The Tipo 151 was developed specifically for the Experimental GT Class at Le Mans in 1962. Three cars were built in total, one for Johnny Simone of Maserati France (151-002) in red with white tri-stripes whilst two were built for American Briggs Cunningham and finished in his traditional colours of white with blue racing stripes. The Tipo 151 marked a return to more traditional concepts of car design and used a frame comprising a trellis of both round and oval large tubes, independent front suspension and a De Dion axle which was modified to act like a swing-arm. The V8 engine was derived from the 450S with a reduced displacement of just under 4.0-litres to comply with the class regs for that year.

The Maserati France car was sent to the factory for revision for the 1963 Le Mans event and for 1964 it was again modified. For 1965, the car was further modified and fitted with a 5,044cc engine rated at 450bhp. Other modifications included the re-adoption of dual ignition, increased fuel capacity of 160-litres, a modified front suspension, a redesigned tail and large Girling disc brakes. It was certainly competitive, however, tragedy struck when 151-002 was written off during testing at Le Mans in May.

On offer here is a very accurate replication of the Tipo 151 by ATL (Autotecnica del Lario), the Lake Como-based coachbuilders and creators of some of the world's most beautiful motor cars. It's based on an early Quattroporte (AM107) chassis and would have been built in the mid-1970s. From our vendor's entry "Maserati Tipo 151, 1965, 100% accurate reconstruction by ATL, full aluminium, Maserati engine 4,200cc prepared to 4,700cc, 360bhp, 5-speed ZF transmission, Maserati drivetrain, tube frame, alloy body, disc brakes, De dion tube rear end, 15" Borrani 4121 record wheels, new tyres".

The car was raced extensively in the US around 10 years ago and has featured in a number of US magazines including Vintage Motorsport, Vintage Racer, Victory Lane and Hemmings Sport and Classic Car. We understand that the '151' is road registered in Belgium, is taxes paid in Europe and, if staying in the UK, will have a reduced rate import tax of 5%. It's accompanied by its SVRA logbook and will have FIA HTP papers by the time of the sale.