OSCA MT4 1500
The OSCA MT4 is one of the most exquisite racing cars ever created. OSCA (Officine Specializzate Costruzione Automobili) was founded in 1947 by the Maserati brothers — Ernesto, Ettore, and Bindo — after they departed the Maserati company they had founded but sold to the Orsi family. At OSCA, the brothers returned to their roots, building small, perfectly crafted racing cars that could punch far above their weight class.
The MT4 was OSCA's masterpiece. Its tiny 1.5-liter twin-cam four-cylinder engine produced 110 horsepower — a remarkable specific output for the early 1950s. Combined with a kerb weight of just 600 kg and bodies by the finest Italian coachbuilders including Morelli, Vignale, and Frua, the MT4 was devastatingly fast for its engine size.
The MT4's finest hour came at the 1954 Sebring 12 Hours, where Stirling Moss and Bill Lloyd drove their OSCA to outright victory against cars with double and triple the displacement. It was a David vs. Goliath triumph that cemented OSCA's reputation. The car also achieved numerous class victories at Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, and the Targa Florio.
Each MT4 was essentially hand-built, with variations in bodywork, engine specification, and detail execution. The surviving cars are among the most prized of all 1950s sports racing cars, combining Maserati engineering heritage, exquisite coachbuilt bodywork, and proven racing provenance. They are regular participants at the most prestigious historic racing events and concours d'elegance worldwide.
Extraordinarily rare and valuable — provenance is paramount. Each car is unique and should be verified against OSCA registry records. Racing history documentation adds enormous value. Engine internals should be inspected by a specialist — the twin-cam unit is complex and parts are virtually unobtainable except through specialist recreation. Bodywork authenticity must be verified — many cars have had body changes over the decades. Consider getting the car inspected by a recognized OSCA expert before purchase.
Built by the Maserati brothers (Ernesto, Ettore, Bindo) at OSCA in San Lazzaro di Savena, near Bologna. Each car was essentially bespoke with various body styles by Morelli, Vignale, Frua, and others. The twin-cam engine was designed by Ernesto Maserati. Won the 1954 Sebring 12 Hours outright with Stirling Moss.