We've seen our share of multiple world champions in
our time, but few can compare to the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio. The
Argentinian racer known as “The Master” won five titles and 24 grands prix –
including two in this car right here that's now coming up for auction.
Building upon the legendary 250 F, this 1956
Maserati 300 S was the very sports racer that Fangio drove to victory in the
Portuguese Grand Prix and Brazilian Grand Prix.
Its 3.0-liter inline-six was smaller than its
rivals, but dual overhead cams and triple carbs gave it a punch above its
weight. And its spaceframe chassis was cloaked in lightweight aluminum bodywork
that was as beautiful as it was menacing, standing the test of time against the
Ferrari 250 TR and Jaguar D-Type as one of the most curvaceous and victorious
competition sports cars of its era.
Sir Stirling Moss won in Buenos Aires and the Nürburgring in
one of the same, but Fangio's name arguably carries even greater clout, and
ought to ensure this classic Maserati fetches a suitably high price when
Bonhams sells it off at Pebble Beach next month. Just bask in its beauty in the
contemporary images below from Bonhams/Litwinski, with archival images from the
Walter Bäumer Collection.
