Seven sons were born to Rodolfo Maserati and his wife, Carolina Losi, in Voghera, Italy. The oldest, Carlo, was born in 1881. The youngest was born in 1898. All of the brothers loved cars, engineering and design, except Mario, who was born in 1890. He became a painter and its probable that the created the Maserati logo, the Trident.
The first of the Maserati brothers to work with engines was Carlo. He worked in Affori, which is close to Milan, in a bicycle factory. While there, he designed a single engine for a velocipede. It was later produced in the motorcycle plant of Marchese Carcano di Anzano de Parco. Carlo used the engine he designed to equip racing bicycles. He set a record in 1900, when he rode 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour.) When Carcano closed its doors in 1901, Carlo went to Fiat. In 1903, he left Fiat to work as a mechanic and test driver for Isotta Fraschini. He talked the Company into hiring his sixteen-year-old brother, Alfeiri.
Carlo's career was brilliant. By the time he died at age 29, he had raced for Bianchi, served as General Manager of Junior and opened a workshop with his brother, Ettore. The two brothers build electric transformers for both high and low voltage cars. Shortly after Carlo's death, brother Alfieri, who had a similar personality and skills, took Carlo's place as driver and technician. In 1908, he placed 14th in Dieppe at the Grand Prix for Voiturettes, even though the car that Isotto loaned him had a carburetor breakdown.
Brothers Binde and Ettore were by this time working at Isotta Fraschini. Alfieri was promoted to the customer service sector in Bologna by 1912. The experience he gained there encouraged him to start his own business. He wanted to use his knowledge, creativity, talent and skill to their fullest potential.
Alfieri rented space in Bologna's historical district at Via de Pepoli in 1914. It became the first headquarters of Maserati.
Maserati 1914 to 1937
When WWI ended, Alfieri moved Maserati's offices to Bologna's suburbs. The Brothers main business was tuning cars for Isotta Fraschini, though they did work on other automobiles. Alfieri got into racing shortly thereafter and proved his worth by winning the Mugello Circuit, the Susa-Moncenisio and the Aosta-Great Saint Bernard. Much to his chagrin, he was disqualified for replacing a 2-liter engine with a 3-liter. The disqualification was imposed for five years, but was lifted after a few months.
While he was away from the racing circuit, Alfieri concentrated on the Maserati shop. He built the Tipo 26 in 1926. The first Maserati was born and it sported the Trident logo. The car, driven by Alfieri won the Targa Florio in its debut race.
Wins
In 1927, Alfieri took 3rd place with the Maserati at the Targa Florio. He then entered the Tipo 26B in the Messina Cup, where he was in a serious accident. This didn't stop Maserati from winning the Italian Constructor's Championship.
The V4
In 1929, the V4, which had a 16-cylinder engine, made its debut at the Italian Grand Prix. In Cremona, it set the world Class C speed record with Baconin Borzacchinni at the wheel. It ran 10 kilometers at 246.069 kilometers per hour. This record enhanced the Maserati image. This provided an influx of finances that permitted Maserati to expand.Baconin Borzacchinni took the wheel of the Maserati V4 again in 1930. He won the first full victory for the Company at the Grand Prix in Tripoli.
Alfieri Maserati's Last Cars
The 8C 2500 with front-wheel drive and the 4CTR were the last cars to be designed by Alfieri Maserati. He died on March 3, 1932.His funeral was held in Bologna and was attended by a huge crowd that included people from all walks of life. They included racing drivers and the employees of the Maserati plant. Everyone wanted to pay their final respects to a great man.
Maserati Forges Ahead
Though Alfieri's death was a setback for Maserati, the remaining brothers were determined to continue with the business and make it a success. Bindo left Isotta Fraschini. He returned to Bologna, where he, Ernesto and Ettore concentrated on the business that Alfieri had founded. The brothers developed a 3-liter, 8-cylinder engine. Maserati's activities in the racing world continued.
The Maserati Team
Tazio Nuvolari joined the Maserati team in 1933. He brought with him the ability to fine-tune the chassis of Maserati cars and adapt it to the new engine. He won the Grand Prix at Belgium, Nice and Montenero.
Competition
At this time Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz entered the racing scene. Maserati had stiff competition and their wins declined. The Company continued to win lesser races and the Maserati Brothers focused on this area. In 1936, Gino Rovere invested heavily in Maserati. He appointed Nino Farina as Chairman. The 6 CM debuted and Maserati gained a competitive edge in the voiturette class.
Maserati 1937 to 1967
The Maserati Brothers sold all interest in the Company to the Orsi family in 1937. The Company was then relocated to Modena. This would later become the headquarters for Viale Ci. The Brothers continued to work as chief engineers at Modeno until 1948. Despite the strong competition from Mercedes-Benz, Maserati once again dominated at the track. Maserati, with Wilbur Shaw at the wheel, won a great victory at the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1939. The win was repeated in 1940.
