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All things 'Maserati'. News of forthcoming models, owner's cars, tips, 'Marque' reunions and the odd touch of humour! In fact anything of interest to the 'Maseratista'.

So if you have any news about Maseratis or have anything owners and enthusiasts should know, send details to enricomaserati@btinternet.com
 
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From Newspress in the UK
 
ASI AT THE IX° "OLD TIME SHOW" DI FORLI
present “Le Maserati e le Osca dei Fratelli Maserati”

10-11 March 2012
Opening hours: 8:30am to 7:00pm
 

On the occasion of the ninth edition of the "OLD TIME SHOW" in Forlì, ASI presents on its stand "The Maseratis and OSCA-Maserati Brothers" a large collection of unique designs prepared by Dott Ing Alfieri Maserati grandson of the founder of the House of the Trident, the son of Ernesto Maserati, designer of all Maserati post 1932 and all Osca-Fratelli Maserati, and Chairman of the Commissione Cultura ASI. On a large stand situated at the entrance of the main exhibition pavilion, will be on display the jewels which the Italian public is unlikely to see again as the most important and victorious models were bought by foreign collectors. The ASI deserves great credit for tempoarily bringing them back to Italy. The most prestigious Maseratis will come from Germany and Great Britain, thanks to the efforts of the world renowned curator Alfieri Maserati, a passionate lover of the marque.

One of the most valuable cars on display will be the Tipo 26M race car, with a 2½-litre supercharged engine, which debuted in 1930 winning the Reale Gran Premio di Roma, then later that year, winning among other things the Coppa Ciano, the Grand Prix of Pescara, the Grand Prix at Monza, where four cars placed in the top five driven by Achille Varzi, Louis Arcangeli, Ernesto Maserati and Luigi Fagioli. Ernesto Maserati on the same occasion also won, with the 16 cylinder V4, the race for cars over 3-litre beating Caracciola in the Mercedes. In that same year the 26M also triumphed in the Grand Prix of Spain, where it gained a one-two with Varzi and Aymo Maggi.
 
Library photo

Maserati Tipo 26M
 

Another rare example built by Maserati will be the Tipo 8C 3000, 3-litre, driven to victory in the 1933 French Grand Prix by Giuseppe Campari, and the Tipo 8CM, the third Grand Prix monoposto from the Casa del Tridente, produced from 1933 to 1935 and which Tazio Nuvolari fell in love with, who owned it when he was a driver for Alfa Romeo. He carried her to victory at the 1933 Grand Prix of Belgium anf Nice, and in the Coppa Ciano. At the Coppa Acerbo, he led the race, until he was forced to slow down with an overheating tranmission bearing and came second. At the Italian Grand Prix on the last last lap, when he was in the lead, he had to stop to replace a tyre, and again finished in second place.
 
Library photo

Maserati Tipo 8C 3000		 Library photo

Maserati Tipo 8CM
 

Also present at Forli will be one of only two examples in the world of the Tipo V8RI, designed in 1935, it was Maserati's first V-eight with all-round independent suspension, and a 1½-litre 1936 Tipo 6CM, which allowed Maserati to gain an infinite number of successes in Grand Prix Voiturette races in Europe.
 
Library photo

Maserati Tipo V8RI		 Library photo

Maserati Tipo 6CM
 

A major contribution to this exhibition will be from keen collectors of the OSCA-Maserati Brothers (O.S.C.A. - Offine Specializzate Costruzioni Automobili), the factory started in 1947 by the brothers Bindo, Ernesto and Ettore. The cars they produced collected many victories, like victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Tour de France, the Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti, the Giro di Calabria, and captured 18 world records. In particular, two important race cars: the Tipo G 4500 4½-litre V12 and a Formula Junior.
 
Library photo

OSCA Tipo G		 Library photo

OSCA Formula Junior
 

The factory ceased operations in 1968. The Panini Museum of Modena will display several models from its collection. This is an exceptional event that the ASI is proud to present OLD TIME SHOW and marks another important step in spreading the culture has has always been pursued by the Federation, which at its events or exhibitions offers the public the opportunity to admire old vehicles normally stored in museums or are part of private collections. As a result of the event, on Saturdayn morning, Dott Ing Alfieri Maserati, will hold a conference - with the aid of photos and period films - entitled "The work of the Maserati Brothers."

The Old Time Show is organized by the Fiera di Forlì in collaboration with the ASI - Automotoclub Storico Italiano (Italian Historical Automotoclub), CRAME - Club Romagnolo Auto e Moto d’Epoca (Romagnolo Car and Classic Bike Club), and the Club Il Velocifero di Rimini.Romagnolo Club Car and Classic Bike Club and the Velocifero of Rimini.
 
 
 
 
 
From Newspress in the UK
 
MASERATI GRANTURISMO SPORT
 

Geneva, 6th March 2012 — Maserati chooses the Geneva International Motor Show to unveil its new GranTurismo Sport. Bolstered by the success of a model that brought the entire concept of the Grand Tourer up to date, the new GranTurismo Sport stands out from the crowd thanks to thorough restyling and a host of new technical features that further enhance its sporty nature in terms of performance and design – inside and out.

