Maserati 5000 GT classic cars for sale

Introduction and History of the Maserati 5000 GT

The Maserati 5000 GT was commissioned in the late 1950s following a very specific request from Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Persia. After experiencing the Maserati 3500 GT, he criticised its performance and requested a more potent version. Maserati responded by harnessing the power of their 4.9-litre V8 from the 450 S racing prototype, expertly engineered by Giulio Alferi. Initially intended as a unique build, the model's reputation quickly spread after prominent press coverage and further high-profile interest. This spurred Maserati to produce a very limited series from 1959 to 1966, culminating in a total of just 34 vehicles, nearly each one tailored to the preferences of exceptional clients including kings, captains of industry and actors.

Model History

The genesis of the 5000 GT was rooted in the Maserati 3500 GT, but the major distinction lay in its engine, a racing-spec 4.9-litre V8 adapted from the Maserati 450 S sports prototype. Maserati supplied rolling chassis and mechanicals, while bespoke aluminium or steel bodies were crafted to order by Italian carrozzerie such as Allemano, Touring (Superleggera), Frua, Pininfarina and Ghia. The majority of 5000 GTs—22 in total—carried bodywork by Allemano, becoming the most instantly recognisable version. There were two distinct series: the first using a 4-speed ZF transmission, and the second featuring a 5-speed gearbox and modified door windows. No direct predecessor existed, and there was no mass-produced successor in Maserati's line-up.

Highlights of the Maserati 5000 GT

The 5000 GT is famous for its extreme exclusivity—each car is a one-off or a very limited variant, developed for personalities such as the Shah of Persia, Aga Khan, Gianni Agnelli and Stewart Granger. Its all-aluminium V8 provided impressive performance for the early 1960s, and the chassis was tailored for advanced comfort and grand touring capabilities. The construction method allowed each buyer to select a preferred carrozzeria, resulting in wide variety in aesthetics and interior appointments. The Allemano coupe is especially recognised, counted among the most valuable Maseratis ever created.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Every Maserati 5000 GT is essentially a special edition due to individually commissioned bodywork and details. Among the distinctive builds, the Allemano coupe is the most repeated, with 22 examples, and is often central to book and magazine coverage. Unique conversions by Touring (Superleggera), Frua, Pininfarina, and Ghia stand out for their artisanal construction and historical associations with their original owners. Some examples possess highly customised interiors, finishes or performance upgrades specified by their first buyers.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

Maserati 5000 GTs are known for engine durability concerns, a result of adapting a powerful racing engine for road use. Typical failures relate to engine reliability and longevity, often necessitating comprehensive restoration work to ensure stable function in everyday conditions. Mechanical upkeep can be complex due to the low production numbers and the bespoke nature of each example, making regular and expert maintenance essential. Acquisition and restoration of original parts is challenging and frequently requires specialist sourcing.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Fitted with the 4.9-litre all-aluminium V8 from the Maserati 450 S, the 5000 GT generated performance figures that rivalled or exceeded contemporary grand tourers of its day. Early models were equipped with a 4-speed manual ZF transmission, while later examples benefited from the smoother, more versatile 5-speed gearbox. Torsion bar front suspension and leaf springs at the rear delivered a blend of comfort and agility suitable for covering great distances at high speed. Bodywork and weight varied by coachbuilder, slightly altering handling characteristics and road manners from one car to the next. Despite its roots in racing, the 5000 GT was refined for long-distance highway travel, matching substantial power with ride comfort. - Maserati 5000 GT Allemano: Most frequently built, recognised for its balanced proportions and historical prestige.

• Touring Superleggera: Lightweight construction, unique for its period.
• Frua, Pininfarina, Ghia variants: Rare, individually built examples, each featuring unique styling and interior choices.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Design of the Maserati 5000 GT is inextricably linked to the world’s finest Italian coachbuilders. The most recognisable body style is the Allemano coupe, featuring elegant, flowing lines and signature front end. Touring supplied lightweight Superleggera aluminium shells, while Frua, Pininfarina and Ghia contributed unique interpretations in both coupe and cabriolet forms. Interiors were finished to demanding individual requirements, with bespoke leather, wood veneer dashboards, and special trim details specified by each original client. Accessories varied, with some examples featuring extra instrumentation, advanced (for their time) audio systems, custom switches, and unique badging reflective of their owner’s status. Paintwork and materials often distinguished each car, with rare hues and personal touches prevalent across the production run.

Other Features

Because each 5000 GT was tailored to its initial customer, individual examples can present rare deviations such as unusual colour combinations, luxury accessories, or owner-specific modifications. Documentation and provenance play an outsized role in this car’s collectability, given the stature of many original buyers.

Summary

The Maserati 5000 GT represents the zenith of client-customised Italian grand touring. With robust racing DNA, an exclusive clientele, and only 34 cars crafted by world-class coachbuilders, its place in automotive history is assured. For discerning collectors, every Maserati 5000 GT offers not just rare engineering, but a direct link to a unique chapter of 1960s luxury and Italian craftsmanship.