Some of the results from the auctions taking place at Monterey over the last few days suggest that the high end of the collector car market may be experiencing some tightening. Some of the marquee vehicles were either no sales or selling at the lowest point of their pre-sale estimates. Whether it’s a case of sellers asking too much money or external forces, it makes it more of a challenge to sell incredible specimens like this 1956 Maserati A6G listed here at Broad Arrow Auctions.
I also believe that you’re going to begin seeing some of the older models lose their luster. Obviously, there are high-end collectors who will certainly continue to covet models like these. But it seems likely that the potential bidder pool will begin to shrink as folks age out of the collector car hobby and the next generation of big spenders look towards newer models. The listing notes that this may be a true one of one, owing to its “double bubble” Zagato roof.
Now, don’t let my gloomy predictions for one second undermine what a special car this is. The Maserati is powered by a “…2.0-liter, dual overhead camshaft inline-six cylinder engine derived from Maserati’s A6GCS and A6GCM competition cars,” according to the listing, and this example actually has Mille Migilia competition experience in its history file. The listing notes that this engine pushed out a very respectable 160 horsepower, and other exotic components helped to keep the curb weight down and performance sprightly.
The interior is the epitome of understated elegance, and is the result of a comprehensive restoration performed when the Maserati came to the U.S. in 2008. The car was restored by Paul Russell and Company of Essex, Massachusetts, which has an impressive resume chock full of major restorations of significant automobiles. This Maserati didn’t find a new home at the recent Monterey Jet Center Auction, and is now listed with an asking price of $3.3 million.
There DID seem to be quite a few older classics that didn’t break their reserves. The one car I was intrigued the most was a gorgeous 1941 Cadillac Series 62 which did sell – for $22k LESS than what it sold for at Kissimmee only seven months ago. Is the market correcting?
Stunning. Most cars I wouldn’t be afraid to drive, but this? Off. I could just sit and look at it though.
oof!
…and let the engine for a few minutes sing its song!
I agree that prices for lesser models from the 70’s and earlier will generally decline in this market. However unique, historical models will hold value, decline less and appreciate again in the next economic cycle. Witness how Duesenburgs softened in the last cycle only to come back even stronger. Very early vehicles ( e.g. some brassies, etc.) with provenance are similar. However your ’55 chevy for example of which there are likely still multiples thousands of examples out there, well not so good.
This car is a bit problematic. I am not an expert but it took about five minutes to find that chassis 2121 was also produced with a double bubble roof. That car is at
https://www.conceptcarz.com/profile/2749,12432/1956-maserati-a6g-54.aspx
This silver 2155 car was also crashed a number of times, including a rollover onto its roof. It was sent to Zagato at some point for restoration. Perhaps then it received the new roof?
Its race history is a matter of debate.
Finally, I find other of the 20 examples (all coupes and not including the one spider made for a total of 21 Zagato Maser A6G-54s) more lovely than this one. This is the only Zagato with an awkward rear – those sharp-edged finny fenders. Here’s a stunner, and more neatly resolved in the tail:
https://www.ultimatecarpage.com/img/Maserati-A6G-54-2000-Zagato-Coupe-139448.html
Sure, there are economic reasons for sales to be soft this year, including very high borrowing rates. But in the rarified atmosphere of coachbuilt exotics, every detail counts.
Michelle,
The A6G Zagato has always been on my top 25 cars wish list. Sadly it will always remain on that wish list.
Coachbuilt.cc lists all the info on these cars, by VIN, and each VIN has a page devoted to that car, listing info including ownership records, auction sales, etc. The website also says there were 3 double bubble examples, but as far as I can tell, it does not break down which examples.
I agree that the back end doesn’t do the car justice, especially when using taillight assemblies that appear to be the same as used on many British cars including the Triumph TR2 and 3. I was unable to find any vintage photos of the car’s rear body to confirm it came that way in 1956. As you indicated it may have been involved in roll-over damage and sent back to Zagato. I’m wondering if there was an effort to update the car’s body designs, and what we see today could be a later body by Zagato. I would love to find period photos to see what the car looked like when new.
Even with the unusual rear end treatment, it’s still on my want list!
What can I say. I agree with Greenhorn Just to sit in and look at it. Absolutly Beautiful
This car has the double bubble roof.
I love the sharp quarter panels. Gives the car more character and sets it apart from others. Coach built cars varied even if built by the same coach builder.
Excotic yes.Pretty no. Eye lidded headlights way to big. Maserati grill badge to big, Rear window pillar and sharp finline dont compliment the overall design features. I do like the twin bubble top. 3.3 pass.
Wow…what a car! But it doesn’t really fit the term “Barn Find”.
Not sold at Auction on August 17-18, 2023