The Classic Maserati 5000 GT

William Jason
SubmitYOURArticle.com
March 26, 2011

William Jason http://musclecarmonster.com

If you want cars that really exude class, the Maserati 5000 GT should definitely be on your list. The 5000 GT is a limited edition classic car, wherein only thirty four have been made. What prompted the creation of this classic car is the request from Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran's monarch who ruled in the early 40s to the late 70s. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi commissioned the chief engineer of Maserati, Giulio Alfieri to come up with a desired car with his desired specifics. He instructed that the engineer utilize a modified 5-liter engine of a previous Maserati model, the Maserati 450S and put it on the Maserati 3500 GTs chassis. Coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring was the one who designed and developed the superleggera tubing and aluminum body of the Maserati 5000 GT. The first car of this series was aptly named the Shah of Persia, after the owner, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

Maserati 5000 GT Specifications

One aspect that attracts a lot of attention and interest to the Maserati 5000 GT is its super powerful engine. It is equipped with a Maserati 450S-derived V8 cylinder, with four overhead camshafts, and exactly 4937.7 cc displacement. This will definitely leave other cars behind; with its engine, it could easily be classified as a muscle car that packs a decent look and manageable handling. The 5000 GT also features a Lucas mechanical injection or four 45 DCOE Weber carburetor. It also has a mechanical Magneti-Marelli ignition, complete with dual spark plugs and a dual fuel pump. The first few models were 4-speed ZF, while the later models were then equipped with a 5-speed ZF transmission.

By 1960, the Maserati 5000 GT got good modifications on its engine, receiving a displacement of 4940 cc with a bigger stroke but definitely a smaller bore; this configuration of the engine developed 340 boiler horse power. Three bodies were made by the Carrozzeria Touring after 1960, but the most bodies were from Carrozzeria Allemano, which were able to complete 22 of the Maserati 5000 GT cars.

By the time of its release, the Maserati 5000 GT was sold for US $17000, which is twice the cost of its predecessor, Maserati 3500. Since these cars are limited, they were mostly taken by high profile and celebrity clients, including Italian big shot industrialist Gianni Agnelli, actors Stewart Granger and Fernando Innocenti, among others. Overall, the Maserati 5000 GT is one of the most sought after cars before and even at present. It is a must have for all car collectors, and since there's a limited number of these vehicles, getting your hands on one really brings pride and great happiness to owners.

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William Jason has admired classic cars ever since he was a young child and you can read his blog at: http://musclecarmonster.com/