The new GranTurismo Sport with its dual soul offers sporty handling and high-performance on one side, without compromising on elegance and passenger comfort on the other, characteristics no Maserati can be without. The new GranTurismo Sport in the Maserati MY13 product range replaces the GranTurismo S previously proposed in two versions, with automatic and robotised manual transmission. In the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand it will be marketed beginning with the MY 2013 range.

THE NEW GRANTURISMO SPORT 460 HP 4.7-LITRE V8

The powerful 4.7-litre V8 engine can now deliver a maximum power of 460 HP (338 kW) and a peak torque of 520 Nm, without penalising fuel consumption and emissions. These parameters, coupled with the electro actuated gearbox featuring MC Shift technology for faster gear changes (down to 100 ms), enable the GranTurismo Sport to reach an impressive top speed of 300 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. The version with automatic transmission and MC Auto Shift management software (which is also used in the GranCabrio Sport and Quattroporte Sport GT S) also benefits from significantly enhanced performance, achieving a top speed of 298 km/h and acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.
 

The new Maserati GranTurismo Sport
 
 

 
 
 

With regards to the suspension, the new GranTurismo Sport is fitted with the Sport Skyhook system, an evolution of the continuous damping control system that makes the car even more reactive and fun to drive, whilst at the same time increasing passenger comfort. In SPORT mode the car is pin sharp in responding to the driver’s input, while in normal mode it constantly adapts the damping to absorb the roughness of the surface for a smoother ride. All this equates to a superb handling capability that combines sports performance and comfort in all driving conditions.

The GranTurismo Sport is available with two different types of transmission: a ZF 6-speed automatic and a 6-speed electro actuated gearbox, with dry twin-plate clutch (not available in North America). The first enhances driving comfort without compromising on performance, while the second offers a more involving driving experience.

External restyling

The restyling of the bodywork has further enhanced its already sporty nature.

The front bumper has been redesigned to improve the air flow and the cooling of the front brakes, whilst at the same time to enhance the appearance of the nose of the car, thanks to a new styling element that unites the space between the new headlights and the traditional oval grille. The chromed rident with red accents takes pride of place at the centre of the grille: a detail reserved to the most powerful Maserati cars, in keeping with the tradition of the marque.

The front light cluster maintains its original profile, but it has been completely redesigned and improved thanks to the addition of DRL LED technology. The new LEDs give the headlights a further style boost as well as improving functionality and visibility, benefitting car safety.
 

 
 
 

Behind the impressive 20” Astro Design alloy wheels lies the equally impressive braking system of the new GranTurismo Sport, which employs Brembo dual-cast technology coupled with 6-piston brake calipers at the front and 4-piston brake calipers at the rear. The disc, in a slotted and perforated version, is made of two different materials, cast iron and aluminium, reducing weight by between 15% and 20% and delivering enhanced comfort, reduced corrosion and wear and superior component performance.

The caliper, meanwhile, represents a new feature for Maserati and Brembo in terms of colour, introducing a brand new oxidised blue which, thanks to its matt finish, enhances the car's ultra-sporty nature, emphasising once again the meticulous attention Maserati devotes to detail in order to ensure total customer satisfaction. This extends to even the tiniest design detail, fully embracing the “tailor made” principle.

The rear of the car has been made even sleeker than before thanks to restyled, darker light clusters that accentuate its dramatic look.

The new model introduces a brand new colour called “Blu Sofisticato” which shows off the car's lines to best advantage and frames the countless innovative stylistic features that characterise this new GranTurismo Sport.

Sporty interior

The interior of the GranTurismo Sport has been treated to a sporty makeover. Passengers can now relax in an interior where luxury, craftsmanship and attention to detail take on new forms.

Of particular importance are the new front and rear seats, which not only improve and update the look, but also provide a more ergonomic design; the seats offer better support as well as optimised comfort for driver and passengers on longer journeys. The distinctive new design of the rear shell of the front seats, in leather, also frees up more space for rear seat passengers (+20 mm).
 

 
 

Particular attention has been devoted to enhance the dynamic yet refined spirit of the GranTurismo Sport. New details in EcoChrome grey and the Poltrona Frau leather upholstery, feature alongside sporty elements such as the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel, inspired by the design of the Trofeo race car, and the aluminium pedals.

The steering wheel is also new and is now even more ergonomic and better suited to sports driving, thanks to a flatter rim and a grip with accentuated profile.
 

 
 

With these characteristics, the new GranTurismo Sport follows in the footsteps of one of the most successful cars in the entire history of Maserati. Since its launch at the Geneva Motor Show, back in 2007, around 15,000 GranTurismo models have been delivered to customers all over the world.

Last year the GranTurismo range accounted for 44% of the total Maserati sales, with over 2700 cars delivered to clients all over the world. The United States was once again the number one market, not only in terms of overall product range sales, but also sales by model, with almost 900 GranTurismos sold in 2011, followed by China and Italy.

