To support the 100th anniversary celebration of Maserati at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 14-17, noted Italian car collector Lawrence Auriana is sending not only key race and passenger cars to Monterey, but also a vintage 1952 Fiat 642 Maserati race car transporter.
The factory transporter, which was used during the pinnacle of Maserati’s racing efforts in the 1950s, left Stamford, Conn. on August 1 and is due to arrive at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Thursday, August 7 where it will serve as a dramatic addition to the Maserati heritage display in the race paddock.
The big transporter was used by Maserati to bring its sports cars and Formula 1 cars to tracks throughout Europe. Radiating historical significance, it was part of Juan Manuel Fangio’s 1953 and 1957 World Championship Formula 1 seasons with a Maserati 250F. After the 1957 season, the factory sold this transporter to Lance Reventlow for his SCARAB race team. SCARAB was the first post-war American-built Formula 1 car and was used until 1962.
The transporter was left neglected until it sold at auction in 2002 to Lawrence Auriana. At that time, a full restoration was undertaken in Modena, Italy under the supervision of Adolfo Orsi, historian and grandson of Adolfo Orsi, owner of Maserati from 1937 to 1968.
“I am sure the sight of this enormous transporter barreling down the road caused more than a few heads to turn,” said Gill Campbell, CEO and general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “These types of vehicles add to the overall enjoyment and history to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and we are grateful to Lawrence Auriana for sharing his automotive treasures with our participants and racing fans.”
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will showcase nearly 550 authentic and historic race cars competing in 15 different groups over the four days. Race entries span 81 years, from early pre-war to more modern-day racers.