The War Years
Maserati, like most other car manufacturers, adapted production during WWII. They produced electrical components, electric vehicles, machine tools and spark plugs. When the war ended, the Company once again began to build cars. At this time, the A6 1500 debuted.
Modena
The A6 GCS, with Alberto Ascari at the wheel, was highly successful on the Modena racing circuit. At the time, Maserati's greatest competitors were Ferrari, Alfetta and Talbot.
Sharper Competition
The competition became sharper for Maserati during the 1950s. Ferrari and Alfo Romeo were its greatest opponents. Gioacchino Colombo became Chief Engineer at Maserati in 1953. He modified the AC GCM. The racing team became stronger when such drivers as Bonetto, Fangio, Gonzalez and Graffenrad joined. The 1953 season saw some great victories for Maserati, including the Italian Grand Prix.
Colombo began to design the Maserati 250F. It was later developed by Alfieri and made its debut in 1954. That same year, Fangio drove it to victory at the Argentine Grand Prix.
In 1957, Maserati announced it would be retiring from the racing circuit. However, the Company never quit producing racecars and prototypes for the private race teams. They supplied engines for Formula 1 racers and developed a 3-valve, 12-cylinder engine with a triple ignition for Cooper in 1965.
Series Production
In 1958, a new era began for Maserati. The plant expanded and Series production and sales became its focus. Racing took a backseat. In 1962, the Sebring was introduced, followed by the Quattroporte the next year. This was also the year that the Maserati 4-door saloon was released. It had a 90-degree V-8 engine. Displacement was 4,136cc.
Maserati 1968 to 1997
The years between 1968 and 1997 were the best of times and the worst of times for Maserati. Production grew rapidly and new models featured novelties that attracted much interest. In 1968, Citroen purchased 100% of Maserati shares from the Orsi family and Aldolfo Orsi remained Honorary Chairman. The first mass produced mid-engine Maserati, the Bora, was designed by Giugiaro and debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1971. Maserati produced a new racing engine that was installed in the Citroen SM. It was victorious at the Rally of Monoco.
Crisis at Maserati
The Yom Kippur War in 1973 sparked an oil crisis that created big problems for Maserati. The crisis worsened and Citroen announced on May 23rd that Maserati was in liquidation. The government intervened and Maserati was under control of the GEPI, which was an agency that assisted companies in dire financial straits in order to sustain jobs.
On August 8, 1975, Benelli purchased a majority of Maserati's shares. A former racing driver by the name of De Tomaso became Managing Director. Under his leadership, the Company began to climb back onto firm ground, though its growth was greatly decreased. By 1976, Tomaso had released the Kyalami. Shortly after the Turin Motor Show, the Quattroporte III was introduced. By the beginning of 1977, Maserati was producing a significant amount of cars.
A New Era
In 1993, Fiat Auto purchased 100% of Maserati's shares. They sold the shares to Ferrari in 1997. A new era of Maserati had begun.Later that year, the plant in Madeno was closed while the assembly line was revamped for the production of the 3200 GT. The car was introduced to the public at the Paris Motor Show in 1998. Maserati was soon producing over 2,000 cars annually.
In 1999 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Spyder debuted. Maserati announced at that time that they would be returning to the North American market. In 2002, the Coupe made its appearance at the Detroit Motor Show. Maserati produced high class and sophisticated cars upon its return to the North American market. The Company was transferred from Ferrari to Fiat in 2005.
Maserati Today
In today's automotive market, Maserati is the symbol of elegance, prestige and luxury. The Company and the cars it produces embody a distinct Italian style. It has a tradition of success on the racing circuit and gives off the aura of superior craftsmanship, sophistication and world-class technology. The cars and the Trident emblem are a symbol of history and prestige. Who could ask for more?
