The terms used to describe the various types of body styles that have “adorned” automobiles over time have never been precise and, as a result, have generated some confusion. The same term has been applied, through the years, to various types of body design. Things have been further complicated by the use of universally-accepted terms borrowed from a variety of languages (first French, then English and Italian) that have created a linguistic potpourri. The term Barchetta suffered a similar fate. The word came into use immediately after the war, and it defined a fast sports car with somewhat spartan finishing, as well as bodywork which enveloped the chassis, to the extent that it covered the wheels. The road races in Italy were resumed with the Barchetta, in 1946: on 29th September of that year, a Barchetta driven by the owner, Guido Barbieri, made its debut in the Coppa Mercanti.
Ernesto Maserati had lavished ideas and technique, while the engineer Massimino had done a hard and stubborn job. The engine, derived from the 6 cylinders from 1939, had been updated: it was equipped with 3 carburettors, and a single camshaft; this aspirated propeller (of 1.5lt) issued 90HP at 5000revs/min. The tubular chassis of new conception had independent front suspension and a rear stiff bridge with leaf springs and cantilever. The aluminium two-seat body was unique because of the good profiling and a truly significant coefficient of aerodynamic penetration. Thanks to the contained weight (750 kg) the car was very pleasant to drive, enabling even non-professional drivers to reach 150 km/h.
Other victories followed the one of its debut race in Milan: Mantova, Voghera, … in this occasion, Gigi Villoresi, who was the engine’s owner, also participated. It was temporarily put aside with the birth of the Type A6GCS. The engine size of the A6GCS was brought to 2lt. And the power was increased to 120HP: this model achieved gratifying success, especially in the uphill races.
The need to better protect both the crew and the car itself, and particularly, to improve its aerodynamics, lead to the re-designing of the Barchetta from 1946.
Other constructors followed Maserati’s example and soon, the sports class competitions won over both the public and especially private drivers. Therefore, Maserati started to participate in international races, where they were able to increase and develop their expertise.
In 1953, the Sport 2000 A6GCS/53 was created, under the direction of Gioachino Colombo and which used the image of the previous version, but it was equipped with a dual camshaft 6 cylinder engine, which put out 170HP at 7500 revs/min. The chassis and the suspension, although improved, were based on the old project. It was characterised by particularly accentuated shapes, although the car maintained light contours, which defined its features.
The 50’s sports car with medium engine size have represented the obligatory step forward for drivers aspiring to F1 races: Maserati has been the launching springboard for many young drivers, such as Mantovani, Musso, Giletti, Salvadori, Scarlatti, …
While the formula sport increased its relevance at international professional level, the Barchetta continued to race, bringing satisfaction to the private drivers who participated in the competition with a great competitive spirit.
Author: Ermanno Cozza