Maserati celebrates 70 years of the A6G 2000

The first A6G 2000, a car representative of the A6 series, built by Maserati from 1947 to 1956 and named in homage to Alfieri Maserati (hence the letter A) with a 6 indicating the engine type (straight 6) was delivered exactly 70 years ago, in February 1951.

The new model was the replacement for the A6 1500 series sports car, and its name referenced the cast iron (or “ghisa”) of its crankcase (“G”) and its engine displacement of 2,000 cc.

The need to increase power output in response to the general trend in the Italian market of demanding higher-performing cars, partly as a result of the country's improving economic conditions, led Maserati to convert the A6GCS two-litre engine to fully exploit the potential of the A6’s chassis.

The increase in displacement compared to the previous A6 model was achieved through precision engineering work on the bore and stroke of the straight 6. The upgraded engine, with displacement of 1,954.3 cc, achieved a power output of 90 to 100 horsepower depending on the final setup, resulting in a top speed of 180kph.

The 1950 Turin Motor Show provided the backdrop for the impressive launch of the A6G 2000, which Maserati presented in two versions: a 4-seater, 2-door sedan by Pininfarina, and a convertible designed by Pietro Frua.

Sixteen of these cars were assembled in 1950 and 1951: nine with bodywork by Pininfarina, and five convertibles and a coupé by Pietro Frua. Alfredo Vignale produced just one car, a two-tone A6G 2000 coupé, with his signature sporty stylistic features.

Rear-wheel drive, a gearbox with four speeds plus reverse and a dry-mounted single disc clutch completed the characteristics of the new A6G 2000, together with the independent wheel front and rear suspension comprising a rigid axle with leaf springs. Hydraulically operated drum brakes on all four wheels and solid steel or spoked wheels completed the carefully chosen blend of craftsmanship and technological innovation, which made this car, built for the few, an icon on the motoring scene of the time.