Maserati Tipo 151: The Bold V8 Beast That Chased Glory at Le Mans

Glorious Grit - Few chapters in the history of endurance racing are as thrilling—and ultimately as tragic—as those surrounding the Maserati Tipo 151. In an era where rivalries between manufacturers, racing teams, and even governing bodies could reshape the sport overnight, the Tipo 151 emerged as Maserati’s bold answer to a rapidly changing landscape. The early 1960s saw escalating tensions between the FIA and the ACO over the future of sports car racing. 

The 1964 Maserati Tipo 151/3, featuring a Piero Drogo-designed body built by Allegretti, had a lengthened chassis, wider track, and switched to dry sump lubrication. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

With new regulations favoring homologated GT cars, experimental prototypes were squeezed out. But Le Mans, being Le Mans, made its own rules, creating a class for these unique machines. That move allowed automakers like Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Maserati to push boundaries, and Maserati didn’t waste time stepping back into the arena with a machine aimed squarely at glory—the Tipo 151. | yXNuNEkVoCY |

Rather than adopting the innovative spaceframe chassis from the lightweight Birdcage models, Maserati’s legendary engineer Giulio Alfieri took a step back, opting for a more traditional ladder frame. But tradition didn’t mean compromise. Beneath the aggressive coupe silhouette—shaped with help from Milan University—lurked a potent 4.0-liter V8 breathing through twin-choke Webers, capable of delivering 360 horsepower. 

The 1962 Maserati Tipo 151 (chassis 151.006), the third and final car built, raced at Le Mans and later in various American events with limited success. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

This inaugural iteration, retroactively dubbed the 151/1, featured an experimental DeDion-type rear axle developed by a young GianPaolo Dallara. It promised better lateral movement and lower unsprung weight, marking a unique blend of old-school durability and new-age ingenuity.

The 1962 Maserati Tipo 151 (chassis 151.006), the third and final car built, powered by a potent 4.0-liter V8 breathing through twin-choke Webers, capable of delivering 360 horsepower. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

In 1962, three of these machines were unleashed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Two were fielded by American privateer Briggs Cunningham, and one by Colonel Johnny Simone’s Maserati France team. Despite limited testing, the cars showed immediate promise, running up front alongside Ferraris. But mechanical gremlins and poor luck struck early. One car flipped due to poorly installed brake pads, another suffered suspension failure, and the third was sidelined by drivetrain issues. All three retired well before the finish line.

The 1964 Maserati Tipo 151/3 was seen in action on the track during the 2012 Goodwood Revival, capturing the spirit of its racing heritage. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

Undeterred, the Maserati France car—chassis 002—became the nucleus of a transformation. The following year, the team returned with the updated Tipo 151/2, now sporting a five-liter V8 with Lucas fuel injection, producing a robust 430 horsepower. This car set the fastest speed down the Mulsanne straight during practice and even led the race for four hours before succumbing to transmission failure. But the fire had been lit. There was potential hidden in the roar of that engine, waiting to be refined.

The 1964 Maserati Tipo 151/3 was on display during the 2006 Bonhams Gstaad Auction.. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

The rebirth came in the form of the Tipo 151/3. Featuring a striking new body designed by Carrozzeria Drogo, this version had a lower profile and a flatter roof that swept back into a high tail, all thanks to a revised chassis that allowed the dry-sump engine to sit lower. Bigger wheels and wide Dunlop tires added more grip, and its stance was more menacing than ever. At Le Mans in 1964, it clocked a staggering 196 mph on the Mulsanne Straight. Although it was forced into the pits right at the start, the car clawed back from the rear of the field, only to be forced out again—this time by electrical issues in the night. Still, its speed and resilience were undeniable.

The 1964 Maserati Tipo 151/3 featured a striking new body designed by Carrozzeria Drogo, with a lower profile and a flatter roof that swept into a high tail. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

The 151/3 saw another update for 1965, now featuring a larger 5.1-liter engine capable of 450 horsepower and a newly tuned suspension. With fresh white-and-red livery, the final evolution of the Tipo 151 took to the track once more. But at Le Mans, on a wet and unforgiving stretch of the Mulsanne, the car tragically crashed, claiming the life of driver Lloyd “Lucky” Casner. It was a devastating blow—not just to the team, but to Maserati's entire sports car program. The Tipo 151 project was over. 

The 1964 Maserati Tipo 151/3 features a race-focused cockpit with a wood-rimmed steering wheel, analog gauges, and brushed metal switchgear. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

Despite never winning a major race, the Tipo 151 series remains unforgettable. Its raw power, futuristic design, and relentless evolution told a story of ambition and perseverance. Perhaps if more cars had been built and entered, the results would have been different. Only three were ever made, and just one survives in original condition today. A fourth, a replica inspired by the 151/3, was built decades later for collector Peter Kaus, reminding us that legends don’t always need trophies to leave their mark. 

The 1964 Maserati Tipo 151/3, equipped with larger wheels and wide Dunlop tires for enhanced grip and a more aggressive stance, reached an impressive 196 mph on the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans in 1964. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

In many ways, the Maserati Tipo 151 represents a time when race cars were born from passion, grit, and the pursuit of speed above all else. It may not have conquered Le Mans, but it certainly earned its place in the pantheon of endurance racing’s most compelling machines. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | ULTIMATECARPAGE | WIKIPEDIA | RSFMOTORMANIA IN X | 60S AND 70S SPORTS PROTOTYPE RACE CARS IN FACEBOOK ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.