From ANSA - Modena, May 24 2006 MASERATI QUATTROPORTE NAMED 'BEST OF THE BEST' AGAIN The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT has been named "Best of the Best" in the sedan category by the American luxury lifestyle magazine Robb Report. The Italian car was chosen in the annual rankings over the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, the Audi S8, the BMW M5 and the Mayback 57Sc, a statement from the Italian carmaker announced. Robb Report said the Quattroporte, Italian for four doors, was "a styling masterpiece. The unpretentious Pininfarina shape will continue to turn heads when other sedans have become yesterday's styling fad. "It is these concours-winning looks, underpinned by performance and fit and finish that are world-class, which make the Quattroporte Sport GT our favorite new sedan". The Maserati Quattroporte is the first car ever to be named Best of the Best twice. The first time was in 2004, the year the luxury sedan was introduced to the market as the first vehicle engineered by the Ferrari-Maserati partnership. Maserati has since been moved from Ferrari to Alfa Romeo by parent company Fiat. The complete list of Best of the Best winners appears in the June edition of the Robb Report, which specialises in the world's finest luxury products and services. Aside from automobiles, Best of the Best recognition, now in its 18th year, is given to yachts, jewelry, holidays, wine, fashion and other luxury items.(source:www.lifeinitaly.com)
List of Maserati vehicles
Road Vehicles
Model | First Year | Last Year | Distribution | Engine | Displacement cc | Power hp (kW) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A6 | 1946 | 1950 | international | I6 | 1489 | 65 (48) | 1 or 3 Carburettors |
A6G | 1951 | 1953 | international | I6 | 1954 | 100 (74) | 1 or 3 Carburettors |
A6G54 | 1954 | 1956 | international | I6 | 1986 | 150 (110) | Carburettor |
A6G54 ('56) | 1956 | 1957 | international | I6 | 1986 | 160 (118) | Carburettor, Twin Ignition |
3500 GT Touring | 1957 | 1962 | international | I6 | 3485 | 220/230 (164/171) | Carburettor |
3500 GT Spyder Vignale | 1959 | 1962 | international | I6 | 3485 | 220/230 (164/171) | Carburettor |
5000 GT | 1959 | 1961 | international | V8 | 4941 | 340 (250) | Carburettor |
5000 GT ('61) | 1961 | 1964 | international | V8 | 4941 | 330 (243) | Fuel Injection |
3500 GTI | 1962 | 1964 | international | I6 | 3485 | 235 (173) | Fuel Injection |
3500 GTI Spyder | 1962 | 1964 | international | I6 | 3485 | 235 (173) | Fuel Injection |
Mistral 3500 | 1963 | 1965 | international | I6 | 3485 | 235 (173) | Fuel Injection |
Quattroporte | 1963 | 1966 | international | V8 | 4136 | 260 (191) | Carburettor |
3500 GTI Spyder Frua | 1964 | 1965 | international | I6 | 3485 | 235 (173) | aka Mistral Spyder 3500 |
Mistral 3700 | 1965 | 1970 | international | I6 | 3692 | 245 (180) | Fuel Injection |
Mistral 3700 Spyder | 1965 | 1970 | international | I6 | 3692 | 245 (180) | Fuel Injection |
Mistral 4000 | 1965 | 1970 | international | I6 | 4000 | 255 (188) | Fuel Injection |
Mistral 4000 Spyder | 1965 | 1970 | international | I6 | 4000 | 255 (188) | Fuel Injection |
Sebring 3700 | 1965 | 1969 | international | I6 | 3692 | 245 (180) | Fuel Injection |
Sebring 4000 | 1965 | 1969 | international | I6 | 4000 | 255 (188) | Fuel Injection |
Mexico 4200 | 1966 | 1969 | international | V8 | 4136 | 260 (191) | Carburettor |
Quattroporte ('66) | 1966 | 1970 | international | V8 | 4719 | 290 (213) | Carburettor |
Ghibli | 1967 | 1970 | international | V8 | 4719 | 310 (228) | Carburettor |
Ghibli Spyder | 1969 | 1970 | international | V8 | 4719 | 310 (228) | Carburettor |
Mexico 4700 | 1969 | 1972 | international | V8 | 4719 | 310 (228) | Carburettor |
Ghibli SS | 1970 | 1973 | international | V8 | 4930 | 335 (246) | Carburettor |
Ghibli SS Spyder | 1970 | 1973 | international | V8 | 4930 | 335 (246) | Carburettor |
Indy Europa 4200 | 1970 | 1971 | international | V8 | 4136 | 260 (191) | Carburettor |
Indy Europa 4700 | 1971 | 1973 | international | V8 | 4719 | 290 (213) | Carburettor |
Khamsin 4700 | 1972 | ? | international | V8 | 4719 | 290 (213) | Carburettor |
Khamsin 4900 | 1972 | 1979 | international | V8 | 4930 | 320 (235) | Carburettor |
Bora 4.7 | 1973 | 1974 | international | V8 | 4719 | 310 (228) | Carburettor |
Indy 4900 | 1973 | 1975 | international | V8 | 4930 | 320 (235) | Carburettor |
Merak | 1973 | 1975 | international | V6 | 2965 | 190 (140) | Carburettor |
Bora 4.9 (US) | 1974 | 1980 | USA only | V8 | 4930 | 300 (221) | Carburettor |
Quattroporte II | 1974 | 1974 | pre-production (6) | V6 | 2965 | 190 (140) | Carburettor |
Bora 4.9 | 1975 | 1980 | international | V8 | 4930 | 330 (243) | Carburettor |
Merak SS | 1975 | 1978 | international | V6 | 2965 | 220 (162) | Carburettor |
Quattroporte II ('75) | 1975 | 1978 | Limited serie (7) | V6 | 3200 | 200 (147) | Carburettor |
4porte (Quattroporte III) | 1976 | 1981 | international | V8 | 4136 | 255 (188) | Carburettor |
Kyalami 4200 | 1976 | 1978 | international | V8 | 4136 | 265/253 (197/188) | Carburettor |
Merak 2000 GT | 1976 | 1983 | Italy | V6 | 1999 | 170/159 (126/118) | Carburettor |
Kyalami 4900 | 1978 | 1983 | international | V8 | 4930 | 280 (206) | Carburettor |
Khamsin ('79) | 1979 | 1982 | international | V8 | 4930 | 280 (206) | Carburettor |
