Few Grand Prix cars have received as much attention and adoration as the Maserati 250F. Its impeccable beauty is clear to see but its lauded reputation wasn’t built on good looks alone. From its inception, the 250F was heralded for its fine craftsmanship, its benign handling and the Grand Prix winning potential of its 2 1/2 litre six cylinder engine. They were adored by all who raced them and described by Stirling Moss as the best front engined Grand Prix car he drove. Lining up against contemporaries from the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes, the 250F proved itself to be every bit as competitive winning a total of eight Grand Prix and securing the 1957 Formula One World Championship for non-other than ‘El Maestro’ Juan Manuel Fangio. Like the Mercedes W196 or Lancia-Ferrari D50, the 250F had everything it needed to be a great racing car, but there was one more thing that set it apart from its rivals, a unique quality that endeared it in the hearts and souls of drivers and fans for generations to come… accessibility.

The Pit Stop Magazine - Issue 2

Words and photos by Daniel H Lackey