Mecum Auctions is a company known primarily for specializing in the sales of Corvettes and American muscle cars, but in a bid to take on the heavy hitters of the annual August Monterey Weekend, this firm has scored a coup with the consignment of a car of serious interest: the 1960 Sebring competitor, ex-Briggs Cunningham 1960 Maserati Tipo 61/60 “Birdcage” racer.
To be sold during Mecum’s third Monterey auction event August 18-20, this sports racer is chassis number 2459. Like the less than 20 other Tipos 60 and 61 built in 1959-1960, this example is powered by a front-mid-mounted, all-aluminum 200hp, 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder with two Weber 45DC03 carburetors. This light engine sits in a tubular space frame chassis designed by engineer Giulio Alfieri; it’s made up of more than 200 individual 10-15mm-thick tubes, many of which are exposed in the aluminum-bodied car, giving the Maserati its “Birdcage” nickname.
This ultra-light (sub 1,300-pound), purposeful car has advanced features like a five-speed manual gearbox, rack and pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes and a De Dion rear end. Mecum reports that it has been completely restored and prepared by Steve Hart Racing in Norfolk, England; photos of the restoration and FIA papers will be included in the sale.
