O is for OSCA

O.S.C.A. (Officine Specializzate Costruzione Automobili—Fratelli Maserati S.p.A.) was an Italian manufacturer of racing and sports cars established 1947 in San Lazzaro di Savena, Bologna, by the Maserati brothers, and closed down in 1967. Drivers frequently campaigned the lightweight, agile MT4 model through the Del Monte Forest, establishing a lasting legacy on the California racing circuits. Famous drivers such as Ernie McAfee and Al Coppel regularly raced OSCAs on the West Coast, achieving multiple victories and class wins.

The OSCA cars were renowned “giant killers” and were successful at the Pebble Beach Road Races. In 1953, Bill David #9 OSCA MT4 1350 was 2nd in the under-1500cc race to Ken Miles in his MG Special R1.

A year later, Chick Leeson #117 won the 1954 under-1500cc race in his # OSCA MT4 1350 then was 2nd in 1955 to Ken Miles MG R2. In that race Al Coppel #23 was 5th in his OSCA MT4 1350 MM, I.W. Stephenson, #170 7th OSCA MT4 1100 and Skip Swartley #7 9th in his OSCA Special which was renovated for the 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion by the Adair family; read more about this rare car at https://dmtrg.com/1955-swartley-osca-special/.