Maserati 250F from Haynes – Book review by Grant Ford

Filed under: Classic News,Product Reviews |
A Haynes manual to me is the book you reach for when ones mechanical knowledge comes up short; kept in the corner of the garage and normally with pages covered in black finger prints.
Maserati 250F from Haynes

Maserati 250F from Haynes

Although some may disagree, these manuals are rarely bedtime reading but the publishing house also produces a series of books in the same format that are detailed and specific on a wide variety of subjects. Just released is the story of the 250F, written by Ian Wagstaff and upfront I must confess it is a fascinating read. The author has a writing style that is informative but relaxed and it is almost as if you are listening to him talking over a pint; that I like. His research and resources do not just cover the Italian masterpiece, earlier Maserati’s from the 1930s lead the reader to the mid-1950s and the 250F debut on the world scene. The modifications made good and bad, a theme that runs through the iconic cars competitive years, no stone left unturned. One point that comes across is the drivers love for the 250F, views from the likes of Chris Amon, Willie Green and of course Stirling Moss there was a driving style that got the most from the car, praised for its handling as Moss states ‘You have to have the sensitivity in your bum to know when the rear wheels are sliding and hold it’. I found the drivers opinions of the car one of the books highlights and details of their race schedules surprise and impress; Moss competing in over 50 races per season all over the world.
Graham Adelman in a 1956 Maserati 250F

Graham Adelman in a 1956 Maserati 250F

The mechanics get to have their say, not just about working on the 250F but a racing life that was long days and even longer nights. Ken Gregory was for well over a decade the manager of Stirling Moss and gives his view on the effect the 250F had on the Englishman’s great career. The author brings the story right up to date with the current historic racing scene, more popular than ever these machines being used as they were designed and what it costs to own and run a 250F. Finally, the images are more than worth the books price alone, pictures from all eras and of the highest quality, no doubt a herculean effort went in to source such a selection. The Maserati 250F by Haynes Books Author - Ian Wagstaff Cost Price - £21.99 Verdict - worth every penny