Merak SS ('79) | 1979 | 1983 | international | V6 | 2965 | 208 (153) | Carburettor |
Quattroporte III ('81) | 1981 | 1985 | international | V8 | 4930 | 282 (207) | Carburettor |
Biturbo | 1981 | 1985 | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1995 | 180 (132) | Carburettor |
425 | 1983 | 1989 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2491 | 200 (147) | Carburettor |
Biturbo E | 1983 | 1985 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2491 | 185 (136) | Carburettor |
Biturbo S | 1983 | 1985 | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1995 | 205 (151) | Carburettor |
Biturbo S (2.5) | 1984 | 1987 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2491 | 196 (144) | Carburettor, Catalyst |
Spyder (Zagato) | 1984 | 1988 | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1995 | 180 (132) | Carburettor |
Spyder (2.5) | 1984 | 1988 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2491 | 192 (141) | Carburettor, Catalyst |
420 | 1985 | ? | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1995 | 180 (132) | Carburettor |
Biturbo (II) | 1985 | 1987 | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1995 | 180 (132) | Carburettor |
Biturbo E (II 2.5) | 1985 | 1988 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2491 | 185 (136) | Carburettor, Catalyst |
Biturbo S (II) | 1985 | 1986 | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1995 | 210 (154) | Carburettor |
228 (228i) | 1986 | 1992 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 250 (184) | Fuel Injection, no Cat |
228 (228i) Kat | 1986 | 1992 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 225 (165) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
420i | 1986 | ? | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1995 | 190 (140) | Fuel Injection (Cat?) |
420 S | 1986 | ? | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1995 | 210 (154) | Carburettor, no Cat |
Biturbo i | 1986 | 1990 | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1995 | 185 (136) | Fuel Injection (Cat?) |
Quattroporte Royale (III) | 1986 | 1990 | international | V8 | 4930 | 300 (221) | Fuel Injection, not Cat |
Spyder i | 1986 | 1987 | international | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 185 (136) | Fuel Injection, (Cat?) |
430 | 1987 | 1990 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 225 (165) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
425i | 1987 | 1990 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2491 | 188 (138) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Biturbo Si | 1987 | 1988 | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1995 | 220 (162) | Fuel Injection, no Cat |
Biturbo Si (2.5) | 1987 | 1988 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2491 | 188 (138) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Spyder i ('87) | 1987 | 1988 | international | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 195 (143) | Fuel Injection (Cat?) |
222 | 1988 | ? | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 220 (162) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
422 | 1988 | 1990 | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 220 (162) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
2.24V | 1988 | 1992 | Italy (probably) | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 245 (180) | Fuel Injection, no Cat |
222 4v | 1988 | 1991 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 279 (205) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
222 E | 1988 | 1990 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 225 (165) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Karif | 1988 | 1993 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 285 (210) | Fuel Injection, no Cat |
Karif (kat) | 1988 | 1993 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 248 (182) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Karif (kat II) | 1988 | 1993 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 225 (165) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Spyder i (2.5) | 1988 | 1989 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2491 | 188 (138) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Spyder i (2.8) | 1989 | ? | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 250 (184) | Fuel Injection, no Cat |
Spyder i (2.8, kat) | 1989 | ? | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 225 (165) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Spyder i ('90) | 1989 | ? | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 220 (162) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
222 SE | 1990 | 1991 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 250 (184) | Fuel Injection, no Cat |
222 SE (kat) | 1990 | 1991 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 225 (165) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
4.18v | 1990 | ? | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1995 | 220 (162) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
4.24v | 1990 | 1992 | Italy (probably) | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 245 (180) | Fuel Injection, no Cat |
Shamal | 1990 | 1996 | international | V8 Biturbo | 3217 | 326 (240) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
