RM Sotheby’s Monterey Sale Preview
1956 Maserati A6G/2000 Berlinetta Zagato

Knotty Nawadhinsukh Words by Knotty Nawadhinsukh
“Front & Center”—Of all the A6G/2000 Zagatos, 2124 is identified by its oval badge set within the circle ring in the front grille and ventless bonnet

Another car at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction this month that should whet the appetites for those craving for a vintage grand tourer with notable provenance would be this Maserati. The Zagato-bodied 1956 A6G/2000 Berlinetta featured here may appear to be a very well presented example of Italian elegance like a sharp, classic bespoke suit, but in fact it carries also quite a notable racing history.

“Race of Gentleman”—Historic shot of the Maserati at the wet '56 Mille Miglia. It has also competed in France and as far away as Senegal!

Rather than just a mild-mannered road car, chassis 2124 is just one of the only 20 alloy-bodies of the closed or “Berlinetta” Maserati A6G/2000 hand-crafted by Carrozzeria Zagato. It was destined for competition as a member of the Maserati works team and was then handed over to the Italian gentleman racer, Luigi Taramazzo, to take part in the 1956 Mille Miglia.

Original interior has Smiths heater and Jaeger instrumentations—even the windshield wipers went the other way unlike the rest of the other Zagatos

2124 continued as a racer later that year, taking First in Class in a French hillclimb and won again at another race at Montlhery. After retiring from period competition, the car was sold off and was used as a road car and remained in France since 1960. By 1978, the Maserati remained in storage in Paris for many years until it found new owners in Spain and then back to Italy, where it was entered in a number of retrospective Mille Miglias and prestigious shows right up to recent times.

By 2012, the A6G/2000 moved on to the East Coast. For two years and over 7,000 man hours later, chassis number 2124 returned to its former glory by the current owner to show condition as it appears today.

Unflared arches were also one of unique characteristics of this car

Together with its matching number original engine, comprehensive historical documentation (including Maserati Classiche certification), original manuals, tool kits, racing pedigree and winning numerous awards at Pebble Beach, Amelia Island and Villa d’Este, this stunning hand-made Zagato Maserati Berlinetta (which also has unique features that separates itself with the rest such as  A6GCS comp clutch and Abarth muffler)  is one complete gem of a car.

(Estimate: US$4,250,000 – $5,250,000)

“Showstopper”—The grueling races and several rebuilds may have taken their tolls over its lifetime (it was even re-painted red with black interior at one time) but after a recent meticulous restoration and now a Classiche-certified car, the Maserati has since won class awards at virtually all the major events it entered

All Photos and Video Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s