MOTOR CARS | 289Meanwhile, 1120 had returned to the Bologna factory where it was
re-engined with a full International 1500cc power unit for Voiturette
class competition, and it was adopted by none other than Gino
Rovere himself. It is understood that it was Rovere himself who
commissioned the distinctive and stylized aluminium pattern to the
radiator grill. He took the 4CM to England in 1935 where he drove
the car both at Brooklands and at Donington Park.
Gino Rovere was to sell 1120 in 1935/36 to British private owner-
driver Teddy Rayson who would continue to campaign the car.
This category of racing was well supported and competitive and,
through the mid-1930s, there was a terrific upsurge of interest in
1500cc Voiturette or Vetturetta racing, as a schoolroom or essentially
privateer category below Grand Prix racing level.
Many years postwar the car appeared at a UK auction in 1976,
acquired apparently by R. A. Jones, and subsequently campaigned
in the UK from 1984 by Sean Danaher, who re-fitted the distinctive
nose-cowl. He ran the car initially with 1100 motor and from 1991
as a 1500. It proved hugely successful in that form, dominating
many Historic races through the period 1992-1998 driven by Martin
Stretton (first for Danaher, then for new owner Simon Bull). The car
was subsequently acquired by experienced motor-cycle and motor
car racer Barrie Baxter, who campaigned it from 1999 until it was
acquired by Stefan Schollwoeck who continued its Historic career.
The respected workshop of Sean Danaher Restorations Ltd have
both owned and looked after 1120 for many years. Mechanically,
1120 has received an engine rebuild and has been dyno tested at
over 200bhp. Work included new crankshaft, rods, pistons. A new
clutch has been installed and the rear axle has been built with new
crown wheel and pinion. The front axle has also been repaired. It
should be noted however that the car is workshop finished and has
not been tested, or set-up, for racing. That work is still required and
the Danahers would be pleased to offer ongoing support for the new
owner.The Maserati 4CM Vetturetta is a rare car, with some reports saying
just 20 produced. They even more rarely come to the open market,
so the opportunity to acquire one is very limited indeed. Here we are
proud to offer such an example from a most nostalgic era of road
racing competition, and one with a highly regarded provenance and
front-running Historic racing career. We recommend the closest
consideration – in the right hands ‘1120’ offered here could soon be
winning again.
£400,000 - 600,000
€500,000 - 750,0007