2.24v II | 1991 | 1993 | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 245 (180) | Fuel Injection, no Cat |
2.24v II (kat) | 1991 | 1993 | international (probably) | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 240 (176) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
222 SR | 1991 | ? | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 225 (165) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
4.24v II (kat) | 1991 | ? | Italy (probably) | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 240 (176) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
430 4v | 1991 | ? | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 279 (205) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Racing | 1991 | 1991 | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 283 (208) | Fuel Injection, no Cat, no oxygen sensor |
Spyder III | 1991 | ? | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 245 (180) | Fuel Injection, no Cat |
Spyder III (2.8, kat) | 1991 | ? | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 225 (165) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Spyder III (kat) | 1991 | ? | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 240 (176) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Barchetta Stradale | 1992 | 1992 | Prototype | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 306 (225) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Barchetta Stradale 2.8 | 1992 | 1992 | Single, Conversion | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 284 (209) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Ghibli II (2.0) | 1992 | 1997 | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 306 (225) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Ghibli II (2.8) | 1993 | 1997 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 284 (209) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Quattroporte (2.0) | 1994 | 1997 | Italy | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 287 (211) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Quattroporte (2.8) | 1994 | 1997 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 284 (209) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Ghibli Cup | 1995 | ? | international | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 330 (243) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Quattroporte Ottocilindri | 1995 | 1997 | international | V8 Biturbo | 3217 | 335 (246) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Ghibli Primatist | 1996 | 1997 | international | V6 Biturbo | 1996 | 306 (225) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
3200 GT | 1998 | 2001 | international | V8 Biturbo | 3217 | 370 (272) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Quattroporte V6 Evoluzione | 1998 | 2001 | international | V6 Biturbo | 2790 | 284 (209) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Quattroporte V8 Evoluzione | 1998 | 2001 | international | V8 Biturbo | 3217 | 335 (246) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
3200 GTA | 2000 | 2001 | international | V8 Biturbo | 3217 | 368 (271) | Automatic transmission |
Spyder GT | 2001 | 2005 | international | V8 | 4244 | 390 (287) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Spyder CC | 2001 | 2005 | international | V8 | 4244 | 390 (287) | Cambiocorsa (sequential Gearbox) |
Coupé GT | 2001 | 2006 | international | V8 | 4244 | 390 (287) | Fuel Injection, Catalyst |
Coupé CC | 2001 | 2006 | international | V8 | 4244 | 390 (287) | Cambiocorsa (sequential Gearbox) |
Gran Sport | 2002 | 2007 | international | V8 | 4244 | 400 (294) | with Cambiocorsa only |
Quattroporte V | 2004 | today | international | V8 | 4244 | 400 (294) | with DuoSelect only (sequential Gearbox) |
MC12 (aka MCC) | 2004 | 2005 | Limited | V12 | 5998 | 630 (463) | Developed from Enzo Ferrari |
GranTurismo | 2008 | future | international | V8 | 4244 | 405 | |
GranCabrio | 2010 | future | international | V8 | 4691 | 433 |
Maserati A 6
Maserati A6 (1947–1956) were various cars made by Maserati of Italy, named for
Alfieri Maserati (one of the Maserati
brothers, founders of Maserati) and for the straight-six
engine.
The 1.5-litre
straight-six was named A6
TR (Testa Riportata),
and was based on the pre-war Maserati 6CM 65 bhp (48 kW). It first appeared in
the A6 Sport or Tipo 6CS/46, a barchetta prototype, developed by Ernesto
Maserati and Alberto Massimo. This became the A6 1500 Pininfaria-designed two-door berlinetta, first shown at the 1947 Salone International d’el Auto in Geneva (59 made) and the spider shown at the 1948 Salone dell’automobile di Torino (2 made).
A 2-litre straight-six (120 bhp) was used in the A6 GCS two-seater, «G» denoting Ghisa, cast iron block, and
«CS» denotingCorsa & Sports. Also called monofaro, the 580 kg
single-seater and cycle-winged racing version first appeared at Modena 1947 by Luigi Villoresi and Alberto Ascari, and won the 1948 Italian
Championship by Giovanni Braco. Fifteen cars were made 1947-1953, of these
being two-seaters (630 kg).
The A6G were a series of two-door coupe and
spyders by Zagato,Pininfarina,Pietro,Frua,Ghia,Bertone,Carrozzeria Allemano and Vignale. These had alloy engine blocks.
Maserati 3500
Maserati 3500 was a 2-door coupe and convertible made by Maserati of Italy. It was the company's first attempt at the Gran Turismo market and large-volume production.
