Maserati 4CS Brianza

The Maserati 4CS, chassis number 1114, was constructed in 1932 as the first example of the 4CS series. Developed by Officine Alfieri Maserati in Bologna, the 4CS was a competition-oriented sports car derived from the 4CM single-seater. It was designed for participation in endurance road races, particularly the Mille Miglia and similar events under Italian sporting regulations. Chassis 1114 was fitted with a supercharged inline four-cylinder engine of 1,088 cubic centimetres, utilizing dual overhead camshafts and a Roots-type supercharger. The engine produced approximately 90 horsepower. It was coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox. The chassis employed a tubular steel frame with semi-elliptical leaf springs and live axles front and rear. Braking was provided by mechanically actuated drum brakes on all four wheels. The vehicle conformed to the under-1100 cc category requirements at the time of its construction. The bodywork was carried out by Carrozzeria Brianza of Milan. The configuration was an open two-seat roadster with cycle-type fenders and minimal external trim. Chassis 1114 was exhibited at the 1932 Milan Motor Show and was subsequently entered in the Mille Miglia the same year, where it achieved a class victory. Following its initial period of use, the car was acquired by Count Carlo Castelbarco, who commissioned modifications including the installation of a 1,407 cc supercharged engine from a 4CS 1500 model. The vehicle was also converted to a monoposto configuration for circuit racing. It was later sold to Giulio Ravasi and exported to Eritrea. Records indicate that the vehicle remained there during the Second World War and participated in organized racing events. Post-war, the car was relocated to England, where a reconstruction was carried out, including the fabrication of a new body in the style of the original two-seat roadster. The chassis remained intact, and the mechanical specification was restored to near-original configuration. Chassis 1114 is the earliest known example of a Maserati 4CS and represents the company’s transition from specialized racing vehicles to limited-production sports models intended for private entry in major competition events. No other vehicle with this chassis designation is known.