Maserati 250S

[npaskin]

Maserati 250S: From playboy's toy to racing icon. Nice feature in today's Classic Driver e-magazine, and a gallery of great pictures.

http://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/maserati-250s-playboy-s-toy-racing-icon

 

[drewf]

That's very nice indeed Norman!

 

[Andyk]

What a stunning Maserati

 

[mowlas]

Here's one in action:

[video=youtube;-5kyMuEENfI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5kyMuEENfI[/video]

 

[FF1078]

Forgive my ignorance but I'm not really into the older stuff. Yes it is gorgeous. How come it's RHD?

 

[Grinzzz]

Made in a part of Italy that historically drove on the left and keeping with tradition? No idea really, just guessing but an interesting question!

 

[Grinzzz]

How interesting neither Alfa nor Lancia produced any LHD cars until the 50s as the country was historically driving on the left in cities. So I'd suspect that Maserati were similar. You live and learn eh.

 

[dunnah01]

I can't find a single thing wrong with that - perfect

 

[CC4200]

That was a good history lesson thank you !

 

[zagatoes30]

As far as I am aware all pre war Alfas were right hand drive.

Most pre war race cars were RHD, Maserati, Bugatti, Mercedes, Delahaye & even Renault. If you wander around the pre war stuff at Silverstone Classic you rarely see a LHD European racer.

Maserati race cars of this era are some of the nicest examples where form and function work together - if it looks right, it probably is right

 

[Grinzzz]

As far as I am aware all pre war Alfas were right hand drive.

They all were up until 1950. Italy formally changed to driving on the right in the 1920's, but for years after they still drove on the left in the cities. It must have been an interesting place to stand and watch at the point where they'd switch from the left to the right as they entered the countryside!

Most pre war race cars were RHD, Maserati, Bugatti, Mercedes, Delahaye & even Renault. If you wander around the pre war stuff at Silverstone Classic you rarely see a LHD European racer.

Most european race circuits are clockwise, therefore you'll get more right turns than left. I guess it just felt right to make circuit cars where the driver was closest to the apex, and more likely to see it, and also to be on the "high" side of the car to counteract roll?

 

[FF1078]

Well you live and learn
Thanks guys.

 

[ZAM400209]

yes some of it is a bit "take it or leave it" isn't it?

but in a marque like ours (a bit like meeting the extended family at a wedding or suchlike) some of them are great- some; not so much so- but we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for all of them!