Taking to the hills of the Ligurian Apennines for the Vernasca Silver Flag will be four Maserati models, spanning back as long ago as 1949. Here are details ahead of the event taking place this weekend.
The Vernasca Silver Flag, an annual historic uphill speed race located in the picturesque Italian region of the Ligurian Apennines, is taking place today and tomorrow. Starting from Friday, 9 June – Maserati’s presence includes showcasing their timeless style with previous entrants at the prestigious event while also participating in the iconic climb alongside numerous other vintage cars.
Maserati has a rich history with the Vernasca Silver Flag, with notable victories in the past. The brand’s success includes Fernando Pagliarini’s triumph in the Maserati 150S in 1956 and Odoardo Govoni’s win in the Maserati Tipo 60 in 1961. Maserati feels right at home in this race organized by the CPAE (Club Piacentino Automotoveicoli d’Epoca) in the northern hills of their native country.
The competition showcases the painstaking efforts to restore and preserve vintage cars and culminates in a remarkable parade of esteemed brands. From rally cars to pre-war models, prototypes to single-seaters, and memorable grand touring vehicles, racing cars from the early 20th century to 1972 compete for top honours. Awards are presented for the best conservation, restoration, and various other categories, highlighting the dedication and passion of car enthusiasts.
Maserati will be the centre of attention in the 2023 edition, embodying the brand’s legacy of passion, tenacity, and engineering excellence. The Vernasca Silver Flag serves as a celebration of the Trident and its countless achievements that have brought the Modena-based brand to racetracks around the world.
During the event on 10 and 11 June, spectators will bear witness to a 1953 Maserati A6GCS-53 Berlinetta Pininfarina contending the climb. This post-war car was a groundbreaking leap that bridged the gap between race cars and road models. With four models produced, this 127 kW berlinetta boasts a top speed of 235 km/h which for the time was highly impressive. Another highlight is the 1949 Tipo A6-1500 GranTurismo, a highly successful 2,0-litre sports model that debuted at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show. With its distinctive Pininfarina design and innovative tubular chassis, only 58 of these models were ever produced.
Joining these iconic vehicles on the track is the 1961 Maserati Birdcage Tipo, renowned for its exceptional handling and drivability. With only 17 units manufactured, it posed a formidable challenge to other automakers during its time.
Lastly, the 2001 Tipo 320 S, which marked Maserati’s return to the track and preluded its relaunch in the US market, will also be on display. This unique open-top creation features a turbocharged 3,2-liter V8 engine, capable of delivering 276 kW and reaching a top speed close to 300 km/h.
Accompanying these vintage beauties, the Maserati GranTurismo and Maserati Grecale will be available for test drives courtesy of TridenteClub. This fusion of Maserati’s past and present exemplifies an event with international allure, featuring a dynamic competition among the most prominent names in the global motoring scene, while maintaining an everlasting charm.
Leave a Reply