Maserati's chief
engineer Giolio Alfredi developed the two 2+2 prototype 3500GT, revealed at the Salon International de l’Auto in Geneva , March 1957. Both had a 2,600 mm
(102.4 in) wheelbase and aluminum bodywork;
one a superleggera body by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan , the other by Carrozeria Allemano. The
design incorporated
·
Maserati 350S-derived straight-six cylinder,DOHC 3485 cc litre 42 DCOE WEBER carburetor engine (220 bhp at 5500 rpm),
·
Mechanical Magneti-Marelli ignition, dual spark
plugs and dual fuelpump
·
4-speed ZF S4-17 gearbox (2.98:1, 1.99:1, 1.34:1,
1:1),
·
Girling 12"
turbofinned drum breakers front and rear
·
Borg & Berg -made
single-plate dry clutch,
·
live rear axle,differential(mechanics)
by Salisbury ,
·
suspencion by Alford
& Alder: Front wishbone and
coil-springed suspension; rear semielliptic springs.
·
16" steel wheels
with 6.5" Pirelli Cinturato diagonal tires
Minor design changes were done before
production of the 1,420 kg (3,131 lb) Touring-based body started late
1957. Front disc brakes and limited slip differential became optional in 1959,
standardized in 1960; rear discs became standard in 1962. Borrani knock-out wire wheels
complemented the standard steel wheels, as well as wider 185x16" radial
tyres. All cars had leather interior and Jaeger-LeCoultre
instruments. Power windows was added as standard.
In 1959, the Maserati 5000 GT was introduced using
the chassis of the 3500GT. Two steel-bodied convertible prototypes by Carrozzeria
Vignale and Michelotti were
developed in 1959 and shown at the Salon
de l'Auto in Paris
1959.
The 3500 GT spider by Carrozzeria Vignale (242 made).
A spider made by Carrozzeria
Vignale went into production in
1960, as the 3500 GTs or just «Vignale spider», and had a
shortened 2,499 mm (98.4 in) chassis weighing 1,380 kg
(3,042 lb).
The 3500
GTi was introduced in 1961 as
the first fuel-injected Italian production car. It had a Lucas fuel injection (235 bhp). A 5-speed ZF S5-17
gearbox was now standard (3.02:1, 1.85:1, 1.29:1, 1:1, 0.85:1), as well as disc
brakes all round. The body had a lowered roofline and become somewhat longer;
minor outward changes appeared as well (new grille, rear lights, vent windows).
The rather similar Maserati
Sebring (3500 GTiS) also a 2+2 coupe entered production in 1962.
The first year (1958) sold 119 cars, 1961
was the best-selling year totalling 500. All together, 242 Vignale convertibles
and nearly 2000 coupes were manufactured, of these, 1973 being Touring coupe,
the rest were bodied by other coachbuilders, Carrozzeria
Allemano (four coupes, including the 1957 prototype), Zagato (one coupe, 1957), Carrozzeria Boneschi (two cars; 1962, 1963 Salone dell'automobile di Torino,
1962); Salon International de
l'Auto in Geneva, 1963), Pietro Frua (two or three coupes, one spider) and Bertone (one coupe). The last was a coupe by Moretti (Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva,
1966).
Maserati
5000 GT
Maserati 5000 GT (1959–1965)
were thirty-two 2-door coupé automobiles, made by Maserati of Italy.
The first car in the Tipo 103 series, was the Shah of Persia, delivered to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who had been
impressed by the Maserati 3500.
He commissioned Maserati's chief engineer Giulio
Alfieri to utilize a slightly
modified 5-litre engine from the Maserati
450S on the 3500GT's chassis. Carrozzeri Touring developed the superleggera tubing and aluminum body of the two-seater coupe. The
second car, also by Touring, was displayed at Salone
dell'automobile di Torino 1959.
Specifications
Specifications for the first 5000 GT were:
· Maserati 450S-derived V8 cylinder,
four-OHC, 4937.8 cc,
· Lucas mechanical injection or four 45
DCOE Weber carburetor (325 bhp at 5500 rpm),
· mechanical Magneti-Marelli ignition, dual spark plugs and dual
fuel pump
· 4-speed ZF (later
5-speed)
· Front discs, rear drums (later
all-discs)
In 1960 the engine got some modifications:
received a displacement of 4940cc with a bigger stroke and a smaller bore and
were fuel injected; in the new configuration engine developed 340 bhp.
After the first body by Touring, the main body partner since 1960 became Carrozzeria Allemano which did 21 of the cars. Other
builders were Pietro Frua (2),Carrozzeria Monterosa (2), Pininfarina (1), Ghia (1), Michelotti (1) and Carrozzeria Touring (2 more).
Buyers
The 5000 GT was sold at prices around USD
17000 (twice the cost of a Maserati
3500), and in many respects individualized to the desires of its celebrity buyers,
including Aga Khan, Italian
industrialist Gianni Agnelli,
sportsman Briggs Cunningham,
actor Stewart Granger, Ferdinando Innocenti, Basil Read,
count Giuseppe Comola, and president Adolfo LĂłpez Mateos. Over time, some
of the cars were added to Alfredo Breners collection, that was auctioned in 2003.
