Maserati 350S refers to a series of three racing cars made by Italian automobile manufacturer Maserati, built by Giulio Alfieri, with an aluminium body designed by Medardo Fantuzzi, both Maserati engineers. The 350S was built to experiment with a new straight-six engine while a new V8 engine was being developed at the factory.
History
The engine used in the car was heavily revised for racing purposes and ultimately bore little resemblance to the engine it was based on. Two different variants were made: one with dry sump lubrication, and the other with wet sump lubrication. Power outputs of the engine varied from 290 to 325 hp. The engine was installed in a tubular steel chassis based on that of the 300S, with additional strengthening.[1]
The first chassis, #3501, was developed in 1955 using the chassis of a 300S, and the 3.5-litre straight-six engine under development for the future 3500 GT. It was crashed by Stirling Moss in the 1956 Mille Miglia, then rebuilt at the factory as the first 450S