1956 Maserati 160 T4
1956 MASERATI 160 T4 Motorcycle card
Under the sign of the trident
Though it carried the famed trident logo, the Maserati motorbike was only distantly related to the automobile of the same name. In fact, bowed down by debts, the Maserati brothers· had been forced to hand over control of their business to the Orsi family in early 1937.
Diversification
Under the major industrial group headed by Adolfo Orsi, the marque’s activities were diversified into areas such as miniature cars, powerboats and machine tools, but particularly into spark plugs and batteries. Orsi set up a separate company in Modena named Fabbrica Candele Accumulatori Maserati, under his sister’s control.
On Two Wheels
From 1953 until 1960, Candele Accumulatori Maserati also made motorcycles, which were then flourishing in Italy. Its first products were little utility two-strokes with capacities of 125 and particularly 50cc. The racing version of the latter (a production run of maybe 20 units known as the Rospo) enjoyed notable success on the national racing scene. Maserati also built a limited number of four-strokes, of which the most popular model was the 160cc T4 Type L, an ohv machine. After giving up motorcycle production, Candele Accumulatori Maserati continued making spark plugs and batteries during the 1960s, but closed down altogether shortly before 1970. Although Maserati cars continue to be manufactured, their history has been complex and troubled. The company produced a short-lived series of ohc 250 singles – then the only machine with a twin-plug head. Total production of Maserati motorcycles was under 100.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 158cc (60x56mm) air-cooled single cylinder four-stroke; coil ignition
Power Rating: 7.5 hp @ 6000 rpm
Valves: overhead
Fuel System: carburetor
Transmission: 4-speed, chain final drive
Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm (rear)
Brakes: drum (front & rear)
Wheels: 2.75×19 inch (front & rear)
Weight: 198 lb
Maximum Speed: 62 mph
This bike is owned by one of the top restorers of Maserati automobiles at Modena, who collects all the products marketed under the Maserati name.
