-
Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
-
Latest Headlines: NASCAR
-
-
Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Games
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
- Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
Automotive Lifestyle
VINTAGE: Mecum Changes Description Of Disputed Maserati At Auction
Auction house challenges 'fake' label, but builder says the Birdcage should be considered a replica.
The 1962 Maserati Birdcage up for auction at Mecum's Monterey sale was fabricated recently from a few remaining parts of the original No. 2459, the builder says. (Photo: Mecum Auctions)
Mecum Auctions has added an addendum to its description of 1960 Maserati Tipo 61/60 "Birdcage" chassis, No. 2459, that is coming up for sale at Mecum’s Monterey collector-car event in response to questions about the race car’s authenticity.
The description of the car in Mecum’s online catalog now notes that the Maserati was built during the past few years from parts salvaged from the total wreck of the original No. 2459 in 1962. Racing historians say that the car was deemed totaled and parted out after the crash, and that No. 2459 no longer exists.
Mecum says that the reconstruction by noted Maserati expert Steve Hart of Norfolk, England, is not only accurate but has received the approval of FIA officials for vintage racing. The auction house disputes descriptions of the car as a “fake,” as described in a story earlier this week by High Gear Media and in lively discussions on the websites of Hemming Motor News and Autosport.com.
“The current owner/seller of 2459 purchased parts from the original which he used in his construction of the latest rendition of 2459,” Mecum’s addendum reads. “In the owner/seller’s opinion, he via due process has right and claim to that number. He constructed the current car to exacting standards and applied to the FIA for certification. They approved and accepted the car as 2459.”
But Steve Hart challenges the assertion that the Birdcage has earned the right to the original No. 2459. In a written response to the High Gear story that ran on SPEED.com, he describes how he was given a few remains of the original car to create a complete Maserati.
“We were given a chassis, an engine, a few bits of gearbox case and asked to make a car from it, which we did,” Hart wrote. “When we first began working to make the remaining parts and assembling it, we were not told about it was to be 'given' a chassis number. It was only towards the end that we were asked to put a number on it.
“As far as I'm concerned, I do not believe the car to have any 'claim' to the original number of 2459. Whenever anyone has contacted me about it, I have always told them this. The chassis has 'REPLICA' stamped into it, not by us, but from whoever the chassis came from/builder. I have not informed anyone of this before.
“I do, however, wish to remain completely honest about this and I am happy to answer any questions that someone may have. I do not have a problem with 'new' cars, providing everyone knows what they're getting into and where they stand. I am sorry that this has created such a fuss.”
The Maserati Birdcage remains the marquee car in Mecum’s Monterey auction, Aug. 18-20, although its value as an original car has been tarnished by the controversy.
“The owner/seller’s opinion is he is selling a re-constructed current rendition of the original,” Mecum says in the addendum. “If potential buyers wish to opinion the car in a different light, that is their discretion and they should make the decision to not bid or bid according to their opinion of the car.”
Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at
The description of the car in Mecum’s online catalog now notes that the Maserati was built during the past few years from parts salvaged from the total wreck of the original No. 2459 in 1962. Racing historians say that the car was deemed totaled and parted out after the crash, and that No. 2459 no longer exists.
Mecum says that the reconstruction by noted Maserati expert Steve Hart of Norfolk, England, is not only accurate but has received the approval of FIA officials for vintage racing. The auction house disputes descriptions of the car as a “fake,” as described in a story earlier this week by High Gear Media and in lively discussions on the websites of Hemming Motor News and Autosport.com.
“The current owner/seller of 2459 purchased parts from the original which he used in his construction of the latest rendition of 2459,” Mecum’s addendum reads. “In the owner/seller’s opinion, he via due process has right and claim to that number. He constructed the current car to exacting standards and applied to the FIA for certification. They approved and accepted the car as 2459.”
But Steve Hart challenges the assertion that the Birdcage has earned the right to the original No. 2459. In a written response to the High Gear story that ran on SPEED.com, he describes how he was given a few remains of the original car to create a complete Maserati.
“We were given a chassis, an engine, a few bits of gearbox case and asked to make a car from it, which we did,” Hart wrote. “When we first began working to make the remaining parts and assembling it, we were not told about it was to be 'given' a chassis number. It was only towards the end that we were asked to put a number on it.
“As far as I'm concerned, I do not believe the car to have any 'claim' to the original number of 2459. Whenever anyone has contacted me about it, I have always told them this. The chassis has 'REPLICA' stamped into it, not by us, but from whoever the chassis came from/builder. I have not informed anyone of this before.
“I do, however, wish to remain completely honest about this and I am happy to answer any questions that someone may have. I do not have a problem with 'new' cars, providing everyone knows what they're getting into and where they stand. I am sorry that this has created such a fuss.”
The Maserati Birdcage remains the marquee car in Mecum’s Monterey auction, Aug. 18-20, although its value as an original car has been tarnished by the controversy.
“The owner/seller’s opinion is he is selling a re-constructed current rendition of the original,” Mecum says in the addendum. “If potential buyers wish to opinion the car in a different light, that is their discretion and they should make the decision to not bid or bid according to their opinion of the car.”
Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at
Lamborghini 50th Anniversary Parade
LATEST HEADLINES: AUTOMOTIVE
-
GREEN: Porsche Adding All-Model Hybrids
Gas/electric plug-versions of its entire lineup – including… -
AUTOS: Porsche Boosts 918 Spyder Power
The upcoming supercar will produce 887 horsepower from its gas/electric… -
AUTOS: Acura NSX Details Revealed
The rebirth of the mid-engine sports car – now an all-wheel-drive… -
DRIVEN: Jaguar’s Many-Splendored XJ
The British luxury sedan comes in 10 different flavors, with plenty… -
AUTOS: Lamborghini Egoista Launched
The wild single-seat concept car is unveiled at the end of the epic… -
AUTOS: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Hot Pontiac G8
NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick helped his driver modify the 2009… -
VINTAGE: A Fast Historic Tour Of France
Vintage race and touring cars compete in the 22nd annual Tour de… - More News
