OSCA MT4 2-AD Spider: Italian Racer at its Finest
In the worlds of racing cars of the 50s, the 1953 OSCA MT4 2-AD Spider holds a pretty special place. Born from the mind of Maserati brothers, already established car manufacturers at the time, this car represented a perfect combination of advanced technology, elegant design and exceptional performance.
The Officine Specializzate Costruzione Automobili (OSCA) was founded in 1947 by the Maserati brothers, Bindo, Ernesto and Ettore, after they left the company of the same name. Capitalizing on their experience and passion for racing, the Maseratis created cars that embodied Italian innovation and sophistication.
The MT4, first introduced in 1948, was a racing barchetta designed to compete in the up to 1.1 liter category. Its 1,092 cc engine produced just over 70 horsepower, but it was enough to give it a competitive edge. The MT4 immediately proved a winner, scoring several wins and establishing OSCA’s reputation in the industry.
Among its most important victories we remember the first place in its class at the 1953 Mille Miglia and the victory at the Giro di Sicilia of the same year.
In 1950, OSCA introduced the MT4 2-AD, a version equipped with a double overhead camshaft engine that increased power to 100 hp for the 1,350 cc engine. In 1953, the engine’s bore was increased to 1,453 cc to compete in the 1,500 cc class, with a maximum output of 110 horsepower.
In addition to its high performance, the MT4 2-AD Spider stood out for its sleek and aerodynamic design. The bodywork, created by various renowned Italian coachbuilders such as Zagato and Fantuzzi, featured sinuous lines and balanced proportions that accentuated the sporty appearance of the car.
Today, the OSCA MT4 2-AD Spider is considered one of the most iconic racing cars of the 1950s. With only a few units in existence in the world, the MT4 2-AD Spider represents a collector’s item coveted by enthusiasts and admired by enthusiasts.
Photos by Wheels Age