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