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 | Sports racer. |
| Body style(s) | Two-seat spyder. |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine(s) | 2890.3 cc inline-four cylinder, Normally aspirated with two Weber 48 DC03 carburettors 187 kW (250 bhp) @ 6800 rpm |
| Transmission(s) | 5 speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2200 mm (86.6 in) |
| Curb weight | 600 kg (1323 lb) |
| Related | Maserati Birdcage 75th |
| Designer | Giulio Alfieri |
The Maserati Tipo 61 (commonly referred to as the Maserati Birdcage) is one of the best known sports racing cars of the early 1960s. The car was produced between 1959 and 1961 by Maserati for racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance classic. It became famous for its intricate tubular space frame chassis, containing about 200 chro-moly steel 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] By recessing the windscreen base into the bodywork, Maserati was able to reduce the effect of new Le Mans rules demanding a tall windscreen. 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]
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[edit] Racing History
The Tipo 61 was unveiled in 1959 when Stirling Moss won its first race, attracting the attention of Lloyd "Lucky" Casner.[3] Casner founded the Casner Motor Racing Division who raced three Tipo 61's in the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans.[3] The Tipos never won Le Mans due to reliability issues, however in both 1960 and 1961 the Camoradi team won the 1000 km Nürburgring.[4]
[edit] The Birdcage Serie
In fact the Tipo 61 was the most notorious model of the serie but Giulio Alfieri designed 5 different models, all based on an intricate multitubular frame concept. All models included independant front wheels, de Dion rear axle, 4 disc brakes and 5 gear transmission.
Tipo 60 featured a small 2 liters 4 cylinder engine of 200 hp (150 kW), located in the front at a 45° angle for a weight of 570 kg (1257 lb) pushing the car at a max speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).
Tipo 61 featured a 2,9 liter 4 cylinder engine of 250 hp (186 kW), located in the front at a 45° angle for a weight of 600 kg (1323 lb) pushing the car at a speed of 285 km/h (177 mph).
Tipo 63 featured the 6 cylinder engine of 3 liters of the Formula one 250F located in the center of the car at a 60° angle.
Tipo 64 featured the 6 cylinder engine (3 liters), still in the center of the car, in an upgraded frame (more of smaller lightalloy tubes) nicknamed "Supercage".
Tipo 65 featured a V 8 cylinder engine of 5 liters delivering about 430 hp (321 kW) pushing the car at 350 km/h (217 mph) in a "Supercage" frame.
[edit] Revival
The Maserati Birdcage 75th is a concept car to honour both the Birdcage and the 75th anniversary of Pininfarina. It features a 700 bhp (520 kW) V12 engine.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage. Ultimate Car Page. Retrieved on 2006-11-13.
- ^ The MC12, at the Pinnacle of the Sports Prototype Range. RSportsCars. Retrieved on 2006-11-13.
- ^ a b Heywood, Andy. Maserati Tipo 61: The Streamliner Birdcage. Retrieved on 2006-11-13.
- ^ The Birdcage Maserati. Maserati Alfieri. Retrieved on 2006-11-13.
[edit] External links
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