<< Prev Page 2 of 2 Known internally as the Tipo 4 (Tipo 1 through 3 where 250F variants), the new Maserati was more commonly referred to as the 420/M/58 for 4.2 litre Monoposto 1958 or simply the Eldorado after its sponsor. Copying an American tradition, the Monzanapolis Maserati was not finished in the familiar Italian racing red but in white with a colourful mix of Eldorado stickers. It was one of the first if not the very first European competition car finished in the colours of its sponsors. Signed to drive the unique Maserati 420/M/58 was former works driver Stirling Moss. He faced a field consisting mainly of Indy Roadsters, complemented by three different Ferraris, a pair of Jaguar D-Types and the unique Lister Jaguar single seater.
Once again the American cars and drivers proved to have the upper hand but Moss did prove to be the quickest of the European entries. In the first of three heats he finished fourth, while in the second he placed fifth. Unfortunately, the steering of the Maserati broke in heat three at 260 km/h, resulting in a terrible accident from which Moss was lucky to escape alive. He had covered enough distance to be placed seventh in the final results. Having won all three heats, the well deserved overall winner was Jim Rathman driving an Offenhauser powered Watson. It turned out to be the final Race of Two Worlds as the event failed to make a profit for the Automobile Club de Milan in neither year.
The damaged 420/M/58 was returned to the Maserati factory where it was rebuilt with an eye on entering it in the 1959 Indy 500. The body was modified by Gentilini, who removed the fin mounted on top of the rear fairing. The oil tank was moved to the left, outside of the body, to further improve the weight balance. Finished in red but still bearing Eldorado sponsors, the car was rebadged the 420/M/59 and shipped to the United States. It was entered for Ralph Linguori by Eldorado Racing. Sadly a combination of fuel pick-up problems and limited ability behind the wheel prevented the car from qualifying for the race. This proved to be the last outing for the car. << Prev Page 2 of 2
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Known internally as the Tipo 4 (Tipo 1 through 3 where 250F variants), the new Maserati was more commonly referred to as the 420/M/58 for 4.2 litre Monoposto 1958 or simply the Eldorado after its sponsor. Copying an American tradition, the Monzanapolis Maserati was not finished in the familiar Italian racing red but in white with a colourful mix of Eldorado stickers. It was one of the first if not the very first European competition car finished in the colours of its sponsors. Signed to drive the unique Maserati 420/M/58 was former works driver Stirling Moss. He faced a field consisting mainly of Indy Roadsters, complemented by three different Ferraris, a pair of Jaguar D-Types and the unique Lister Jaguar single seater.