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Maserati 26M: an early Maserati racing car
Maserati 26M — the 1930 Tipo 26 family racing version with an eight-cylinder supercharged engine, one of the earliest Maserati cars. We look at its origins, technology, and significance.
26M in brief
The Maserati 26M is an early Maserati racing car belonging to the Tipo 26 family — the first racing model developed by the company itself. It's a single-seater or two-seater open car designed for Grand Prix and endurance racing.
Maserati cars of this era stood out with their eight-cylinder supercharged engines.
History and development
The Tipo 26 was the first car to bear the Maserati name: it was created by Alfieri Maserati in 1926, and its debut at the Targa Florio races ended with a class victory. It was in this model that the iconic trident logo was first used.
The 26M is a later evolution of the Tipo 26 — a stronger version that debuted in 1930 with a larger engine.
Engineering
The 26M was powered by an eight-cylinder inline engine with a supercharger; its displacement was roughly two and a half litres, and in some versions or later modifications, it was even larger.
The construction was very simple and lightweight — a frame, solid axles, and an open body with no creature comforts.
Significance and where to see it
The Tipo 26 family helped Maserati make a name for itself in the racing world and laid the groundwork for future, more powerful models like the 8C and 8CM.
Today, surviving cars are showcased at historic racing events and collector shows, such as Goodwood. They are extremely rare.
Type 26 family
The main models in the range.
Tipo 26
1926The first Maserati race car.
- The first Maserati with the trident logo
- The first engine — a 1.5-litre supercharged unit
- Targa Florio debut
Tipo 26M
1930The more powerful version in the family.
- Eight-cylinder supercharged engine
- Larger-displacement engine
- Lightweight open body
The 26M and its contemporaries
| Maserati 26M | Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 | Bugatti T35 | Mercedes-Benz SSK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 cylinders, supercharged | 8 cylinders, supercharged | 8-cylinder, supercharged | 6-cylinder, supercharged |
| Purpose | Grand Prix and long-distance racing | Grand Prix and road versions | Grand Prix and multiple road versions | Road and racing |
| What sets it apart | The first Maseratis with bespoke design | Widely used | The benchmark of its time | Powerful road version |
The 26M — Maserati's early step into larger-displacement racing cars, crucial as the foundation of the company.
Pros
- Early Maserati history
- Eight-cylinder supercharged engine
- Unique interwar racing atmosphere
- Highly valuable to collectors
Cons
- Extremely rare
- Not roadworthy
- Parts and specialists are almost non-existent
Frequently asked questions
Can you buy a Maserati 26M?
Practically no — there aren't many surviving cars, and those that do belong to collectors or museums.
What does the letter M stand for?
There aren't many official and definitive explanations; it usually denotes the more refined Tipo 26 version.
Why does the Maserati logo feature a trident?
The trident symbolizes the Neptune statue in Bologna; it was first used on the Tipo 26 model.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
