Description
The Osca MT4 1100 Spider, produced from 1947 to the early 1950s, was an Italian sports car built by Officine Specializzate Costruzione Automobili (OSCA), a company founded by the Maserati brothers after leaving their family’s Maserati company. Known for its lightweight design and agile handling, the MT4 (Maserati Tipo 4) became highly successful in motorsports, especially in endurance racing and hill climbs.
The MT4 1100 Spider was powered by a 1.1-liter inline-four engine with dual overhead camshafts, producing around 72 to 75 horsepower. This engine allowed the car to reach speeds of up to 180 km/h (112 mph), impressive for its time and class. The car featured twin Weber carburetors, which gave it quick throttle response and excellent performance in competitive racing. The MT4’s engine was meticulously designed to be lightweight yet powerful, complementing the car’s agile handling.
The design of the MT4 1100 Spider was characterized by its streamlined, low-slung bodywork, crafted by renowned Italian coachbuilders like Frua and Morelli. It featured smooth, aerodynamic lines, an open cockpit, and minimalistic interiors focused on reducing weight. The Spider’s body was typically aluminum, keeping the car’s total weight low and enhancing its speed and handling on the track.
The Osca MT4 1100 Spider achieved significant success in racing, including a notable victory at the 1954 12 Hours of Sebring, where an MT4 triumphed over larger, more powerful cars. This victory, along with numerous other wins in Europe and North America, solidified the MT4’s reputation as a giant-killer in racing circles. Today, the MT4 1100 Spider is a celebrated classic, admired by collectors for its racing pedigree, elegant design, and the craftsmanship of the Maserati brothers.