The Maserati 8C was a Grand Prix race car built by Maserati between 1931 and 1933. The 8C was being designed by Alfieri Maserati in the early 1930s; however, he died before its completion.[1]
| Maserati 8C | |
|---|---|
1932 Maserati 8C 3000 Louwman | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Maserati |
| Also called | Maserati 8C 2800/3000 |
| Production | 1931-1933, 2 units[1] |
| Designer | Alfieri Maserati |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Race car |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.8–3.0 L (2,812–2,992 cc) Straight-8 136 kW (182 bhp) at 5600 rpm[1] |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Curb weight | 850 kg (1,870 lb)[1] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Maserati Tipo 26 |
| Successor | Maserati 8CM |
The chassis was that of the Maserati Tipo 26M, and it was initially fitted with a Tipo 26M engine with its cylinders bored out by 4 mm to arrive at its limit of 2.8 litres (2,812 cc) for 69 x 94 mm bore and stroke. Development of the new 3.0 L engine continued and it was constructed for racing in 1932. The car won the 1933 French Grand Prix and Sir Henry Birkin achieved third place driving it in the Tripoli Grand Prix. However, it was not very successful in other races.[1] The car featured some of the world's earliest hydraulic brakes.[2] The Tipo 8C 3000 was the final two-seater Grand Prix Maserati, and was succeeded in 1933 by the Maserati 8CM, M for monoposto (single seat).
In 2000 an original Maserati 8C 2800 sold at an auction for US$1.65 million and a 1932 Maserati 8C 3000 for $1.08 million.[3]
Technical Data
edit| Technical data | 8C 2800 | 8C 3000 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | Front mounted 8-cylinder in-line engine | ||||
| Displacement: | 2812 cm³ | 2991 cm³ | |||
| Bore x stroke: | 69 x 94 mm | 69 x 100 mm | |||
| Max power at rpm: | 205 hp at 5 500 rpm | 220 hp at 5 500 rpm | |||
| Valve control: | 2 overhead camshafts, 2 valves per cylinder | ||||
| Compression: | 5,5:1 | 5.26:1 | |||
| Carburetor: | Single Weber 55AS1 | ||||
| Upload: | Roots compressor | ||||
| Gearbox: | 4-speed manual | ||||
| suspension : | Stiff axles, longitudinal leaf springs | ||||
| Brakes: | Mechanical drum brakes | ||||
| Chassis & body: | Box beam frame with aluminum body | ||||
| Wheelbase: | 275 cm | ||||
| Dry weight: | 820 kg | ||||
| Top speed: | 220 km/h | 230 km/h | |||
References
edit- ^ a b c d e "Maserati 8C 3000". Ultimate Car Page. Retrieved 2006-11-17.
- ^ "Classic Maserati". 4WD Online. Retrieved 2006-11-17.[dead link]
- ^ "Auction Report". Cigar Aficionado. Archived from the original on 2007-10-12. Retrieved 2006-11-17.
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