The DFW Car & Toy Museum has expanded its collection of European racing legends with the addition of a 1948 Maserati A6GCS Monofaro Re-Creation, now part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection. This handcrafted tribute honors one of Maserati's most celebrated post-war competition cars, originally introduced in 1947 under chief technical engineer Alberto Massimino and co-founder Ernesto Maserati.
The original A6GCS, designed for Formula 2 competition, played a crucial role in cementing Maserati's racing legacy in the late 1940s and was famously driven by Juan Manuel Fangio at the 1949 Rome Grand Prix. Only approximately 15 examples of the original A6GCS Monofaro were built, making them among the most coveted Maserati race cars today. The "Monofaro" nickname—meaning "single headlight"—refers to the car's distinctive Fantuzzi-designed aluminum bodywork with its iconic grille-mounted light.
The re-creation on display was constructed in the 1980s by renowned Argentinian builder and former racing driver Nestor Salerno. It features a hand-built steel-tube frame cloaked in lightweight aluminum and fiberglass coachwork, precisely replicating the Monofaro's unmistakable silhouette. Powering the car is a robust 4.0-liter Ford inline-six with triple Weber 45 DCOE carburetors and a four-speed manual transmission, maintaining the high-performance roots of the original design.
Additional period-correct features include 15-inch wire wheels, four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, coil-over suspension, an aluminum fuel tank, and removable cycle-style fenders. The minimalist interior features black-trimmed seating, exposed aluminum panels, red lap belts, and race-inspired details such as a polished shift knob and aluminum pedals. The double-wishbone independent front suspension and solid rear axle ensure authentic driving dynamics that deliver a raw, engaging experience.
This acquisition is significant because it preserves and celebrates a pivotal era in automotive history when artistry and engineering were inseparable on the race track. Museum founder Ron Sturgeon emphasized that "Maserati's original Monofaro represents one of the purest expressions of post-war Italian racing design," and this faithful re-creation allows visitors to experience the shape, sound, and presence of a legendary competition car that defined its time.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum, located at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com, now features this spectacular vehicle as part of a collection spanning more than 200 classic cars and 3,000 vintage toys, making automotive heritage accessible to the public in one of Fort Worth's most exciting cultural attractions.
