The Turin Motor Show 60 years ago marked the debut of Maserati’s 5000 GT, widely regarded as the world’s first supercar. Built for the Shah of Persia, the ‘AM103’ project was an all-new model designed around the 450S racer’s V8 engine, bored out to 5.0 litres.
The first 5000 GT coupes had bodywork by Carrozzeria Touring, but almost every leading Italian coachbuilder eventually offered bodies, including Allemano, Pininfarina, Monterosa, Ghia, Bertone, Frua and Vignale. Just 34 examples were built, famous owners including Gianni Agnelli, Stewart Granger and Mexican President Adolfo López Mateos.
