“The 200SI was one of the best handling front-engined, drum-braked racing cars from that period.

It was wonderful to hang on in curves with it, and it clearly followed your line.

It was a pleasure to drive.” John Fitch Although occasionally still achieving respectable results with their aging A6GCS, by 1954 Maserati had acknowledged its creeping obsolescence and were simultaneously developing their new 150S and 200S models as suitable replacements.

Somewhat illogically designated the Tipo 53 and Tipo 52, respectively, both shared broadly similar conventional tubular chassis, as well as 1.5- and 2-liter versions of the same all-new, twin-plug four-cylinder engine.

Front suspension on both models was via conventional double wishbones and coil springs, although the 150S employed a De Dion tube and transverse leaf-spring arrangement at the rear while the 200S—initially at least—used a live axle.

However, following complaints from early 200S customers, rear suspension on all but the fi...