When Maserati introduced the latest version of the A6G in 1954, it was a revelation for fans of high-performance Italian cars. While many felt that the new car was simply a coachbuilt variation of the successful A6GCS sports racer, in reality, the A6G/54 was a refined road-going sports car that happened to share its basic underpinnings with one of the most successful two-litre race cars of the era.

Contemporary road tests praised the A6G/54 and enthusiastically described its instantaneous acceleration, exceptional road holding, light, responsive steering and powerful brakes. The Maserati truly excelled in long-distance races where it proved to be the only competitive two-litre Italian GT – a quality that made it a top choice for wealthy privateers and gentleman drivers.

Coachwork for the new car was available from Zagato, Frua and Allemano, and each body came with its own distinct style and purpose. Where as the Zagato Maserati sports cars were purposeful road-racers and the Frua-bodied examples extravagantly decorated fashion statements, Allemano succeeded in producing a rather sophisticated, subdued and luxurious body, of which a mere 21 examples were made.

Presented here is a beautifully appointed and exceedingly rare gran turismo, perfectly suited for long-distance driving events such as the Colorado Grand, the California Mille and European rallies like the Coppa d’ Oro delle Dolomiti. The Allemano-bodied A6G/54 cars are capable of nearly 120 mph and offer a wealth of character and personality while still providing a surprising level of practicality that includes plenty of space for luggage and all the amenities expected of an exclusive coachbuilt automobile. In addition to its potential as an event entry, its lovely condition and infrequent public appearances, allows the next owner to make the concours rounds and have a good chance of taking home awards.

The A6G/54 is one of the most sophisticated grand touring cars to be produced in the 1950s – a true connoisseur’s car that possess a timeless style, a motor sports pedigree and the cachet of a coachbuilt exotic. These Allemano A6G/54 motorcars perfectly illustrate the quality, craftsmanship and artistry that went into each Maserati automobile – a tradition that can be traced back to the Maserati Brothers’ earliest creations. It is a rare occasion when a Maserati of this quality and exclusivity appears for public sale.

This Maserati

According to copies of the original dispatch and invoice, this splendid Maserati A6G/54 was originally delivered to Sig. Giulio Dubbini of Padua, Italy. As one of the earliest collectors of significant Italian racing cars, Sig. Dubbini was no stranger to exotic sports cars and had an array of the finest Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Maserati race cars. His A6G/54, the 5th example bodied by Allemano, was delivered on November 27, 1956, and carried a price of 3,034,000 lire. The Maserati was originally finished in Verde Suro (Mackerel Green) with a green interior, the same livery it sports today and, during the first few years of Mr. Dubbini’s ownership, A6G was routinely serviced by the factory, a fact confirmed by historian Adolfo Orsi.

In the mid-1970s, the A6G/54 was exported to Canada where it remained for over a decade before returning to continental Europe. In 2001, the current owner purchased the Maserati out of Holland and imported it to the US. Photos taken around the time of its purchase show it to be a remarkably honest example. Although it had been repainted red, original paint remained on the fascia and below the re-spray, the panels appeared to be straight and true and, importantly, all of the distinctive trim pieces unique to the Allemano body were intact. This A6G/54 is said to retain all of its original handmade coachwork and its matching-numbers engine. Even the original Cottino radiator is still in place. The only deviation from factory specification is an updated full-synchromesh gearbox that makes for a much more user-friendly driving experience.

Between 2002 and 2006, a comprehensive cosmetic restoration and thorough mechanical sorting was undertaken within the workshops of one of the foremost Maserati collectors. When the work was completed, this A6G/54 was returned to its original, factory-delivered color scheme – a sensational medium green that perfectly suits the subdued lines of the car and accentuates the jewel-like brightwork. The engine, transmission, differential, brakes and suspension were all inspected, serviced and detailed so that the Maserati’s performance was in keeping with its stellar appearance.