1934 Maserati 6C 34

Some big rule changes in F1 in 1934 meant that competing cars could not weigh more than 750kg. The smart folks at Maserati took their Maserati 8CM, made some adjustments and bingo, they were ready to go.

Of course, when we say “adjustments”, that meant major work and the replacement of the 3L straight eight with a new straight six engine. Based on the 2.5-litre 4C 2500 engine, the new straight six was 3.3 litres (quickly grew to 3.7 litres) and featured twin overhead camshaft and two valves per cylinder, coupled with a Roots-type supercharger. Power came in at 270 bhp.

Maserati built four more 6C 34s and also supplied one engine for a customer, who already had an Maserati 8CM. Success was very limited, with the car particularly hampered by the conventional chassis, whereas the rivals were running independent front (and rear) suspension.

Maserati did not pursue this avenue any further as the attention switched to the new V8RI, which featured a new V8 engine and an independently sprung chassis.

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1934 Maserati 6C 34 Gallery

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Maserati 6C 34 In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
engine	Supercharged Inline-6
displacement	3724 cc / 227.3 in³
bore	84 mm / 3.31 in
stroke	112 mm / 4.41 in
compression	6.4:1
power	201.3 kw / 269.9 bhp @ 5300 rpm
specific output	72.48 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	bhp per tonne
body / frame	Aluminum
driven wheels	Front Engine
front brakes	Hydraulic Drums
f brake size	mm / in
rear brakes	Hydraulic Drums
r brake size	mm / in
front wheels	F 45.7 x 8.9 cm / 18.0 x 3.5 in
rear wheels	R 45.7 x 10.2 cm / 18.0 x 4.0 in
steering	Worm & Sector
curb weight	750 kg / 1653 lbs
wheelbase	2560 mm / 100.8 in
front track	1330 mm / 52.4 in
rear track	1300 mm / 51.2 in
length	3850 mm / 151.6 in
width	1570 mm / 61.8 in
height	1200 mm / 47.2 in
transmission	4-Speed Manual
gear ratios	:1
top speed	~249.4 kph / 155.0 mph