[custom_adv] The Maserati 5000 GT also commonly known as The Shah of Persia (1959–1965) is a 2-door coupé automobile, made by Maserati of Italy. A total of thirty-four were produced. [custom_adv] When a major discovery of some long-lost car finds its way into the public eye, I’m always surprised. How is it that so many historic cars are unfound and continually turn up? Well, they’re out there, and the recent emergence of the only Ghia-bodied Maserati 5000 GT proves miracle survivor stories can still happen. [custom_adv] The first car in the Tipo 103 series was the Shah of Persia, delivered to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who had been impressed by the Maserati 3500. He commissioned Maserati's chief engineer Giulio Alfieri to use a slightly modified 5-litre engine from the Maserati 450S on the 3500GT's chassis. For nearly 50 years, this spectacular, one-of-a-kind Maserati was parked in Saudi Arabia, slowly withering away. [custom_adv] It was literally marked for the crusher, until the late owner’s family moved it inside. Instead, this utterly unique 5000 GT will come to auction at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, where it’s projected to sell for $500,000–$750,000. Carrozzeria Touring developed the superleggera tubing and aluminum body of the two-seater coupé. The second car, also a Shah of Persia by Touring, was displayed at Salone dell'automobile di Torino 1959. [custom_adv] On its own, the Maserati 5000 GT is a special car. First built as a custom project for the Shah of Iran in 1959, it took the concept of Maserati’s own 3500 GT and turned the wick way up. Using a reinforced chassis, Maserati engineer Giulio Alfieri dropped in a 5.0-liter V-8 engine based on the one used in the brand’s 450S race car. [custom_adv] The resulting car, which was christened the 5000GT, really was the pinnacle of automotive glamour, performance, and luxury. Owing to its eye-watering price tag (similar to a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud), just 34 examples were built for royals, heads of state, wealthy industrialists, and actors alike. [custom_adv] It was about twice the price of a 3500 GT, and as such became an in-demand alternative to the Ferrari Superamericas of the day. Famous owners included Birggs Cunningham, Aga Khan, and Gianni Agnelli. All told, 34 examples of the 5000 GT were built—most bodied by Allemano—by eight different coachbuilders. In Excellent (#2-rated) condition, Allemano 5000 GTs command $1.5M, on average.
