<< Prev Page 2 of 2 While the 450S was readied, Maserati's ever busy competition department also turned out a third 350S for the 1957 season. Instead of the 3500 GT-sourced straight six, the new Tipo 57 sported an experimental V12. Based on the engine developed for the 250F single seater racer, the beautiful unit also displaced 3.5 litre, explaining why the type name was carried over. The hugely sophisticated V12 featured twin overhead camshafts and six twin-choke Weber carburettors. Capable of revving to a staggering 9,000 rpm, the twelve cylinder engine produced a claimed 335 bhp.
What was carried over from the earlier 350S was the steel tubular frame with double wishbones and DeDion axle suspension. Like the second Tipo 53, the third 350S chassis also featured a rear mounted gearbox for improved weight distribution. Fantuzzi once again supplied the body, which had an usually deep nose with a large opening to cool the big engine. The car was instantly recognisable due to the massive bulges needed to clear the carburettors. Like the first 350S, the new-for-1957 machine was completed in time for the Mille Miglia where it was entrusted to Hans Herrmann.
Unfortunately, Herrmann also failed to complete the event. In fact he did not even make it to Rome after a stone made a sizeable hole in the crankcase. The next outing for the V12-engined sports racer was the Nürburgring 1000 km. The car did not even make the start as a piston failure had destroyed another engine. This was the end of the brief works racing career as Maserati from here on focused all their efforts on the 450S. At the end of the year, Maserati withdrew from racing in favour of producing more lucrative road cars. The ill-fated and underdeveloped 350S racers were sold to privateers with V8 or straight six engines fitted. << Prev Page 2 of 2
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While the 450S was readied, Maserati's ever busy competition department also turned out a third 350S for the 1957 season. Instead of the 3500 GT-sourced straight six, the new Tipo 57 sported an experimental V12. Based on the engine developed for the 250F single seater racer, the beautiful unit also displaced 3.5 litre, explaining why the type name was carried over. The hugely sophisticated V12 featured twin overhead camshafts and six twin-choke Weber carburettors. Capable of revving to a staggering 9,000 rpm, the twelve cylinder engine produced a claimed 335 bhp.