Dial the clock back to the mid-1920s and one-off cars were pretty much the norm. A century on, they’ve become an extreme oddity. Definitely CC-worthy, even if the only classic side to this two-year-old car would be its nod to the ‘60s Birdcage.
It’s a bit more than a nod; “homage” is more fitting. But this car also has a pretty unique creation story, in that it was designed and made in Japan. Hence the “Maserati” in the title: it has trident badges, but it wasn’t officially built by the Italian marque.
The source of our 2023 Birdcage’s looks – and beyond that, its construction and layout – was the Maserati Tipo 60/61. These racers, made between 1959 and 1961, were powered by a DOHC 4-cyl. (2-litre and 200hp for the Tipo 60; 2.9 litre and 250hp for the 61) mounted in front, with a transaxle 5-speed and a De Dion at the rear. The chassis was made of 200-plus bits of steel tubing, hence the car’s nickname.
About 20 original Birdcages were made before Maserati introduced the Tipo 63, which moved the engine behind the driver. The O.G. Birdcage, though, was an instant classic and soon attained legendary status.
Source: Wikicommons
At the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, a show car dubbed Maserati Birdcage 75th was on the Pininfarina stand. It featured a bubble canopy and was based on the MC-12 race car, (i.e. with a mid-mounted V12), so the Birdcage elements were not entirely obvious. Maybe that’s why its designer, Ken Okuyama, decided to take another crack at it nearly 20 years later.
That’s what “Kode61” is, essentially: a Ken Okuyama DEsign, referencing the Tipo 61. And this time, because neither time nor money were an object, the designer did pretty much what he wanted.
This car has a bespoke tubular chassis, just like the Birdcages of yore. Under its hood sits a 396hp 4.2 litre Maserati V8 – about twice what the Tipo 60/61 had, but there are no 4-cyl. engines bearing a trident these days. Apparently, a Ferrari V12 could also fit in there. Said bespoke chassis also features a six-speed transaxle, as well.
And although carbon fibre and advanced polymers have replaced the aluminium and bakelite of the Tipo 60/61, we’re not a million miles from the spirit of the original car. Just 65 years later.
The interior is in the great tradition of one-off specials. Not sure about the ergonomics of that piece of bodywork bisecting the cabin: controls near the top of that centre stack must be pretty difficult to operate. Not to mention the glare from all that brightwork. That said, for a 2020s car, the gated shifter and analog dials are a very nice touch.
This car was unveiled at the 2023 Villa d’Este. According to Ken Okuyama, a second example is to be made (for the designer himself), and additional units could be crafted if demand is there.
No idea about pricing, but Okuyama said it doesn’t cost €3-4 million – it’s “a lot cheaper than that.” Riiiight. These are hand-built in Okuyama’s small works in Yamagata, with a healthy dose of imported bits (engine included), so skepticism is warranted.
The car now bears Maserati badges, but it did not have those on at the Villa d’Este a couple years ago. Perhaps the owner decided to put those on – and perhaps Maserati gave their agreement.
Overall, the world is a better place with the Kode61 in it, with or without Maserati badges. The profile, the dash, the gated shifter, the colour scheme are all very well executed. Pity about that tortured Lexus-esque front end. Something much simpler – say, a bit closer to the Tipo 61? – might have turned this latter-day Birdcage into the proverbial fanny magnet.
Definitely CC material T87, and so full of glorious details and workmanship.
Thanks for sharing and exploring its history .
Ken is an exceptionally talented designer – I know him from his days at Opel when he came there from GM Tech Center on the GM designer exchange program. I loved the Pininfarina Birdcage and feel the same about the CODE 61. The almost tubular body section with its extreme tuck under makes it look agile, the full surfaces contrast nicely with the sharp edges. The integration of graphics and air intakes on the front end is masterful. And I’m sure that Maserati V8 sounds great. Way to go, Ken!
No wonder he wants one for himself!
Senseless. Crazy. Absurd. Unnecessary.
But let’s be honest, “crazy idiots” like Ken Okuyama are people who make this world a better place to live.
Needless to say, I am very jealous of the owner of this completely pointless, useless fun mobile.
Yes, you can discuss the front – if you want to split hairs – but in the end it simply boils down to “envy”.
Someone has been watching too much Speed Racer.
NICE!!!!!!!! A designer not held back, very, VERY nice. OK so itzz not a gr8 commuter car……..who care$??? :):) DFO