Maserati
Mistral
The Maserati
Mistral (Tipo 109), named
after a cold northerly wind of southern France , was the successor to the
iconic 3500 GT, it was also the
first in a series of classic Maseratis to be given the name of a wind. It was
offered both in Coupe and Spyder form. 830 coupes and 120 Spyders were built in
total. Maggiora of Turin supplied both bodies under contract.
The Mistral is the last model from the
"Casa del Tridente" or “House of the Trident” to have the famous
straight six cylinder, twin-spark, double overhead cam engine, as fitted to the Maserati 250F Grand Prix cars that won 8 Grand Prix
between 1954 and 1960 and one F1 World Championship in 1957 driven by Juan Manuel Fangio. The engine also
featured hemispherical combustion chambers and was fed by a Lucas indirect fuel
injection system which was novelty at the time for Italian car manufacturers.
Although the Lucas fuel injection system enhances performance, quite a few
owners, especially in the U.S.
have converted their cars to Weber carburetors due to difficulties in tuning
the system properly. Maserati subsequently moved on to V8 engines for their
later production cars. There were three engine variants fitted to the Mistral;
3500, 3700 and 4,000 cc. The most sought after derivative is the 4000 cc model.
Only the earliest of the Mistrals were equipped with the 3500 cc engine.
Unusually, the body was offered in both aluminum and steel but no one is quite
sure as to how many of each were built. Use of the aluminum body panels had no
effect on the performance of the Mistral. The mixture of the aluminum body on a
steel substructure can lead to corrosion due to the dissimilar metals. The
automobile was standard with a five speed transmission from ZF and
also had four wheel solid disc
brakes. As was Maserati's practice at the time the front suspension was
independent while the rear made do with a solid axle. Speed for the 3.7 liter
engine and the 4.0 liter engine was around 7 seconds or a little better and the
top speed was around 140 mph (225 km/h) to 145 mph
(233 km/h).
The body which had been designed by Pietro Frua was first shown in a preview at the Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile
di Torino in
November 1963. The Maserati Mistral is generally considered as one of the most
beautiful Maserati of all time. It is also often confused to the very similar
looking but larger and more powerful AC
Frua, which was a Frua design as well.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2007 Geneva Motor Show. The GranTurismo has a drag coefficient of 0.33. The standard
version has a 4.2 litre (4,244 cc (259.0 cu in)) V8 engine with
405 PS (298 kW; 399 hp) and automatic ZF gearbox
six-speed transmission. The 2+2 body has been derived from the Maserati Quattroporte V, with double-wishbone
front suspensions and a multilink rear suspension.
GranTurismo S (2008-2012)
The S version was unveiled in 2008 Geneva Motor show and features a 4.7 litre
(4,691 cc (286.3 cu in)) V8 engine rated 440 PS (324 kW;
434 hp) at 7000 rpm and 490 N·m (360 lb·ft) at 4750 rpm, a
robotic 6-speed sequential semi-automatic
transmission with transaxle
layout, 47% front and 53% rear weight distribution. The standard suspension
set-up is fixed-setting steel dampers, with the Skyhook adaptive suspension
available as an option. It was available in the North American market only for
2009 MY.
GranTurismo MC (2009-2010)
It is a limited production car based on the GranTurismo MC Concept, but
included 6-points seat-belt, 120 L (32 US gal;
26 imp gal) fuel tank, 380 mm (15.0 in) front and
326 mm (12.8 in) rear brake disc with 6-piston front and 4-piston
rear calipers, 11x18-in wheels with 305/645/18 front and 305/680/18 rear tires,
carbon fiber shock absorbers.
The vehicle was unveiled in Paul Ricard circuit, in France . It went
on sale in 2009-10 at Maserati Corse with MSRP of €135,000.
GranTurismo S Automatic (2009-2012)
It is a version of Maserati GranTurismo S with ZF 6-speed automatic
transmission from the base model vehicle, standard Skyhook adaptive suspension,
alternate under-door mini-skirts, 20 inch wheel rims with "Trident"
design, standard Bluetooth wireless technology and iPod interface.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 Geneva Motor Show.
GranTurismo MC Sport Line (2009-)
It is a customization programme based on the works on GranTurismo MC
Concept. Changes include front and rear carbon-fibre spoilers, carbon fibre
mirror housings and door handles, 20 inch wheel rims, carbon fibre interior (steering
wheel rim, paddle shifters, instrument panel, dashboard, door panels), stiffer
springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars with custom Maserati Stability
Programme software and 10 mm (0.4 in) lower height than GranTurismo
S. The programme was initially offered in GranTurismo S, with the product line
expanded to all GranTurismo vehicle and all Maserati vehicles in 2009. Fifteen
GranTurismo MC racecars were developed, homologated for the European Cup and
National Endurance Series, one of which was taken to be raced by GT motorsport
organization Cool Victory in
Dubai in
January, 2010.
