1961 Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage

The trident logo of Maserati has always borne the burden of being known for its racing accomplishments. This Birdcage was the last hurrah from the storied manufacturer as it struggled to reconcile the expense of racing with profitability. Using the four-cylinder two litre from the 200S canted at 45 degrees, the Birdcage revolutionised the exterior of race cars of its era. Engine positioning also lowered ride height and the centre of gravity. Searching for rigidity and weight savings, Maserati engineer Giulio Alfieri designed the car’s latticed space frame composed of small diameter tubing, resembling a bird cage; thus the name stuck. Over the years, drivers whose names wrote racing history drove Birdcage Masis to win after win. Stirling Moss and Dan Gurney piloted a Birdcage to victory through harsh weather at the 1960 Nürburgring 1000 after overcoming an extended pit stop that set them back to fourth place. Carroll Shelby also put in wheel time in 1959 with Casner Motor Racing. The legends sang the praises of the Birdcage; give it a spin in Forza Motorsport 5 and see if you agree.