Maserati Tipo 26B
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Maserati Tipo 26B | |
|---|---|
_(15049397802).jpg) 1928 Maserati Tipo 26B Monoposto (chassis no. 33/2515) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Maserati |
| Production | 1927-1930[1] |
| Assembly | Bologna, Italy |
| Designer | Alfieri Maserati |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Race car |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Tipo 26B MM |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.0 litre supercharged I8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual[2] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm (104 in) (2,580 mm (102 in) since 1928)[2] |
| Curb weight | 720-780 kg |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Maserati Tipo 26 |
| Successor | Maserati Tipo 26M Maserati Tipo V4 |
The Maserati Tipo 26B or Maserati Tipo 26B Monoposto was a racing car built by Italian manufacturer Maserati between 1927 and 1930, in a total of six examples and one additional engine.[2]
It was closely derived from the Tipo 26 with the same steel ladder-type frame and a similar aluminum two-seater bodywork.[2] The main difference was in the straight-eight engine being enlarged to 2 litres, otherwise it still featured a crankshaft-driven Roots supercharger, twin gear-driven overhead camshafts and dry sump lubrication.[2] The Tipo 26's 1492.9 cc engine had its bore and stroke upped by 2 and 16 mm, respectively, increasing displacement to 1980.5 cc. The engine's dimensions were now 62 by 82 mm. Two engines were bored out further, to 2.1 litres.[1]
The Tipo 26B was conceived primarily for open road racing since its engine didn't comply with the 1926-1927 Grand Prix formula which required a maximum displacement of 1.5 litres.
At its debut race in the 1927 Targa Florio the Maserati Tipo 26B driven by Alfieri Maserati finished third overall.[3]
A Tipo 26B was classified 12th in the 1930 Indianapolis 500 race, driven by Letterio Cucinotta of Messina.[1]
