Maserati 8CM

Manufacturer	Maserati
Production	From 1933 to 1935
Type	Race car

The 8CM is a competition single-seater race car built by Maserati from 1933 to 1935 Sports debut at the 1933, Tunisian Grand Prix .

The body was a single-seater in aluminum , while the frame consisted of two side members with crossbars in steel sections  The model was characterized by a powerful motor to 8 cylinders and a large drum of 400 mm . These features were a problem for the light and elastic frame , which derived from that of the 4CM 1100 . The stresses were in fact very strong, and were discharged on the frame itself, compromising roadholding. Giuseppe Campari also complained about this , but at the time Maserati was more focused on developing powerful engines, rather than optimizing the overall balance of the car .

.The model became more competitive thanks to the stiffening of the front part of the frame, wanted by Tazio Nuvolari . In 1934 , the length of the latter component, in the section near the passenger compartment, was increased to 850 mm, according to the rules of the new International Formula . After these changes, and driven by private pilots, the 8CM achieved good results in competitions. In the same year the weight was also reduced, which went from 785 kg to 750 kg  .

The ignition was single with Bosch or Scintilla brand magnet . L ' power was forced and it was supplied by a compressor Roots type coupled with a carburetor Weber 55AS1 model, the latter mounted upstream of the compressor itself. The distribution consisted of two valves per cylinder arranged at 90 ° V, with a double overhead camshaft . The lubrication was forced with pumps supply and recovery. The cooling system was water circulation with centrifugal pump .The engine had eight vertical cylinders in line and had a displacement of 2991.4 cm³ . The bore and stroke were 69 mmand 100 mm respectively, while the compression ratio was between 5.26: 1 and 6.35: 1. The maximum power supplied by the engine was between 220 and 240 HP at 5500 rpm  .The maximum speed was between 220 and 250 km / h  .

The brakes were drum-type on wheels with hydraulic control, while the steering was with worm and toothed sector. The suspensions consisted of leaf springs , friction dampers , struts and stabilizer bars. The transmission consisted of a change in the four reverse ratios  .

Specification

Engine: petrol 8 in line vertical cylinders 
CC: 2991.4 cc
Power: 240 HP
Transmission: 4 plus reverse
Length: 3850 mm
Width: 1570 mm
Height: 1200 mm
Weight:750 to 785 kg
Brakes: drum
Tires: Dunlop, Pirelli,Englebert
Top speed: 250 km/h