Maserati 6CM classic cars for sale

History of the Maserati 6CM

The Maserati 6CM, developed and built from 1936 to 1939 by Maserati in Bologna, marked a decisive step for the marque's racing ambitions. Designed specifically for the Voiturette racing class, the 6CM combined advanced chassis engineering with a robust in-line six-cylinder engine, offering private drivers a competitive machine against the dominant ERA cars from Great Britain. Introduced at the 1936 Milan Motor Show, the model proved its pedigree on the track and helped establish Maserati's reputation in international motorsport. The focus of Maserati at that time lay exclusively in producing racing cars, with street cars following only decades later. The 6CM is a clear representation of this dedication, from its spartan single-seater cockpit to its relentless technical refinement for the racing circuit.

Model History

The 6CM was a direct evolution of previous Maserati racing cars, especially the 4CM with its four-cylinder engine. The name '6CM' refers to '6 Cilindri Maserati', indicating its six-cylinder powerplant. The engineering expertise of the Maserati brothers, notably Alfieri Maserati, elevated this model both in design and performance. The 6CM replaced the 4CM and contributed significantly to Maserati's growing international prestige. Only 27 examples were built, making it the most numerous Maserati pre-war competition model. Its robust chassis served as the basis for technical advancement well into the following decades, but no immediate direct successor matched its conceptual clarity until post-war Maseratis brought a new era for the marque.

Highlights of the Maserati 6CM

The Maserati 6CM's core strength lay in its uncompromising approach to racing design. Powered by a 1493 cm³ supercharged inline-six with twin overhead camshafts and fed by a Weber 55ASL carburettor and Roots supercharger, the car produced initially 175 hp, rising in some versions to 187 hp. With a top speed of around 225 km/h, it stood out among its contemporaries and was often the car of choice for Italian privateers challenging the British-dominated grids. The modern independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes supplied precise feedback, while the lowered engine position improved handling. Many vehicles from this series exist today with FIA Historic Technical Passport, making them eligible for prestigious historic racing events. The 6CM is a regular feature in specialist magazines and remains a reference point for pre-war engineering.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

With only 27 chassis constructed between 1936 and 1939, each Maserati 6CM is effectively a limited production competition vehicle. Several remain with period race history or original FIA documentation, increasing their desirability for historic racing. No further special editions are recorded beyond model updates that raised power and handling.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

No specific widespread weaknesses are documented for the Maserati 6CM. However, as with every pre-war racing machine, thorough inspection of the frame for micro-cracks, attention to the engine's forced induction components, and regular maintenance of period suspension parts are crucial for safe and reliable performance on both road and track. Access to original spare parts may be challenging, often resolved through specialist engineering workshops familiar with historic Maserati racing cars.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Driving a Maserati 6CM is a visceral experience: with its open cockpit and direct steering, the car communicates every nuance of the circuit. The supercharged inline-six delivers instant throttle response, and the low centre of gravity benefits cornering at racing speed. The hydraulic brakes, advanced for the time, provide reliable stopping power even in competitive contexts. The rigid chassis and purposeful suspension design create unfiltered dynamics, amplified by mechanical feedback inaccessible in later, more civilised vehicles. The 6CM, due to its rarity, is the de facto highlight of pre-war Maserati racers, known for chassis number individuality and unique race histories tied to each example.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Aesthetically, the 6CM epitomises pre-war motorsport rationality: the body is strictly functional, shaped for minimal drag with exposed wheels and barely-there bodywork. The cockpit, built for a single occupant, prioritises easy access to controls and maximum vision for racing. Upholstery, trim, and accessories are absent—the focus is pure speed and mechanical clarity. Variations in paintwork reflect individual team or owner preference, with few original cars maintaining factory livery. Materials are purpose-chosen for weight saving and reliability, with nothing superfluous in evidence.

Other Relevant Features

Numerous Maserati 6CMs remain eligible and certified for historic events worldwide. Many cars possess period-correct modifications and histories, with documentation through the FIA Historic Technical Passport system, making them consistent entries at well-known vintage meetings, such as Goodwood and the Monaco Historic Grand Prix.

Summary

The Maserati 6CM stands as a singular offering in the pre-war Maserati line-up, defined by its racing purpose, scarce build numbers, and potent technical specification. For collectors and vintage racers, the 6CM offers eligibility for historic rallies, technical depth for hands-on enthusiasts, and historical gravitas as the most produced Maserati racing monoposto of its era.