A Question of Honor
ZF is celebrating Maserati's 110th birthday with a special campaign: ZF Tradition is now collecting pre-orders for replicas of the S5-17. To say thank you and mark the 110th anniversary of the cult brand Maserati, ZF will award certificates to future customers for Maserati restorations completed by ZF Tradition.
ZF, a company with nearly 110 years of tradition, not only shapes the future but also prioritizes preserving automotive heritage. ZF Tradition ensures classic cars continue to run well by reconditioning original parts and creating authentic reproductions. At the Friedrichshafen location, experts specialize in rebuilding historic transmissions, spare parts, automatic transmissions, clutches, and limited slip differentials. They serve as a valuable resource for owners of historic vehicles.
Traditional work: Maurizio Pomino and Elisa Maier study old drawing plans.
ZF technology has been serving customers well for decades, but the ravages of time take their toll on even the most reliable products. Maurizio Pomino, a technical specialist at ZF Tradition, is also aware of this: "Maserati vehicles are also among the most fascinating cars for us at ZF Tradition. Our enthusiasm for Maserati vehicles enhances our relationship with the brand. Therefore, it is an honor for us to be able to help Maserati customers with transmission overhauls and then to be able to certify this with an individually awarded certificate. The addition of the S5-17 transmission nearly completes our remanufacturing offerings for Maserati gearbox applications."
Installation drawing for the S5-17
The first GT Maserati produced in large numbers, the Type 3500 GT, was initially equipped with a four-speed transmission, then with a five-speed transmission, both from ZF. Roughly 7,500 S4-17 gearboxes were supplied to Maserati for all six-cylinder vehicles. Since this time, almost all classic GT vehicles from Maserati have been equipped with ZF transmissions; depending on the engine, up to four transmission variants were used per model.
The first GT Maserati to be produced in large numbers, the Type 3500 GT, was equipped with a four-speed gearbox and later with a five-speed gearbox from ZF.
The S5-17 transmission was originally installed in all 3500 GT variants, as well as the Sebring I and II, Quattroporte I, and the Mistral. ZF Tradition is currently accepting pre-orders for remanufactured complete transmissions, set to be delivered starting in spring 2025. Reproducing individual parts presents a consistent challenge due to their small production series, akin to prototype construction. For instance, hand-drawn ink sketches must be transformed into 3D models. Cutting-edge machinery and production techniques, including heat treatment and surface processes, are employed to create these components.
The S5-17 from ZF was also installed in the Mistral.
Rigorous quality checks utilize the latest measuring and testing methods, ensuring precision. Each meticulously refurbished gearbox is assembled by ZF Tradition’s specialists and rigorously tested on a functional bench. To secure future spare parts availability, ZF maintains stockpiles of critical wear and spare components. Through ZF Tradition, ZF has been a strong asset for Maserati customers who are committed to the care and maintenance of their treasures. As Maserati shifts towards electromobility, ZF will remain a reliable partner in every respect.
Precision work is required during assembly to determine the exact dimension for the shaft clearance.
To order a reproduction of the ZF S5-17 transmission, interested parties can send a binding request via email to genqvgvba@ms.pbz .
