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Snapshot, 1954: Moss with Maserati at Monza

With a serious expression and oil-stained driving overalls, Stirling Moss stands in the Monza pits in September 1954. His Maserati 250F, car no.28, has brought him little luck in the Italian Grand Prix, with engine failure relegating him to 10th place.

It is not his driving skills that let him down, but the unreliability of the privately bought Maserati 250F: Stirling had led the race, ahead of Fangio's (eventually victorious) Mercedes. But the demonstration of terrific driving skills on this day was one of the reasons that Mercedes recruited Moss for the 1955 season. Whatever Moss is thinking at this moment, he certainly has no idea that, in two years' time, he will return to this same spot for one of the greatest victories of his career. And not in a Mercedes, but again at the wheel of a Maserati 250F. 

On Easter Sunday morning, the entire motorsport fraternity was saddened to hear that Mr. Motor Racing, Sir Stirling Moss, had passed away peacefully at the age of 90. Our thoughts are with his beloved wife Lady Susie and Sir Stirling’s family at this difficult time. The debate over which racing driver holds the mantle as the greatest of all time will rage indefinitely, but for us, Moss’s versatility, professionalism both in and out of the car and, of course, his sheer, courageous speed puts him at the top of our list. Rest in peace. 

Photo: David Lees / Picture Post / Getty Images

Many classic Maseratis can be found for sale in the Classic Driver Market.