A GranTurismo S with MC Sport Line parts was unveiled in 2008 Bologna Motor Show.
GranTurismo MC Stradale (2011-)
In September 2010, Maserati released that they will be officially showing a
new version of the GranTurismo - the MC Stradale - at the 2010 Paris Motor
Show. The strictly two-seat MC Stradale is more powerful
(450 PS/331 kW; 444 hp), lighter, and more aerodynamic than any
previous GranTurismo model - all with the same fuel consumption as the regular
GranTurismo. In addition to two
slits in the bonnet, the MC Stradale also receives a new front splitter and
rear air dam for better aerodynamics, downforce, and improved cooling of brakes
and engine. The body modifications make the car 48 mm (2 in) longer.
The car usually operates in an "auto" mode, but the driver can
switch this to "sport" or "racing", which affects gearbox
operations, suspension, traction control, and even the sound of the engine. The
MC Stradale is the first GranTurismo to break the 300 km/h barrier, with a
claimed top speed of 301 km/h (187 mph).
GranTurismo Sport (2012-)
Replacing the GranTurismo S, the Sport was unveiled in March 2012 at the
Geneva Motor Show. Main changes
include a revised 4.7L engine rated 460 PS (338 kW; 454 hp), a
restyled front spoiler, new headlights and an interior trim with new steering
wheel and seats. Two transmissions choices will be offered on the Sport; the
standard gearbox is a six-speed automatic, while a six-speed sequential manual
transaxle comes as an option. The latter has steering wheel-mounted paddle
shifters, a feature that’s optional with the automatic gearbox.
GranCabrio (2010-)
The GranCabrio (GranTurismo Convertible in the U.S. ) is a
convertible version of GranTurismo S Automatic, equipped with a canvas roof.
The GranCabrio retains the 2+2 seating configuration of the coupé GranTurismo,
and is thus Maserati's first four-seater convertible.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt
Motor Show with production
beginning in 2010. The vehicle is built in the Viale Ciro Menotti Maserati
factory. European sales were to begin in February 2010, with the United States
receiving its first cars a month later. Planned sales for 2010 were 2,100
units, of which two thirds were intended to go stateside.
The GranCabrio is powered by the same 4.7-litre V8 engine
(440 PS/324 kW; 434 bhp at 7,000 rpm,
490 N·m/361 lb·ft at 4,750 rpm) that is fitted to the
GranTurismo S Automatic.
GranCabrio Sport (2011-)
At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show Maserati unveiled a new version of the
GranCabrio, with an enhanced level of performance and handling. This version
also has the 4.7-litre V8, coupled with the ZF six-speed automatic transmission
and fitted with the slightly uprated 450 PS/331 kW; 444 bhp
version of the V8 engine, with 510 N·m (380 lb·ft) torque..To hint at the car's more sporting nature, the
headlights have black surrounds and other details such as the bars in the
grille are also finished in black. There are also larger sideskirts as well as
tiny winglets on the lower front corners.
GranCabrio Fendi (2011-)
It is a version of GranCabrio designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.
GranCabrio MC
Maserati Corse-style four-seater open-top is 48 mm (1.9 in)
longer than GranCabrio with front end inspired directly by MC Stradale, also
much improved aerodynamics compared to standard models. Power comes from 4.7 L
90° V8 delivering 460 hp (343 kW) and 520 N·m (384 lb·ft)
of torque. Top speed is 289 km/h (180 mph) and acceleration
0–100 km/h is 4.9s. For transmission only one choice, MC Auto Sfift, 6-speed
ZF automatic. Wheels are 20 inch MC Design rims. Premiere at Paris Motor Show 27 September 2012.
Maserati Gran Turismo S Superior Black Edition
tadaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
The car tuners from Anderson Germany wanted to improve the Maserati Gran Turismo S and that’s how they came up with the “Superior Black Edition”, an improved version of the car, with new looks and performances as well. The Gran Turismo S received a carbon fiber body kit which includes a new bonnet, side mirrors, tailgate and roof ledges, front and rear aprons and side inlets as well.
After they’ve installed the new body kit, the car has been coated in a silky matte black finish with a few shining highlights and also received tinted headlights and tail lamps to match the car’s blacked out look. The car’s suspension was also lowered a bit and a new set of 21″ wheels wrapped in high performance tires complete the car’s new exterior look.
Under the hood, the Maserati Gran Turismo S Superior Black Edition went through a couple of tweaks and upgrades and that’s how the 4.7L V8 engine is now able to develop 485 hp instead of the 434 hp of the standard version of the car. A new stainless steel is another great upgrade for this car offering to “sing” in two separate keys.
The interior of the car was also refined with black carbon leather and black Alcantara with contrasting red seams and stitching.
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