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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] 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]

Maserati 8C 3000

Technical Data

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

  1. ^ a b c d e "Maserati 8C 3000". Ultimate Car Page. Retrieved 2006-11-17.
  2. ^ "Classic Maserati". 4WD Online. Retrieved 2006-11-17.
  3. ^ "Auction Report". Cigar Aficionado. Archived from the original on 2007-10-12. Retrieved 2006-11-17.
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