Produced between the years of 1959 and 1961, Maserati Birdcage had five different models, all based on an intricate multi-tubular frame concept with perfect aerodynamics and a 50/50 front-to-back weight distribution. All of them were made for racing events, including the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Maserati Tipo 60 and 61 broke ground and records alike with their debut. But the innovation didn't stop at the 60/61. The saga continued with the audacious Tipo 63, followed by the even more daring Tipo 64, each iteration pushing the boundaries of technology and design further. And just when you thought the pinnacle had been reached, in roars the Tipo 65.
In the late fifties, income from Maserati’s successful 3500GT meant they could again develop racing cars like the Maserati Tipo 61. Design engineer, Giulio Alfieri drafted an intricate chassis design that was nicknamed the Birdcage. After only six cars, the complex design was upgraded to have a larger engine for American racing. In this Tipo 61 configuration it won many victories including the Nürburgring 1000km.
Initially, the Maserati Tipo 60/61 was received with much criticism. Omer Orsi, the director of the Maserati, had many doubts about the car’s unusual frame. Indeed the Tipo 60 really contrasted with idea of a classic Italian sports car, but it was a product of rapid transformation that started a new philosophy of race car engineering.
