1931 Maserati 8C 2800

Final evolution of the original Maserati Tipo 26 to compete against the latest Alfa Romeo 8C Monza and Tipo A as well as against the T 51 Bugatti. It was fitted with a Tipo 26M engine with its cylinders bored out by 4 mm to arrive at its limit of 2.8 litres and produced 205 bhp at 5,500 rpm.

Developed in close collaboration with carburettor maker Edoardo Weber of Bologna. The compact, low-line body ensured improved aerodynamics. Top speed was between 210 and 230 km/h (130 to 143 mph). Of the 14 Tipo 26Ms (or 8C 2500s) made, at least four received the 2.8-litre engine and re-body, transforming them into 8C 2800s.

The Maserati 8C-2800 made its debut in the 1931 French Grand Prix at Montlhery, just south of Paris, where the rugged Luigi Fagioli broke the lap record. A second car was available in time for Rene Dreyfus to drive it in the Monza Grand Prix that September, where Fagioli won in spectacular style.

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1931 Maserati 8C 2800 Gallery

1931 Maserati 8C 2800 In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
engine	Inline-8
valvetrain	DOHC 2 Valves / Cyl
displacement	2811 cc / 171.5 in³
bore	69 mm / 2.72 in
stroke	94 mm / 3.7 in
compression	5.5:1
power	152.9 kw / 205.0 bhp @ 5500 rpm
specific output	72.93 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	bhp per tonne
driven wheels	Front Engine
front tires	Dunlop 5.5×19
rear tires	Dunlop 5.5×19
front brakes	Mechanical Drums
f brake size	mm / in
rear brakes	Mechanical Drums
r brake size	mm / in
front wheels	F 45.7 x 7.6 cm / 18.0 x 3.0 in
rear wheels	R 45.7 x 8.3 cm / 18.0 x 3.3 in
steering	Worm & Sector
wheelbase	2750 mm / 108.3 in
front track	1340 mm / 52.8 in
rear track	1360 mm / 53.5 in
length	3840 mm / 151.2 in
width	1565 mm / 61.6 in
height	1210 mm / 47.6 in
transmission	4-Speed Manual
gear ratios	:1
top speed	~209.2 kph / 130.0 mph