Photos by Llew Kinst
Engine: 6 Cylinder in-line
Bore X Stroke: 84 x 75mm
Capacity: 2,490cc
Power: 270 bhp at 8,000rpm
The chassis of the 250F was multi-tubular but based more on the traditional
ladder principle rather than a true spaceframe. 1mm thick side rails of 40mm
diameter were used. Standard wishbone independent front suspension and de
Dion rear suspension was used. The major innovation for Maserati is that they
followed the practice of Ferrari and placed the de Dion tube in front of the
transaxle. The goal was to move a significant amount of weight ahead of the
rear axle improving weight distribution and reducing the polar moment of inertia.
The transmission offered four forward gears plus reverse while drumb brakes
were used for stopping the car with the 13.4" diameter drums mounted
outboard front and rear.
The aluminum bodywork was both functional and elegant with the fuel tank forming the tail of the car and had a capacity of 200 liters. The cockpit was quite generous and offered an upright seating position with plenty of elbow room but the dash was to close for the straight armed driving style favored by many of the newer drivers. The pedals were arrayed in what was then known as the Continental fashion with the accelerator in the center with the brake to the right and the clutch on the left.