TGR StaffThe Maserati A6 GCS, chassis number 2065, is more than just an automobile; it is a collector’s dream combination of racing heritage, meticulous craftsmanship, and drivability. Today, RM Sotheby’s has it listed with an asking price of $2,576,561—a testament to its storied past and impeccable restoration. From the circuits of Europe to the open roads of the Mille Miglia, Chassis 2065 beauty has witnessed a lifetime of exhilarating triumphs and poignant moments. Let’s dive into the life of a car that embodies the very essence of motorsport history.
A Birth in Modena, a Life in Motion
In 1953, Maserati’s French importer Garage Mirabeau commissioned two A6 GCS chassis. One of these, chassis 2065, was destined for Armand Roboly, a French racing enthusiast and frequent co-driver of Jean Simone, Garage Mirabeau’s co-owner. Completed on April 11, 1954, in a shade of French Blue, chassis 2065 debuted later that month at the Marrakech Grand Prix in Morocco. There, Roboly claimed a respectable third place, while Simone, driving the sister car, faced misfortune with a crash. This marked the beginning of a dynamic racing season for chassis 2065 across France and Europe.
Roboly’s skill behind the wheel brought the car to notable finishes, including the Coupes de Paris, 12 Heures of Reims, and the Grand Prix des Sables d’Olonne. By the end of 1954, 2065 had already established itself as a formidable contender, earning a place in the hearts of fans and competitors alike.
A New Chapter For Chassis 2065: The Loëns Era
In late 1954, Roboly sold the car, likely through Garage Mirabeau, to André Loëns, a Belgian driver residing in Southampton, U.K. For Loëns, the purchase of chassis 2065 was a significant step up from the 500 cc racing scene, where Loëns has been making a name for himself. Retaining its blue livery, the car embarked on a whirlwind tour of racing circuits, starting with the Goodwood Easter Meeting in April 1955.
Loëns demonstrated a fearless spirit, racing chassis 2065 with vigor across Finland, Sweden, Jersey, and the U.K., culminating in a class win at the 1955 Tourist Trophy at Dundrod alongside Jo Bonnier. The duo’s triumph in the 2.0-liter category underscored the car’s competitive edge and reliability.
1956: A Year of Diverse Adventures
The following year saw 2065 traverse Scandinavia, France, Denmark, and Sweden, amassing podium finishes and accolades. Loëns’ passion was evident, but the relentless demands of racing began to take their toll on the car. By 1957, signs of wear were apparent, prompting a pivotal decision: Loëns traded 2065 back to Maserati for a newer 200 S. Tragically, Loëns’ racing career ended that October when he suffered a fatal crash in the 200 S at Montlhéry.
The Mystery Years
What happened to Chassis 2065 after its return to Maserati remains a subject of speculation. The factory, grappling with financial pressures and a shifting focus to road cars, likely stored the aging A6 GCS alongside other retired racers. Decades later, a restoration effort in Reggio Emilia brought the car back to life. By 2001, now resplendent in red and dark blue, 2065 reemerged, capturing the admiration of enthusiasts at a Maserati dealership presentation in Modena.
A New Lease on Life
The car’s resurgence in the 21st century saw it acquired by a German collector who campaigned it in vintage racing events, including the Shell Historic Challenge. Subsequent ownership by an Australian collector led to two entries in the Mille Miglia Storica, further cementing 2065’s legacy as a beloved competitor.
Under the care of Hall & Hall, a renowned U.K. racing engineering firm, chassis 2065 underwent meticulous maintenance. Their forensic examination confirmed the car’s originality, with scars and repairs serving as a testament to its storied past. Among the discoveries was the presence of factory-modified anti-roll bars, a rare feature unique to 2065.
Modern-Day Glory
In recent years, 2065 found its way to its current owner, a Ferrari aficionado who transitioned to the visceral world of road-race cars. This enthusiast’s dedication saw the car participate in five Mille Miglia events, with journeys to and from Brescia often adding over 1,200 kilometers to the itinerary. The car’s robust engineering proved its mettle, as it never faltered during these epic drives.
