This is the original 1991 Maserati Barchetta Stradale Prototype. On top of the 16 Barchetta racers that were produced, at least one road-going example was constructed as well, and here’s all there is to know about it. In 1992 a six round championship known as the ‘Grantrofeo Monomarca’ was organized and in order to create this one-make racing series, a car was needed to be built for it, and thus the Maserati Barchetta was born. These cars provided entertaining and reliable racing before the series was eventually discontinued. Moving past the racecar itself, today, were going to discuss the intriguing singular road-going prototype that was also built in period alongside the Barchetta racers. Not much at all is known about this car, but what is known is that the Stradale road variant didn’t employ the large wing of the race variant neither the roll cage. It was essentially a Barchetta racer without the extras. Maserati UK concessionaire Meridien was asked to homologate the Barchetta for road use. Together Meridien with the help of ‘Church Green Engineering’, who is best known for their work with the original 50s barchettas, carried out various mods including molding Fiat Coupe headlights into the nosecone, adding a speedometer to the basic instrumentation, and much more. The racers used small Momo steering wheels, while the Stradale was fitted with a more practical steering setup. The original Stradale prototype was destroyed during testing (chassis THB CMM LAC) by chief engineer at Maserati, Sig. Gamberini. The ONLY completed factory Stradale was chassis THB CNU LAE, which was a static model, now owned by a Museum known as CUP (Umberto Panini Collection). Modena-based industrialist, Umberto Panini was able to save 19 historic Maserati’s from heading to the Brooks auction house many years ago.
How many made? 1 of 1.
Engine: untested, static model.
Debut: a factory press conference in 1991
Top Speed: N/A
0-60mph: N/A
Photo Credit: @richardcarpassion
Research: @rarecarsonly
1991 Maserati Barchetta Stradale Prototype
18.12.2024
Maserati