April 25, 1926 was the day of the racing debut for the Maserati Tipo 26, entered in the Targa Florio in the up to 1500cc class. Leading it to 8th place in the overall standings ahead of two Bugatti 37s and Alfieri Maserati himself. On board the sleek car was Guarino (known by everyone as Guerino) Bertocchi, historic Maserati driver, test driver and mechanic. The Type 26 was equipped with a 1493cc inline 8 cylinder and 120 horsepower at 5300 rpm. For 1927 the “26” was further improved, reaching an output of 128 horsepower at 6000 rpm. The units produced of the 26 were eleven. In the car's palmarès there is the absolute Italian title with the Mugello driver Emilio Materassi.