Maserati 8CL
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Designer(s) | Maserati |
|---|---|
| Production | 1940-1946 |
| Predecessor | Maserati 8CTF |
| Successor | Maserati 8CLT |
| Technical specifications | |
| Chassis | Steel box-section frame, aluminum body |
| Suspension (front) | Rigid axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, friction shock absorbers |
| Suspension (rear) | Live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, friction shock absorbers |
| Length | 3,830 mm (151 in) |
| Width | 1,480 mm (58 in) |
| Height | 1,100 mm (43 in) |
| Axle track | 1,340–1,350 mm (53–53 in) (front) 13,601,380 mm (535,487 in) (rear) |
| Wheelbase | 2,790 mm (110 in) |
| Engine | 3.0 L (2,981.7 cc) Straight-8 (415–430 hp (309–321 kW)) FR layout |
| Transmission | 4 speed manual transmission |
| Weight | 630–780 kg (1,390–1,720 lb) |
| Competition history | |
The Maserati 8CL is an open-wheel Grand Prix motor racing car, designed, developed and built by Italian manufacturer Maserati, from 1940 through 1946. Only two models were produced.[1]
Featuring a longer wheelbase, it succeeded the 8CTF. She was conceived to participate in the International Formula. The technical setting that gave positive results with the 4CL was resumed, namely four valves per cylinder, a square engine (i.e. the piston stroke was equal to the cylinder bore), and two compressors, one for each bank of 4 cylinders.[2]
The outbreak of World War II shortly after its launch interrupted its development. The resumption of competitive activities after the conflict relegated supercharged racing cars, and with a large displacement, to free formulas, which however did not interest the public. This was also the fate of 8CL.[3]
Two specimens were built, one before and one after the Second World War: the first was sold in Argentina, while the second was made specifically for the Scuderia Milano and achieved good results with Gigi Villoresi (third classified at the Indianapolis 500 in 1946). and Nino Farina (winner of the Mar del Plata Grand Prix in 1948).
