The brainchild of erstwhile Maserati boss Alessandro de Tomaso, the extravagantly titled Grantrofeo Monomarca Barchetta Maserati was a one-make race series principally aimed at gentlemen drivers, featuring identical two-litre twin-turbo V-6–powered two-seat sports cars. Boasting some 315 bhp – and weighing only 775 kg. – performance was prodigious, although sadly a lack of entries meant that the series folded after just two seasons.

With Barchetta chassis always distinguishable by letters, ‘LLF’ was originally delivered to German Maserati collector Dr Thomas Bscher. An experienced historic competitor, this was Bscher’s first foray into contemporary racing and he acquitted himself well. In the inaugural six-round series, a 3rd place at Vallelunga, a 4th place at Varano and two 5th places at Levante and Enna-Pergusa culminated in 4th place in the year-end points standings – albeit some way behind runaway Champion John Nielsen, who won all six rounds.

The 1993 championship saw an expanded calendar of 10 races, comprising eight rounds in Italy and one each at Zandvoort in Holland and Jyllandsringen in Denmark. Its profile was also boosted by appearances from Nielsen’s fellow Le Mans winner Jan Lammers, sports car luminaries Oscar Larrauri and Carlo Facetti and Formula 3000 front-runner Giampiero Simoni. Bscher’s results in his sophomore year improved significantly, with two 2nd places at Enna-Pergusa and Misano – and three 3rd places at Mugello, Magione and Vallelunga – the highlights of a consistent campaign. A notable cameo to the season was a guest drive in ‘LLF’ by ex-Autodelta, Lancia Corse and Jolly Club driver Facetti at Misano, which netted a well-earned 2nd place.

Acquired directly from Dr Bscher by the consingor, ‘LLF’ has recently benefitted from a comprehensive overhaul by marque specialists Rennwerk Gmbh of Koln amounting to some €36,000 and is ready to be enjoyed immediately on track or road. Furthermore, it is one of the few Barchettas ever to have been road registered and is accompanied by a CSAI Passaporto Tecnico. For use either on road or track, this is certainly a thrilling offering.