The worldwide success of the 3500GT drew much attention to the Maserati brand. Some customers, however, desired a Maserati Gran Turismo that was even more exclusive. One specific request came from the Shah of Persia, and from that, the 5000GT was born. Chief engineer Giulio Alfieri used only the very best components available to build this extraordinary car. Its powerful V8 engine came from the 450S racing car in which Juan Manuel Fangio and Jean Behra won the 1957 Sebring 12 Hours race, and the new 5000GT used a 3500GT chassis, reinforced and modified to accept the powerful drivetrain. The braking system was servo-assisted with four disc brakes. Performance was unprecedented for a road car at the time. Between 1959 and 1965, only 34 units of the 5000GT were built, with bodies created by the world’s most famous coachbuilders: Touring, Pinin Farina, Monterosa, Allemano, Ghia, Bertone, Vignale and Frua.