It is considered to be one of the most famous sports cars ever, because it was light, fast and powerful.
The Maserati Birdcage Tipo 61
Giulio Alfieri, the ingenious Maserati engineer, designed the light and fast Tipo 60 and 61. The revolutionary frame made of short, thin tubes with diameters of 10 to 15 millimetres had a structure that could easily be compared to a birdcage. The engine moved far behind the front axle and was installed at an angle of 45 degrees in order to keep the frontal area low. The racing car's center of gravity was also very low, ensuring perfect balance.
The suspension was that of the Maserati 250F T2, with front coil springs and a DeDion rear axle with a transverse leaf spring. Like all racing car bodies of the time, the skin of the Birdcage consisted of thin light metal sheets with a high aluminum content. The Maserati Birdcage was an exceptionally successful racing sports car. It also won the 1000 km race at the Nürburgring in 1960, where Stirling Moss and Dan Gurney delivered one of their most beautiful races. They won with their Maserati Tipo 61 with a lead of over two minutes over the Porsche of Bonnier and Gendebien. And Moss/Gurney won the GP Cuba.
Both cars are available in the model.
The model - Maserati Tipo 61 #7 GP Cuba Havana Limited Edition
The Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage consists of 1140 filigree parts - 507 of which are made of stainless steel, copper and brass - and is an exact copy of the winning Moss/Gurney car. Thanks to the fantastic design, the body fits the cage like a second skin. And as you look at the technical details of the model, you will feel transported back to the swashbuckling days of racing.
As with the original, the windshield, which is pulled forward deep into the engine compartment, provides a great view of the frame grille. The movable doors are hinged on filigree hinges based on the original and the door entry edges are designed as perforated sheet metal profiles. The hinged hood with lever lock offers a fantastic view of the engine, cooling system and front wheel suspension. The engine is equipped with all add-on units and complete cable routing and wiring, and the fuel filler cap on the oil tank can be moved. The spoked wheels with aluminum rims and stainless steel wire spokes are removable. The Maserati has a removable spare wheel that is secured by leather straps.
Unfortunately, the "Havana Limited Edition" with an edition of 1500 units is already sold out at the factory, only a few units are still available at modelcar.de.
For all those who arrive too late, there is still the Nürburgring version as a model car from CMS in 1/18th scale. You even save 20 euros, because the "normal version" is listed at 269.00 euros instead of 289.00 euros.
More information can be found on the modelcar.de website.
