Released in 1955, the 300S with its 3-liter 6-cylinder in-line engine is both a continuation of the 250F single-seater, Maserati's culmination for Formula 1, and of the 2-liter A6GCS sports model. Development is not easy and the first cars require some improvements in stiffness. The total population of the 300S is around 26 units.
In Formula 1, Juan Manuel Fangio could not continue with Mercedes-Benz who gave up after the Le Mans accident and he did not get along with Ferrari. He returned in 1957 to Maserati where he piloted again the 250F model that he had led to success three years earlier.
Fangio has no commitment with Maserati for the sports car competitions but same as Moss he likes the cars of that brand. One of his friends buys for the use of the champion a 300S manufactured in 1956 and factory upgraded in the configuration of the 1957 season. With this car Fangio wins in 1957 the Grand Prix in Portugal and Brazil.
The car is immediately resold in South America where the prestige of Fangio is immense and it continues for a long time its career in the local races. It is not in matching numbers : its original engine was probably switched in 1957 with another 300S also owned by Fangio's sponsor.
This Maserati 300S coachworked as a two-seater in the style of Fantuzzi is estimated $ 6M for sale by Bonhams at Quail Lodge - Carmel on August 18, lot 38. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
unsold
Ex-Fangio Maserati 300S Offered For Sale https://t.co/mhhYTqzVGP
— Sports Car Digest (@SportsCarDigest) August 4, 2017