Maserati – The Italian sports car manufacturer has a rich history that dates back to 1914. Let’s take a closer look at the origins of this iconic brand.
Founded by six Maserati brothers in 1914, namely Carlo, Bindo, Alfieri, Mario, Ettore, and Ernesto, the Italian car brand initially set out to create racing cars for their personal use. Mario, who was an artist, conceptualized the iconic Maserati Trident logo, inspired by the statue of Neptune in Bologna’s main square.
Over the course of nearly 100 years, Maserati has established itself as one of the most highly anticipated sports car manufacturers worldwide.
What sets Maserati apart is its commitment to excellence, prestige, and customer satisfaction, rather than solely focusing on profit targets like many other manufacturers. This dedication to quality has kept the prices of Maserati cars reasonable, despite their popularity in the dynamic world of Italian sports cars.
In 1926, Alfieri Maserati raced one of the first cars to bear the Maserati logo and emerged victorious in the Targa Florio race, which was part of the World Championship held in the mountainous region of Sicily near Palermo.
Maserati has a storied history in motorsports
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the Maserati brothers achieved numerous accolades on a global scale with their handcrafted racing cars.
In 1932, Alfieri Maserati passed away. Five years later, the remaining brothers sold their shares in the company to the Orsi family but continued to hold technical management positions. Consequently, the company’s headquarters were relocated to Modena.
In 1939 and 1940, Maserati triumphed over renowned names like Auto Union and Mercedes to secure victory in the prestigious Indianapolis 500.
During World War II, Maserati temporarily shifted its focus from producing sports cars to manufacturing military components.
After the war, Maserati returned to the racetrack and experienced a series of remarkable successes with the Maserati A6. This paved the way for the introduction of several impressive models, including the Carrozzeria Touring, Sebring (1962), Mistral Coupe (1963), and Spider (1964). In 1963, Maserati also launched its first-ever 4-door model, the Quattroporte.
1957 Maserati 200SI model
However, it was in 1966, with the Giugiaro-styled Ghibli, that Maserati truly made its mark by introducing an enticing Italian sports car featuring a powerful V8 engine capable of producing 330 horsepower. In 1968, Maserati was acquired by French automaker Citroën.
Ghibli model
Although Adolfo Orsi, the former owner of Maserati, retained an honorary position, significant changes were implemented under Citroën’s ownership. Notably, the hydraulic system was utilized to enhance the engine’s power.
During this period, successful models included the Maserati Bora, Quattroporte II version, and Citroën SM.
In 1973, the oil crisis significantly impacted car sales, leading to Citroën’s bankruptcy and the subsequent closure of Maserati.
1979 Maserati Bora
In 1975, Argentine driver Alejandro de Tomaso purchased the company and promptly introduced the Maserati Kyalami. Later, in 1979, Maserati unveiled the luxury 4-door sedan known as the Quattroporte III.
The 1980s proved to be a challenging period for Maserati as its predominantly Biturbo models in the US market became lackluster and unreliable. Consequently, the company ceased importing vehicles into the US market in 1991.
It wasn’t until 1993 when Fiat acquired Maserati that the brand entered a new chapter. The Biturbo variations continued to be produced until the factory temporarily closed in 1997 for a complete overhaul.
In 1997, Ferrari acquired a 50% stake in Maserati, assuming control of the company.
The year 1998 marked the beginning of another era for Maserati with the introduction of the 2-door 3200 GT. This model featured a powerful V8 engine, reaching a top speed of 285 km/h and achieving a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 5.5 seconds.
Maserati 3200 GT 2-door
In 2002, the 3200 GT was succeeded by the Maserati Spyder and Coupé, both of which were 4-seater models.
These new Maserati models, featuring a formidable V8 engine, F1-style transmission, and Giugiaro’s timeless design, made their debut in the US market in 2002, restoring the Italian sports car brand’s reputation.
In 2005, Maserati separated from Ferrari and merged with Alfa Romeo under the Fiat Auto production group.
In the second quarter of 2007, Maserati achieved its first profit in 17 years under the ownership of the Fiat group.
Even today, despite facing numerous challenges, Maserati remains a brand that continues to captivate speed enthusiasts worldwide.
Th? Ð?t (Source: PL&XH)
100 Years of Maserati: A Century of Automotive Excellence
Maserati, the Italian sports car manufacturer, has a rich history that spans almost a century since its establishment in 1914. Let’s delve into the story of this iconic brand.
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