Page 1 of 1 In the late 1920s, the Voiturette class for small engined racers was quickly gaining popularity, particularly with privateer racers. This was a great opportunity for a dedicated racing car manufacturer like Maserati and for 1929 they developed a 1100 cc version of the Tipo 26. Compared to the French Salmsons and Amilcars, the straight engined machine was overweight, which could not even be cured by using exotic alloys. After four examples were produced, the Tipo 26C or 8C 1100 was abandoned and Alfieri Maserati started with a clean sheet.
One of the main reasons for the Tipo 26C's obesity was the rather large straight-eight engine. It was replaced with Maserati's first four cylinder engine, which was much better suited to the small displacement. Equipped with twin overhead camshafts and a Roots-Type Supercharger, the new 1088cc 'four' delivered 90 bhp, which was comparable with the heavier Tipo 26 engine. Mated to a four speed gearbox, the engine was fitted in a compact ladder frame chassis to form the 4CTR (four cylinder 'Testa Riportata').
The 4CTR was first launched in 1931 and only one example was produced. The unique machine's biggest moment of glory came in 1932 when it claimed a 1100 cc class win in the Mille Miglia. More importantly it formed the basis for both a new Maserati sports racer and single seater. The former was similar as the 4CTR and was known as the 4CS 1100 (four cylinder sport). The two seater was clothed in an elegant Brianza built spider body and shown at the 1932 Milan Auto Show.
Shortly after the 4CS 1100's launch, the 1100 class lost its popularity. It picked up again in 1934 when a Works entered 1100 Maserati won its class at the Mille Miglia again. This led to an order of three new cars for the 1935 season. These were pure racing cars and added another two Mille Miglia class wins to its tally. In 1936 a final 4CS 1100 was constructed, based on a chassis previously used for a 4CS 1500. Upon its completion, Maserati focused solely on single seater racing cars again. Page 1 of 1
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4CS 1100
In the late 1920s, the Voiturette class for small engined racers was quickly gaining popularity, particularly with privateer racers. This was a great opportunity for a dedicated racing car manufacturer like Maserati and for 1929 they developed a 1100 cc version of the Tipo 26. Compared to the French Salmsons and Amilcars, the straight engined machine was overweight, which could not even be cured by using exotic alloys. After four examples were produced, the Tipo 26C or 8C 1100 was abandoned and Alfieri Maserati started with a clean sheet.