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The Maserati Tipo 60/61 “Birdcage” is a light and powerful sports racer produced in 1959-1960 that exhibits superb aerodynamics. It has a great power to weight ratio, with a perfect 50/50 weight distribution front-to-back, independent front suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, and De Dion tubes in front of a 5-speed transaxle made of electron, which is a special aluminum alloy.〔 The nickname "Birdcage" is due to the intricate, tubular frame and chassis made up of approximately 200 small-diameter, chrome-molybdenum steel tubes of varying lengths and thicknesses welded together with a unique and highly guarded Italian process. This design was engineered by Giulio Alfieri in 5 different models, the most popular being the Tipo 60 and the Tipo 61.〔 Many of these drivers are quoted as saying very positive things about this car, including: :Sir Stirling Moss: The most famous race car driver of all time ::''"A fabulous car-light, very nimble, fantastic brakes, super steering, enormous torque, and good power."'' :Carroll Shelby: Racing Icon and famous builder of Shelby cars ::''"The best handling car I've ever driven. Easy to go fast, to corner, and does not seem to be working hard at top speed."'' :Dan Gurney: Race Icon, Team Owner and Designer ::''"Great balance, the car is perfectly sprung and the brakes are just right for its weight and power. The adhesion to the track is just fabulous."'' == 2459 History Overview == Maserati Tipo 61 Chassis #2459 was built for Briggs Cunningham and prepared for racing by Alfred Momo. 2459 was primarily driven by two-time SCCA Driver of the Year Walt Hansgen, with Dr. Dick Thompson and Augie Pabst also driving. Under Hansgen, Thompson, and Pabst, Birdcage #2459 achieved four wins and one finish each for second, third, and fourth place in 1960 and 1961.〔 In 1962, Birdcage 2459 was taken to Daytona to compete in the first 3-hour Continental on February 11 with Augie Pabst as the driver. After 2 years of success, Maserati Tipo 60-2459 had an accident during a practice run for this event. Pabst walked away from the accident with cuts, bruises, and a few broken ribs, while the car, 2459, was destroyed. The remains were taken back to Momo's shop in New York. Momo decided not to repair the car and instead dismantled it, scrapped the chassis and body, and sent the component parts to England for potential use on Maserati Tipo 60 and 61 Birdcages.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2506&dat=19620207&id=OyJaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2ksNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4284,1363704 )〕〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1873&dat=19620209&id=fnApAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iNEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2838,1477668 )〕 It wouldn't be until many years later that Maserati "Birdcage" Tipo 61 Chassis #2459 began re-creation for a distinguished, but anonymous, Italian collector. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Maserati Birdcage Tipo 61 2459」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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