Its whereabouts unknown to the Maserati factory since it was registered in October 1954 in Rome, this Maserati A6G Frua spider, chassis #2017, was “rediscovered” over dinner in California in 1997 by a group of Dutch collectors whose server mentioned that she owned a vintage Italian car. At first dismissive of the server’s statement, the group was shocked to silence when the server stated she owned “a Maserati A6G Frua Spider.”
Bonhams will offer this “long-lost” 1951 Maserati A6G Spider at its January auction in Scottsdale. The car has received honors at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, Quail Lodge, and Pebble Beach. Estimate is $2.8-3.4 Million.Bonhams
The Dutch asked to see the car. At a one-car garage, the young woman lifted the door to offer a view of the Maserati’s graceful tail. The car had belonged to the young woman's father, Robert Yorba, who as best anyone can tell purchased the car in 1964.
Mr. Yorba was a racing enthusiast who participated in SCCA and vintage racing events with his Frua Spider for the better part of 25 years. The car was known in California, but the hobby of vintage racing and car collecting was still developing.
The 2.0-liter 6-cylinder single cam engine with single Weber carburetor produces a surprising amount of power for the time, and gives the car a top speed over 100 mph.Bonhams
The Dutch contingent tried to buy the car that day, but the young woman needed her sister to agree. Tale of the car’s history and discovery was published not long after the Dutch saw the car in an issue of Classic & Sports Car, and the article included contact information, stating “she is keen to sell the Maserati.”
Interior of Maserati A6G spider, bodywork by Frua.Bonhams
However, the sister was not so keen, and it took until 2000 for the pair to reach agreement concerning their father’s Maserati. Chassis 2017 was purchased by the current owner and shipped to Modena, Italy, for a no-cost-spared restoration to return the car to its original condition, all performed under the expert supervision of Maserati historian and authority, Dr. Adolfo Orsi.
Six years later, the completed car participated in the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, Lake Como, and won for best restoration. In 2010, the car appeared at Quail Lodge where in a field of more than 40 cars it won best in class among post-war sports cars. In 2014, it won third place in the Maserati Centennial Coachwork class at Pebble Beach.
Gauges of the Frua-bodied Maserati A6G spider.Bonhams
Top up or down, the car is handsome and elegant.Bonhams
