Maserati 450S (1956 to 1958)

The Maserati 450S, also called Tipo 54, is a race car that began production in 1956. It was designed as a replacement for the 350S. The racing pedigree of the 450S is the stuff of legend. Racing royalty such as Sterling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, and even Carrol Shelby spent time behind the wheel of this rare Maserati. Like most racing cars of the 50s, it had an open-top; however, at least one car was re-built by Zagato as a coupe. The 450S was a step forward for Maserati because of its all-new V8 engine. The engine was a front-mounted four-cam, 4.5L, that sent 400hp to the rear wheels via a Colotti five-speed transaxle. The rear suspension was strengthened using de Dion tube set-up. By 1958 racing rules had changed, and Maserati was forced to create a new platform. Only nine 450S cars are said to have been built. Tipo 61, or as it is famously known, the "Birdcage," would succeed the 450S.