a full race 150S engine, an A6G/2000 gearbox casing, and an A6GCS rear end assembly. After the experimental chassis was completed at the racing department, the design of this Spider was entrusted to Carrozzeria Fantuzzi, Maserati’s preferred coachbuilder for it sports racing and grand prix cars.
While Pietro Fura has been given credit for the design of this car, it is more likely that the craftsmen at Carrozzeria Fantuzzi admired his work and developed their own variation to suit the overly sporting chassis 03.
Completed in 1957, the 150 GT Spider was an exquisite coach-built road car with the performance and pedigree of a thoroughbred racer. By any standard of the day, the engineers at Maserati had created a truly sensational sports car.
Overview
- Production Year: 1957
- Manufacturer: Maserati
- Class: Sports car
- Body Style: Spider (convertible)
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The Maserati 150 GT Spider was equipped with a 1.5-liter (1484 cc) inline-four engine.
- This engine produced approximately 120 horsepower.
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox
- Chassis: The car featured a lightweight tubular steel chassis, designed to enhance performance and handling.
- Suspension:
- Front: Independent suspension with double wishbones and coil springs.
- Rear: Live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and telescopic shock absorbers.
- Brakes: Drum brakes on all four wheels
Performance
- Top Speed: The 150 GT Spider could reach a top speed of around 125 mph (201 km/h), impressive for a 1.5-liter engine sports car.
- Acceleration: The lightweight construction and powerful engine allowed for quick acceleration, making it a competitive sports car of its time.
Design Features
- Bodywork:
- The body of the 150 GT Spider was designed by the renowned coachbuilder Carrozzeria Fantuzzi. It featured sleek, aerodynamic lines and a stylish, open-top design that emphasized both elegance and sportiness.
- The car’s design included distinctive details such as a low, sloping hood, a prominent grille, and elegant curves that highlighted its Italian craftsmanship.
- Interior: The interior of the 150 GT Spider was focused on providing a luxurious yet functional driving experience. It included high-quality materials such as leather upholstery, a simple yet elegant dashboard, and essential instrumentation for the driver.
Notable Achievements
- Racing Pedigree: Although the 150 GT Spider was primarily a road car, it inherited much of Maserati's racing technology and design philosophy, making it a capable performer on both the road and the track.
- Rarity: Only a few examples of the Maserati 150 GT Spider were ever produced, making it an extremely rare and desirable collector’s item.
Legacy
- Historic Significance: The Maserati 150 GT Spider represents an important period in Maserati’s history, showcasing the brand’s ability to create not only competitive racing cars but also stylish and luxurious road cars.
- Collector’s Item: Due to its rarity, historical importance, and beautiful design, the 150 GT Spider is highly sought after by classic car collectors. It is considered a valuable and iconic model in Maserati’s history.
You may purchase a print of the 1957 Maserati 150 GT Spider in our dElegance 2013 online gallery.
