The Exclusive 1959 Maserati 5000 GT

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The 1959 Maserati 5000 GT is a high speed touring luxury car known for its remarkable acceleration. As one of the most exclusive vehicles in the 1960s, the Italian company Maserati produced only a few pieces. The 34 pieces of 5000GT were all designed by the best coach designers of the Italy. The rich and the famous buyers made it a very distinct car for the kings, princes, and leaders of big industries.

History

Maserati is a well-known Italian car racing manufacturer. But the image changed when they released the 3500 GT in 1957. The massive commercial success of the car made it possible for the company to survive in the market.

The Shah of Persia, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, which is now Iran, was a longtime Maserati fan. With the release of the 450S in 1957 and with the massive success of the 3500GT, the Shah of Persia became very much impressed. However, he wanted to have a luxury car that was more exclusive. To make this possible, Maserati created the limited version of 5000GT. The company only produced a total of 34 cars, each exclusively designed by famous coach designers of the era.

Design

In 1958, the Shah of Persia commissioned the company's chief engineer Giulio Alfieri to create a grand turismo car. He conceptualized the design by modifying the engine of the 450S and using the chassis of 3500GT. The complex engine of their car racing vehicle was slightly modified for street use. Later, they fitted the engine in the strengthened chassis version of 3500 GT. The results of such modifications further impressed the Shah. Today, the car is popular for its extreme performance and exclusive luxury.

Market Value

The exclusivity and the individualized custom design of the 1959 Maserati 5000 GT made it very expensive. At that time, it was sold at around US$12,500. But despite its hefty price, celebrity buyers were lining up. A few of the popular buyers were Aga Khan, Italian industrialist Giaanni Agnelli, actor Stewart Granger and Ferdinando Innocenti and president of Mexico, Adolfo Lopez Mateos. Currently, the 1959 Maserati 5000 GT has one of the highest values in the luxury car industry.

With the initiative and good taste in automobile of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the few and highly privileged individuals were able to enjoy the luxury of the 1959 Maserati 5000 GT. For the general public and most especially the car enthusiasts, they can just take pleasure in seeing these expensive vehicles in pictures and in display during car shows and auctions.

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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