Maserati Birdcage
| Maserati Tipo 61 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Maserati |
| Also called | Birdcage |
| Production | 1959-1961 16 units |
| Designer | Giulio Alfieri |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports racer. |
| Body style | Two-seat spyder. |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Chassis | Welded tubular latticework - Superleggera |
| Related | Maserati Birdcage 75th |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2890.3 cc inline-four cylinder, Normally aspirated with two Weber 48 DC03 carburettors 187 kW (250 bhp) @ 6800 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,200 mm (87 in) |
| Curb weight | 600 kg (1,300 lb) |
The Maserati Tipo 61 (commonly referred to as the Maserati Birdcage) is a sports racing car of the early 1960s. The car was produced between 1959 and 1961 by Maserati for racing in sports car events including the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance classic. It used an intricate tubular space frame chassis, containing about 200 chro-moly steel tubes welded together, hence the nickname "Birdcage". This method of construction provided a more rigid and, at the same time, lighter chassis than other sports cars of the time. By recessing the windscreen base into the bodywork, Maserati was able to reduce the effect of new Le Mans rules demanding a tall windscreen. The Camoradi team became famous racing the Tipo 61s but, despite being very competitive, the Birdcage was somewhat unreliable and occasionally retired from many races due to problems with the drivetrain.
A modern car - the Maserati MC12 is available only in white and blue to serve as a tribute to the Tipo 61 and the Camoradi racing team.
The Tipo 61 was unveiled in 1959 when Stirling Moss won its first race, attracting the attention of Lloyd "Lucky" Casner. Casner founded the Casner Motor Racing Division who raced three Tipo 61's in the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Tipos never won Le Mans due to reliability issues, however in both 1960 and 1961 the Camoradi team won the 1000 km Nürburgring.
The Tipo 61 was the most well known model but Giulio Alfieri designed 5 different models, all based on an intricate multi-tubular frame concept. This multi-tubular construction produced a light weight and rigid chassis that was a significant competitive advantage for a racing car. All models included independent front suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes and 5-speed transmission. A De Dion type rear axle was used on the Tipo 60 and 61.
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