Maserati 450S (1957)Rex Gray from Southern California Edit by: SocCarpassion, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Maserati 450S

1957 — Italy

Post-War (1946-1959)Sports CarRoadsterItalianConvertibleV8 EngineRacing HeritageUnder 100 ProducedInvestment GradeMille Miglia EligibleLe Mans HeritageRace Cars for the RoadMillion Dollar ClubLimited ProductionDesign IconsOpen-Top DrivingNaturally Aspirated LegendsItalian Exotics
Engine4,477 cc V8 DOHC
Power400 hp
Torque340 lb-ft
Transmission5-speed manual
DrivetrainRWD
Body StyleRoadster
Weight1,940 lbs
0–60 mph4.5 sec
Top Speed180 mph
Production10 units
BrakesDisc / Disc
SuspensionIndependent, double wishbones, coil springs / De Dion axle, coil springs

Maserati 450S

Developed to challenge Ferrari's dominance in sports car racing, the 450S featured Maserati's powerful 4.5-liter V8 engine producing an impressive 400 horsepower. Fantuzzi created the elegant aerodynamic bodywork, while the advanced chassis featured disc brakes at all four corners and a sophisticated De Dion rear suspension. Despite limited production of just 10 examples, the 450S competed at the highest levels including Le Mans, Sebring, and the Mille Miglia. Today it stands as one of the most valuable and desirable Italian racing cars ever built.

$5,000,000 – $9,000,000

Provenance is everything with 450S. Verify chassis numbers and period racing history. Most examples have extensive competition and restoration histories. Factory records should be consulted for authentication.

Only 10 examples were completed before Maserati withdrew from factory racing in 1958. Several cars were crashed and rebuilt during their competition careers.