In 2020, signs of valve wear prompted a complete engine restoration by AB Racing SARL in France. This process revealed fascinating details about 2065’s construction, including untouched original components and factory assembly numbers. The restoration coincided with the publication of a definitive book on the A6 GCS by Walter Bäumer and Jean-François Blachette, further immortalizing the car’s place in Maserati lore.
Why Chassis 2065 Matters
The Maserati A6 GCS is a cornerstone of the brand’s legacy, and chassis 2065 exemplifies the spirit of 1950s motorsport. From its early days as a French racing star to its modern Mille Miglia adventures, this car bridges generations of enthusiasts. Its scars and imperfections are not flaws but badges of honor, each telling a story of grit, glory, and unyielding passion.
As it awaits its next chapter, this remarkable machine invites a new custodian to join its journey. Whether on the track, in a Concours field, or admired for its design and history, chassis 2065 is a masterpiece of motion—a true icon in the pantheon of Maserati.
Period Race History for Maserati A6G CS, chassis 2065
| DATE | EVENT | DRIVER | RACE NO. | RACE RESULT |
| April 19, 1954 | Grand Prix de Marrakech | Armand Roboly | 3rd OA | |
| April 25, 1954 | Coupes de Paris | Armand Roboly | 130 | 5th OA |
| July 4, 1954 | 12 Hours Reims | Armand Roboly | 31 | DNF |
| July 18, 1954 | Grand Prix des Sables d’Olonne | Armand Roboly | 3rd OA | |
| August 22, 1954 | Grand Prix La Baule | Armand Roboly | 12 | 10th OA |
| September 19, 1954 | Coupe d’Automne | Armand Roboly | 9 | 2nd OA |
| October 10, 1954 | Coupes du Salon | Armand Roboly | 24 | 18th OA |
| April 12, 1955 | Goodwood Easter Meeting | André Loëns | 98 | 6th OA |
| May 8, 1955 | Eläintarhanajo | André Loëns | 6 | 8th OA |
| May 29, 1955 | Grand Prix des Frontières | André Loëns | 18 | DNF |
| July 22, 1955 | Bouley Bay Hillclimb | André Loëns | 25 | 2nd OA |
| August 7, 1955 | Grand Prix Sweden | André Loëns | 24 | 3rd OA |
| August 14, 1955 | Kanonloppet | André Loëns | 24 | 3rd OA |
| September 4, 1955 | Stockholmsloppet | André Loëns | 34 | 1st OA |
| September 18, 1955 | Tourist Trophy | André Loëns/Joakim Bonnier | 56 | 18th OA, 1st IC |
| October 1, 1955 | Castle Combe National | André Loëns | 51 | 5th OA |
| May 10, 1956 | Eläintarhanajo | André Loëns | 23 | 5th OA |
| May 20, 1956 | Grand Prix des Frontières | André Loëns | 42 | DNF |
| July 15, 1956 | Grand Prix des Sables d’Olonne | André Loëns | 17 | 2nd OA |
| August 12, 1956 | Cran d’Escalle Hillclimb | André Loëns | 21 | 1st OA |
| August 19, 1956 | Roskilde Ring | André Loëns | 23 | 1st OA |
| August 26, 1956 | Kanonloppet | André Loëns | 1 | 2nd OA |
| September 9, 1956 | Roskilde Ring | André Loëns | 21 | 3rd OA |
| September 23, 1956 | Coupe d’Automne | André Loëns | 32 | 3rd OA |
| October 7, 1956 | Coupes du Salon | André Loëns | 36 | 9th OA |
| May 12, 1956 | Eläintarhanajo | André Loëns | 5 | 5th OA |
| May 30, 1956 | 2 Hours forez | André Loëns | 68 | DNS |
