The initial development began with the engine, which was a 4,477 cc (4.5 L) short-stroke V8 with four 45 IDM Weber carburetors mounted between the Vee, a bore x stroke of 93.8mm x 81mm and double overhead camshafts rated at 400 hp (300 kW) at 7,200 rpm.

In early 1956, Tony Parravano, a wealthy American housing developer, commissioned Maserati to build a new large-bore V8 engine for use in a Kurtis Indy chassis.

The independent front suspension with double wishbones and coil-springs were retained but a much reinforced de Dion rear-end, based around a new five-speed transaxle were added.

The chassis proved unable to handle the power output of the V8 and the wrong firing order of the engine resulted in intolerable vibration, hampering the performance of the car.

The car was redesigned as a coupé by Frank Costin of England, constructed by Zagato, and raced once again by Moss at Le Mans where it failed to finish due to major design flaws.

[4] Chassis #4505 driven by Moss and Denis Jenkinson raced in the Mille Miglia until the brake pedal fell off.

Unfortunately for Maserati this was five behind Ferrari's winning total of 30 points gained from victories at Buenos Aires, the Mille Miglia and Venezuela together with a second place at the Nürburgring and Sweden.

Chassis #4509 and #4510 was sold to the US, some having engine expansions to 5.7-and 6.6-litres and used in SCCA races by Carroll Shelby, Jim Hall, Masten Gregory, Walt Cline and Ebb Rose.