The resulting AM103 project, continued through during 1959, and was in effect a new car and not merely a
customisation: the heart of the design was the V8 engine of the 450S (the famous Maserati racing barchetta),
with its bore increased to upgrade its displacement to almost five litres.
The 5000 GT, a prestigious 2+2 coupé, was born.
The car, of which the first bodywork was built by Carrozzeria Touring, was launched at the 1959 Turin Motor
Show, and received the nickname "Shah of Persia” in honour of this unique customer. Only three of that
special version were ever produced.
The next year, in 1960, the 5000 GT was exhibited on the stand at the Geneva International Motor Show, with
a few revisions to the engine.
The most interesting fact of the Maserati 5000 GT was that it was built with bodywork by almost all the
leading Italian coachbuilders of the time: from Allemano, Pininfarina, Monterosa, Ghia, Bertone and Frua, not
to mention Michelotti for Vignale.
Its great success led to the production of a number of cars for prestige customers including Prince Karim Aga
Khan (car with bodywork by Carozzeria Frua), Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli (Carozzeria Pininfarina), industrialist
Ferdinando Innocenti (Carrozzeria Ghia), film star Stewart Granger (Carrozzeria Allemano) and Mexican
President Adolfo López Mateos (Carrozzeria Allemano).
Maserati confirmed its ability to create a prestigous product, delivering exclusive elegance, impeccable
functionality and absolute comfort, combined with thrilling performance.
The 5000 GT was a VIP's car, in terms of both exclusivity and performance. Due to its extremely distinctive
character and high cost, the total number of cars built was limited to just 34.
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