The Tipo 26 was the first true Maserati after the brothers had acquired the Diatto racing team and stopped developing racing Isotta Fraschini's. It was launched onto the racing world in 1926 and had technologies that are used today to increase power!
The car was originally fitted with a 1.5 litre 8 cylinder motor putting out 120hp at 5,300 rpm. The engine used a Roots Supercharger, twin overhead cams and a light alloy block. Most cars of the 20's still used L-heads or overhead valve engines, so the use of cams and superchargers showed the world where the Maserati focus was!
The Tipo 26 was clothed in an aluminium body and like today's F1 prototypes, the first cars built were constantly evolving. with new lighter equipment and more efficient fuel carburettors.
The Tipo 26B followed in 1927 fitted with a 2 litre motor.
Alfieri Maserati took a ninth place and class win in the first outing and the cars had mixed results with some class wins throughout their racing career.
Have a look at this YouTube link to see one being driven!
