LONDON.- The 1932 Maserati 4CM, chassis no. 1120, is one of the fastest pre-War single seaters in modern era historic racing, famed with setting world speed records during the 1930s with Giuseppe Furmanik, and raced in period by Gino Rovere.

Furmanik took delivery of this originally 1100cc Maserati 4CM - or 4-cilindri monoposto – single-seat racing car on August 12, 1932. The compact car was very avant-garde at that time, featuring as it did the driver-width centerline bodywork just introduced to Grand Prix racing by the celebrated Alfa Romeo Tipo B Monoposto and was a most sophisticated and trend-setting machine.

The model was well received in racing communities, and achieved great success at circuits such as the mighty Nurburgring during the 1932 German Grand Prix meeting where it won its 1100 Vetturetta class. Celebrated engineer Giuseppe Furmanik decided the car was powerful and adaptable enough to challenge the class World Speed Record.

In 1934, he made his attempt by modifying the engine and reducing the weight to just 470kg, and took the 4CM to the Autostrada Firenze-Mare. He smashed the record, achieving 222.634 kilometers per hour (over 138mph), beating the previous world record of 207.527kph held by MG.

Postwar the car was acquired by R. A. Jones in 1976, and subsequently campaigned in the UK from 1984 by new owner Sean Danaher. Simon Bull was to later acquire the 4CM and, in the hands of Martin Stretton, the car became pretty much invincible.

The car was subsequently acquired by experienced motor-cycle and motor car racer Barrie Baxter, who campaigned it from 1999 until it was acquired by Stefan Schollwock who continued its Historic career.

A well-proven front-running Historic Maserati Vetturetta from a most nostalgic era, the 4CM is offered with an estimate of £400,000 - 600,000.

The 1937 Maserati 6CM also has an admirable racing history. Purchased new by leading British driver Austin Dobson, he competed in the car at both Donington Park in the UK and Phoenix Park in Ireland.

From 1946 to 1948, the 6CM went on to excite audiences at both the British Grand Prix, Goodwood Motor Circuit, the St. Helier Jersey Road Race, and in later years was indicted to the famed Harrah Collection in Las Vegas where it remained for 35 years.

The 6CM returned to the United Kingdom in 1985 and, after painstaking recommissioning, embarked upon its Historic racing career, competing at many VSCC events and other high profile meetings such as the Silverstone Classic, Monaco Historics, Goodwood Revival, and various Maserati and Ferrari racing challenges.

One of the quickest pre-War racing cars around, the 6CM is estimated at £600,000 to 900,000.

James Knight, Bonhams Group Head of Motoring, said: “We’re delighted to add these two famously swift Maseratis to Bonhams Goodwood Revival auction. Maserati is currently enjoying its centenary year, and these well known and highly respected examples of the marque are a wonderful tribute. They rarely come to market because they are so rare, with just 20 4CMs and 27 6CMs built in period.

“I’ve enjoyed seeing both of the cars offered race in Historic events where they achieved great success. They each have a glorious period racing history, and are a worthy addition for any Maserati collector.

“With over 100 hand picked motor cars offered, plus over 150 lots of automobilia, the Goodwood Revival sale is a highlight for any motoring enthusiast’s calendar - with this year no exception.”