Hold on to your hats, this one doesn’t come with a roof. This is the 1992 Maserati Barchetta (chassis number THB CMM LLF) finished in a beautiful red over a plaid interior. The Maserati Barchetta is a mid-engined racecar designed by Carlo Gaino of the Italian design house, Synthesis Design. The Barchetta was developed to compete in the one-make racing series, ‘Grantrofeo Barchetta’, which took place in 1992 & 1993 around various locations in Italy & Europe. This specific example was first delivered to German Maserati collector Dr Thomas Bscher. This car was raced extensively in period. In the inaugural six-round series in 1992, this car had finished 3rd place at Vallelunga, 4th place at Varano and two 5th place finishes at Levante just to name a few. Next season, in 1993, Bscher improved his results significantly with two 2nd place finishes at Enna-Pergusa and Misano, and three 3rd place finishes at Mugello, Magione and Vallelunga. The Barchetta used formula 1 geometrics and body panels made entirely with carbon fiber in order to achieve a total weight of just 1,709lbs. Not to mention, the Barchetta was also one of the last models ever produced under the ownership of De Tomaso. All of the Barchettas, including the one-off road variant, were constructed in the De Tomaso factory in Modena. Post production, In May of 1993, 17 years after having rescued Maserati from liquidation, Alejandro De Tomaso sold his 51% stake in Maserati to FIAT, which then became the sole owner. After this, it was decided to use the Barchetta’s underpinnings towards an actual production car, which would eventually go on to become the De Tomaso Guarà. The Guarà was also designed Carlo Gaino, and was built in 52 units from 1994-2004, all based on this Barchetta racer from the 90’s. This Barchetta recently received a comprehensive overhaul by marque specialists Rennwerk Gmbh of Koln to be made ‘road-legal’.
How many made? 1 of 17 (including the one-off road car)•Engine: 2.0L (1,996 cc) 24-valve twin-turbocharged AM501 V6 producing 315hp
Debut: Factory Press Conference 1991
Top Speed: around 180mph
0-60mph: around 4.1 seconds
Photo Credit: @rmsothebys
Research: @rarecarsonly