The last great “traditional” model (front engine and rear traction), the Maserati Birdcage left an important sign in the heart of the Trident brand’s fans, due to the sophisticated technical solutions.
Designed for Sports series competitions, it was conceived in 1959 by the Maserati’s chief designer at the time, engineer Giulio Alfieri.
The chassis, which was made up by more than 200 perfectly welded together 10 ÷ 12 and 15 mm iron segments, offered the same advantages of a monocoque chassis, in terms of stiffness, but with a lower weight (the structure only weighted 30 kg). The Maserati Birdcage (it was christened birdcage by the Americans, due to its unusual chassis), had a very favourable weight/power ratio (2.4 kg/CV in the Type 602 and 2.92 kg/CV in Type 61), excellent braking and outstanding handling. Qualities which lead this model to excel in uphill time trials, especially in Italy, and in the Marche Worldwide Championship, where, during the 1960/61 edition, it dominated most of the competitions with the North American Camoradi team, and with drivers such as Stirling Moss, Masten Gregory, Dan Gurney and “Lucky” Casner.
The engine adopted had 4 cylinders, inclined by 45 degrees towards the right, with 1990cc, and derived from the 200 SI model, issued 200 HP. The five-gear transmission was one block with the differential, which also derived from the previous model.
The suspension at the front had a dual oscillating arm, with helicoid springs, with the rear mounted De Dion suspension. The overall weight was 570 kg.
The car, which was named “Type 60”, was first tested in early May 1959. Stirling Moss, who first tested the new model on the Modena Racetrack, wanted to test it on a more challenging track, like the Nürburgring, where he managed to set the class record.
A new production of 6 cars was set-up which were purchased by American clients, and which immediately triggered the demand for a model with a 3lt engine, which was necessary to take part in Formula 3000 races.
The increase in engine size gave life to the Type 61 model, whose production was fully absorbed by the USA market, thanks to the Camoradi team and their drivers. Within a short time, the Type 61 – which was a lot lighter – gathered prestige in all the racetracks worldwide, despite the engine power (250CV) being lower than that of the competition’s engines
Type 60 won its first race in Rouen in 1959, with Stirling Moss.
The following year, the Camoradi Team took part to the Worldwide Sports Championship, where they won with Moss in the Type 61 in Cuba. Then with Moss-Gurney at Nürburgring while they achieved good placements in other races.
Following these excellent results, and in view of the 24 hour of Le Mans, Maserati decided to make a few aerodynamic changes. Unfortunately they didn’t achieve a brilliant result there, although Masten Gregory was for a good part of the race in first place. In 1961, the Maserati Birdcage won the 1000 km race at Nürburgring (with Casner-Gregory) and in Rouen (with Casner).
Six Type 60 Birdcage (with the 2000lt engine) and 17 Type 61 (2800lt engine) were built. Alfieri, who wasn’t fully satisfied with the results, thought about creating the Type 63, with a rear engine. He followed the example proposed by some constructors, especially English constructors.
Three Type 63 were produced for the Camoradi, Cunningham and Serenissima teams, who, despite this newer model, kept the “old” Type 61 active.
However, the Type 63 didn’t turn out to be competitive enough. They all aimed once again on the Type 61, which won once again both at the Nürburgring and in Rouen.
Those were the last victories for this wonderful car.
After the Birdcage, Maserati set-up and produced the Type 64, with a 12-cylcinder rear engine. Unfortunately, this model didn’t achieve any significant results.
The time for classic motorsports ends with the launch of very competitive rear-engine cars, and so did the time for Maserati Birdcage. One of the most beautiful “traditional” cars with a front engine, a car with unmistakable personality both in shape and chassis structure.
Author: Ermanno Cozza