The annual Old Time Show in the Italian commune of Forlì took place the two weekends ago. This year’s event was built around two historic Italian brands, Maserati and Osca. The halls was filled with historic examples of both brands and offered a fantastic opportunity to understand what both of these remarkable brands were all about.
Our Italian reporter Matteo from ItalianSupercar.net was there to document the whole event which was practically on their own doorstep! Most people will be familiar with the Maserati name and what the company became famous for. The company was started on December 1, 1914, in Bologna by the Maserati brothers, Alfieri, Bindo, Carlo, Ettore, and Ernesto Maserati. In 1937, after a period of success, the brothers sold their shares to the Orsi family who moved the company to Modena.
This is where the story of Osca begins. Three of the brothers, Ernesto, Ettore and Bindo remained at Maserati for ten years after the factory was sold before leaving in 1947 and creating Officine Specializzate Costruzioni Automobili – Fratelli Maserati SpA or Osca as we know it today! They created a factory back at the same place they had started Maserati in San Lazzaro di Saveno outside Bologna. The company ran for 20 years before they ended operations in 1967.
Some of the highlights at this years Old Time Show 2012 included a Maserati 8CM raced by Tazio Nuvolari at the 1933 Belgian Grand Prix. Also present was a Maserati V8RI, one of only four in the world, the first Maserati to feature a V8 engine and independent suspension for all four wheels. A fantastic effort considering it was designed in 1935!
Being big Zagato fans, we were interested in seeing pictures of the Osca 1600 GT by Zagato. A red example was on display with its signature double-bubble roof. Only 98 of these were built by the factory and even fewer remain in existence today. Also representing Osca was the Osca 1100 FJ (Formula Junior), a concept racer.
Enjoy the fantastic photos shot by ItalianSupercars.net. You’ll find more by following the links!
