company, since Grand Prix racing was dominated by many German Companies. The Maserati 4CM had done well but with time, the Alfa Romeo's and ERA vehicles were too much for the racer.Eleven of the Maserati 6CM models were retained by the company. One car went to American and one to Australia. Englishmen Lord Howe, Johnny Wakefield and Reggie Tongue each bought one. Englishman Austin Dobson bought three. These are but a few of the customers.In 1939 a Maserati 6CM made an appearance at the Indianapolis 500 mile race though it was the smallest vehicle entered. Its performance was impressive and generated another sale for the company; Wilbur Shaw purchased a Maserati 8CTF.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2006

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lfieri and Ettore Maserati began constructing their cars in 1926 with thesole intent being racing and competition. The first vehicle was the Tipo 26 and was powered by a supercharged 1.5-liter straight eight engine with dual overhead camshafts. The result was a very dominant vehicle. Driven by Alfieri with Guerrino Bertocchi in the mechanic's seat it capture many victories including a class win at the Targa Florio in its inaugural racing debut.On the front of the vehicle was the trident, the symbol of Maserati's home city of Bologna. Many of the early cars were in monoposto and two-seater configuration. The company had its own factory racing program but also sent a few vehicles into the capable hands of many competent privateers.The first purpose-designed Grand Prix Maserati was the 8C-2500 which appeared in 1930. During its first racing season, it