Maserati Grand Prix Car Artwork
Robert Hooper captures a moment from the debut outing for a grounbreaking Maserati Grand Prix car.
In 1935, Maserati designed an all-independent suspension and the first V8-powered Grand Prix car, the V8RI. Lined up to drive the first example at the V8RI’s debut was the skilled Frenchman, Philippe Etancelin. This painting by Robert Hooper is an original watercolor of the V8RI debut at the Grand Prix de la Marne in 1935 with Etancelin as the driver. The brand-new car finished 2nd in the first heat, but developed engine problems in the feature race.
