Maserati Birdcage T60 and T61 1959-1960

The first Maserati Tipo 60 was tested by Stirling Moss at Modena Autodromo and on the Nurburgring track in May and June 1959. It was equipped with a 2 litre (1989 cc.) four cylinder engine producing 200 hp at 7.800 rpm. The quoted dry weight was 585 kg (1287 lbs.).

 Stirling Moss won at the first official outing for the Rouen GP. An upgraded Tipo 61 was soon prepared with a 3 litre (2890 cc.) version of the four cylinder engine producing 250 hp at 7.000rpm. Stirling Moss and Dan Gurney won in the Nurburgring 1.000 Km race on May 22nd 1960 with the Maserati Tipo 61.

The 3 litre Tipo 61 had been prepared more specifically for North American customers; the Camoradi racing team of Lloyd Cassner acquired three cars while Brigg Cunningham got one. It used a reinforced chassis as well as strengthened components for the transmission.

Giulio Alfieri has developed a revolutionary concept for the space-frame utilizing nearly 200 thin tubing elements from 10 to 20 mm. He considered that the more tubes you use the thinner tube you can use. The thinner tubes were placed to triangulate the angles and produce maximum rigidity. Perforated steel plates were used for the floor pan and the propeller shaft tunnel. This allowed an extremely light structure. The chassis structure inspired the nickname “Birdcage” for the car. The selected engine was a four cylinder derived from the Maserati 200S. It was placed at a 45° angle in order to reduce overall height and to lower the centre of gravity. The crankshaft centre line was offset to the left while the propeller shaft to the transaxle gearbox was angled back. This situation produced an excellent weight distribution and left sufficient space for the driver on the right side. The engine had been prepared to operate at an angle. An aluminium minimal body would cover the whole structure. It was tested in wind tunnel at Modena. It represents a low shape with bulbous wheel arches at the front and high rear end with Kam end vertical profile.

-Dimensions: Wheelbase 2.200 mm (88 in), Length 3.800 mm (152 in.), Width 1.500 mm (60 in), height 900 mm (36 in).

Maserati Birdcage Camoradi Streamlined T61 - A streamlined version was prepared for Camoradi in view of Le Mans 24 Hours using a Plexiglas windscreen severely angled and that emerged from the front end; the driver had to look over the windscreen for adequate visibility. The rear end had been elongated in teardrop profile. This streamlined body allowed faster top speed in long straight line. .

Wallpapers : Maserati Birdcage T60 and T61 1959-1960 (click on image to enlarge)