The Shah of Persia's commission — Alfieri's 450S racing V8 in a reinforced 3500 GT chassis; 34 built across eight coachbuilders.
Tipo 103: born when the Shah of Persia, unsatisfied by a 3500 GT test drive's exclusivity, commissioned Giulio Alfieri to fit the 450S racing V8 into a reinforced 3500 GT chassis; debut Turin 1959.
34 built across eight coachbuilders — Touring's Superleggera cars first (incl. the Shah's chassis 103.002), Allemano the majority to a Michelotti design; clients included the Aga Khan, Giovanni Agnelli and Briggs Cunningham; the Aga Khan's Frua-bodied car (103.060) directly inspired the Quattroporte's styling.
A commission-only super-GT that anticipated the Quattroporte and the modern super-saloon template. Chassis authentication, coachbuilder identification and documented provenance are the defining factors.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5000 GT (carburetted) | 1959–1961 | Not separately recorded | 4,937cc, ~340 hp, carburettors. 34 units, 1959–1965 (some sources 1966). Per Maserati. |
| 5000 GT (Lucas injection) | 1961–1965 | Not separately recorded | 4,940/4,941cc, Lucas injection, 325–350 hp quoted. 34 units, 1959–1965 (some sources 1966). Per Maserati. |
Authenticate stamped chassis, engine and body numbers against Maserati Classiche records in Modena. For the 5000 GT specifically, verify chassis identity, the coachbuilder (Touring, Allemano, Frua or one of the other five) and engine specification (carburetted or Lucas injection) against Maserati Classiche records; documented ownership history is decisive on a 34-car commission model.
Confirm body originality, coachbuilder identity (where applicable) and restoration standard against a Maserati marque specialist.
Confirm continuous service history and any rebuild history for the engine, gearbox and driveline against a marque specialist.
Restoration standard, originality of body and driveline, and any documented ownership record are the main value drivers.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-29 | Gooding Christie's Rétromobile Paris 2026 | 1962 5000 GT (Lot 27) | — | €657,500 Sold |
| 2023-03-02 | Bonhams The Amelia Island Auction | 1962 5000 GT (Lot 188) | — | $417,500 Sold |
A 34-car commission super-GT that anticipated the Quattroporte. Chassis authentication, coachbuilder identification and documented provenance separate the strongest examples.
Our view, not advice. This section is Car Collector International's editorial judgement on where this model sits in the collector market, based on the production, specification and market data set out in this guide. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell and it is not investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise.
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The valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.
