Maserati Tipo 61
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Maserati Tipo 61 | |
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| Manufacturer | Maserati |
| Also called | Birdcage |
| Production | 1959-1961 16 units[1] |
| Class | Race car |
| Body style | no-door, single seater racecar |
| Platform | FR |
| Engine | 2890.3 cc inline-four cylinder, Normally aspirated with two Weber 48 DC03 carburettors 187 kW (250 bhp) @ 6800 rpm |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2200 mm |
| Curb weight | 600 kg |
| Related | Maserati Birdcage 75th |
| Designer | Giulio Alfieri |
The Maserati Tipo 61 (Birdcage) is among one of the most iconic racing cars in history. The car was produced between 1959 and 1961 by Maserati for racing in Le Mans. It became famous for its intricate tubular space frame chassis, containing about 200 aluminium tubes welded together, hence the nickname "Birdcage".[1] This method of construction provided a more rigid and at the same time, lighter chassis than other sports cars of the time. [1] The Camoradi team became famous racing the Tipo 61's but despite being faster round the track than other cars, the Birdcage was unreliable and often retired from races due to problems with the gearbox. The Maserati MC12 is available only in white and blue, to serve as a tribute to the Tipo 61 and the Camoradi racing team.[2]
[edit] Racing History
The Tipo 61 was unveiled in 1959 when Stirling Moss easily won a race behind the wheel, attracting the attention of Lloyd "Lucky" Casner.[3] Casner founded the Casner Motor Racing Division who raced 3 Tipo 61's in the Le Mans of 1960.[3] The Tipo's never won Le Mans due to reliability issues, however in both 1960 and again in 1961 the Camoradi team won the Nurburgring 1000km.[4]
[edit] Revival
The Maserati Birdcage 75th is a concept car to honour the 75th anniversary of both the Birdcage and Pininfarina. It features a 700 bhp V12 engine and like the originals, no doors.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage. Ultimate Car Page. Retrieved on November 13, 2006.
- ^ The MC12, at the Pinnacle of the Sports Prototype Range. RSportsCars. Retrieved on November 13, 2006.
- ^ a b Heywood, Andy. Maserati Tipo 61: The Streamliner Birdcage. Retrieved on November 13, 2006.
- ^ The Birdcage Maserati. Maserati Alfieri. Retrieved on November 13, 2006.
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