For the 1964 season and to try to resist the rear-engined prototypes with an already aging Maserati 151, Colonel Simone therefore had no choice but to bet on power and aerodynamics. He sends the 151 back to the factory for aerodynamic improvements. It emerges with a new bodywork with an original and spectacular line carved by the chisel of Mario Allegretti, an elongated chassis (the wheelbase goes from 2300 mm to 2400 mm), a front subframe allowing the power unit to be installed lower, and an engine doped by Alfieri with around twenty horsepower.
When the 151/3 (new name) appeared in the preliminary tests, the specialists were flabbergasted by the audacity of the shapes adopted. The "Monster", ("Il Mostro"), makes even more noise with its long exhausts devoid of chicane. Obviously, some sorrowful spirits go down in flames at the novelty, but regardless, this time John Simone seems sure of his shot.
After a disastrous start, the engine refusing to rev up, the 151/3 stopped at the end of the first lap. The time to find a piece of foam rubber blocking the accelerator, two minutes are lost. Undeterred, Trintignant attacked and two hours later the Maserati was in 10th position. Just as unleashed, André Simon, despite his convalescence, continued the ride, applauded by the multitude of enthusiastic supporters by the rise of this astonishing car. With the three Ford GT40s letting go one after the other and the ranks of Ferrari, the long-time rival, thinning out, at 9 p.m., Trintignant moved into 3rd position behind two Ferraris.
Photo Maurizio Colella
We are close to euphoria but bad luck has not deserted Maserati France's camp and it soon manifests itself in the form of brake and alternator problems. Nothing is going well and the big berlinetta plunges in the standings to abandon shortly after midnight. Obviously, in Modena, the preparation of the 151/3 was not a priority. Surprising, because even if it was a private engagement, Maserati having abandoned all sporting ambitions, the French importer's car was the only representative of the brand in major international events.
text ; slot-racing.fr
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