Maserati looks back at A6 1500 on 75th anniversary

MANILA: "Gran turismo" is a lifestyle — a high-performance vehicle designed for long distances and comfortable travel. It all started 75 years ago with the Maserati A6 1500, a groundbreaking model that was the progenitor of a type of car that was never seen before. It would have a global impact on the automotive industry, as well as succeeding generations of Maserati road cars.

During the Geneva Motor Show in March 1947, the first Gran Turismo in history was unveiled. It is the Tipo A6, also known as the A6 1500 Gran Turismo.  Professionals and the public welcomed the Tipo A6 with excitement, and it marked the start of a journey in which Maserati reinvented technology and design. The brand has stayed true to its trademarks of refinement and great performance, which can be found in every model in the lineup and will continue in the next generation of the GranTurismo, the Trident brand's first 100% electric vehicle, which will be released in 2023.

The A6 1500 has a long and illustrious history even before 1947.

It actually dates back to 1941, when a sedan with a fixed head engine and twin camshaft was designed, and it had to be a close descendant of the 6CM's, if explored with Gran Turismo in mind. The result was an exceptional engine with a maximum output of 65hp and a top speed of 150kph, thanks to its single Weber 36DCR carburettor.

The project was called A6, with A standing for "Alfieri" and 6 standing for the number of cylinders.

It also had independent wheel front suspension with oscillating trapeziums and coil springs, a stiff beam with leaf springs in the rear, hydraulically operated brakes, and disc wheels with a 3.5-inch channel, 16-inch diameter, and 5.50-16 tires.

The first model, intended for the Geneva Motor Show, was built in February 1947 by the Pininfarina bodyshop and included the brand's signature mechanically operated retractable inside headlights. However, its tubular chassis with round cross-section components, which adopted some of the most fashionable designs at the time, was the clearest breakthrough from the past.

Not only the retractable headlights and chassis drew the public's attention, but also the plexiglass sunroof and a bonnet that could be lifted or detached from both sides.

Following a flurry of positive feedback and accolades, the decision was made to move forward with production, though with some modifications from the prototype. These included the restoration of more traditional lights with chrome plating. A redesigned, more modern grille and wider side windows were also included in the Extra Lusso version.

The A6 1500 Gran Turismo was produced until 1950, with a cosmetic upgrade occurring in 1948. Pininfarina would also make adjustments to the exterior, such as removing the embossed trim from the front fenders and adding two rear seats to the cabin.

Despite the A6 1500's limited production run of 58 units over four years, it was a watershed moment in Maserati's history. The brand started to establish itself as a manufacturer of custom-made, high-quality road cars with sport in its DNA at that time. The exquisite Pininfarina-designed bodywork would go on to influence later generations of Maserati cars — a high-class, classic design that still resonates today in the current range and will carry the brand ahead into the future.

Photos from Maserati

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