Lot 227: 1956 Maserati Type 350S

During 1956 when Maserati were going through reliability problems with with its 4500cc engine and the 300S engine could not be increased to a greater capacity, it became apparent that the 3500GT engine could be used for competition purposes. As a aresult of this, the Maserati 350S with its 3500CC engine was born. With chain driven double overhead cams allowing for more reliability, magnito ignition, bigger carburettors and weight distribution issues being conquered by placing the oil tank in the rear of the car near the fuel tank, the first 350S number one was prepared for the 1956 Dakar race but was not ready in time and appeared in the 1956 Mille Miglia driven by last years winners, Moss and Jenkinson but due to bad weather, the car retired. There were two other 350S's manufactured 3502, and the 12 cylinder car 3503. Although it cannot be proven conclusively, this particular car carries the vehicle identity number 3503 and has FIA papers, a FIVA passport, a US vintage racing logbook and Belgian road registration papers all issued to the car as the 1956 ex-works Maserati 350S - chassis number 3503. As a works car, 3503 completed in a number of events including the 1957 Buenos Aries 1000 km and the 1957 Mille Miglia. According to documents and papers supplied by the vendor with the vehicle, the car offered for sale here was damaged in 1961 and remained unrepaired until located in 1980, and subsequently restored. In 1992 the car competed in the famous Mille Miglia Retrospective prior to being sold to Japan in 1993. In 1997, the car returned to Europe and was purchased by the current owner where it has formed part of his collection of sports and racing cars. This exocative example of the marque represents a stunning and well restored 1950's type sports racing car with FIA papers, FIVA passport and EU road registration.