From 1954 to 1960, Maserati produced Formula One race cars called the 250F. This era of F1 was dominated by front-engine vehicles, and the official rules limited the cars to 2.5 liters. The 250F was no exception, with its aluminum frame, slender body, and straight-six engine producing 270hp and weighing just 1500 lbs. By 1957 Maserati equipped the cars with a V12 of the same size. The 250F was praised by Stirling Moss and finessed by Fangio to racing success. Just 26 examples of this capolavoro (masterpiece) were built during an incredible age of motoring in Italian history.