KUBANG, Maserati SUV Concept Car

The Kubang sport luxury SUV concept, which made its global debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011 and recently at the International Auto Show in North America 2012, displays the resourcefulness and ability of Maserati to offer an Italian alternative in one of the market's most competitive segments. Like other cars by rival manufacturers, the future sport luxury SUV will be produced in North America and will represent an important part of the future Maserati range.

The Kubang represents both discontinuity and continuity as it enables Maserati to enter a new segment, whilst still maintaining the integrity of its DNA. It is the natural direction for Maserati to follow, given the company's intent to expand its product range and reinforce its presence on the world market.

The idea of a sport luxury SUV is not new to Maserati, indeed the company presented the first Kubang concept at the Detroit Auto Show back in 2003. At a time when very few other car makers were heading in the direction of a sport luxury SUV, Maserati was already exploring the idea.

The elements that constitute a sport luxury SUV are a perfect match for Maserati's expertise, while synergies within the Fiat-Chrysler group offer the ideal content to enable the company to give its own personal take on this type of car.

The car that will be developed from the Kubang concept will have all the characteristics associated with a Maserati. All the major system components will be 100% Maserati, in seamless continuity with the brand's core values of sportiness, elegance, glamour, luxury, performance and craftsmanship. The distinctive style and essence that make the Kubang instantly recognisable as a true Maserati have been created by the Maserati Style Centre headed by Lorenzo Ramaciotti.

A new generation of high-tech Maserati engines is currently being developed by Paolo Martinelli, Head of Powertrain Development at Maserati in Modena. The new Maserati engines will be produced by Ferrari in Maranello, Italy, and will be coupled to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Components, including suspension, brakes, steering and electronics with specific high-performance settings, will be developed exclusively by Maserati engineers in Modena.

MASERATI GRANCABRIO FENDI LIMITED EDITION

Following its highly successful debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2011, the GranCabrio Fendi will go on sale with a limited production of 50 units, starting this Spring.

Each of the 50 cars will feature a plaque, positioned on the right of the dashboard next to the GranCabrio logo. The plaque is engraved with the famous Maserati trident, the Fendi logo and a serial number identifying that particular car.

All fifty cars will be produced in “Grigio Fiamma Fendi”, a specially developed shade of grey with a unique iridescent gold effect developed, like the rest of the interior trim, in partnership with Silvia Venturini Fendi to tie in with the iconic Fendi colours of yellow and grey. Completing the exterior fittings are 20” alloy wheels featuring Fendi's unmistakable double “F” logo in the centre, Fendi yellow brake calipers and a special plaque on the soft top.

As for the interior, the seats are in Fendi's finest “Grigio Chrono” leather embossed with the Fendi logo in the central section, while the headrests are emblazoned with the Maserati Trident logo embroidered in yellow. Fendi's finest “Cuoio Romano“ leather lines the instrument panel and the gear lever, with shift paddles on the steering wheel too. For an even more luxurious, exclusive interior, "Pergamena Fendi" wood inserts line the restyled interior, spanning the length of the dashboard and the doors, embracing the front and back seats.

MASERATI AND BULGARI TEAM UP TO CELEBRATE STYLE, ELEGANCE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

Shared values like innovation, prestige, quality and elegance have enabled Maserati and Bulgari, both sector leaders, to forge a partnership with the mission of creating an exclusive series of wristwatches: Octo Maserati.

This exclusive model, which will make its debut at the Maserati stand in Geneva, will be officially unveiled by Bulgari at the World Watch and Jewellery Show in Basel (8th March). Octo Maserati combines the essence of the two brands and shows off their shared values of quality, precision, reliability, style and elegance.

GIOVANNI SOLDINI AND MASERATI

Giovanni Soldini and his crew on board Maserati took 10 days, 23 hours, 9 minutes and 2 seconds to travel the 3884 miles of the route which links Cadiz to San Salvador, thus establishing an excellent time reference - the first - for the monohull category. Having set sail from Cadiz on 2nd February at h 11 50' 08'' GMT, they travelled 4632 real miles at an average speed of 17.6 knots.

Having chalked up a great performance in this first trip, Giovanni Soldini and his team are now preparing for other record challenges, starting from the 24 hour challenge which will see Maserati attempt to cover as many nautical miles as possible over 24 hours of uninterrupted sailing. They will also challenge the record for the Miami-New York route (947 miles) towards the end of March, followed by that set for New York to Lizard Point in the United Kingdom (2925 miles).

The record attempts by Giovanni Soldini and VOR 70 Maserati can be followed, almost live, on Giovanni Soldini and Maserati's new website (www.maserati.soldini.it): the site contains news, videos and photos of life on board, and provides continuous monitoring of the marine weather conditions, as well as online tracking to check the position and speed of Maserati in real time. Continuous updates are also available on Facebook (Giovanni Soldini’s official page) and Twitter (@giovannisoldini; @borisherrmann; @BradVanLiew) sites.

THE NEW FRONTIERS OF THE TROFEO MC MASERATI: USA AND CHINA

Following the resounding success of the last two seasons, the Trofeo Maserati MC 2012 single-make series is all set to go intercontinental. The fifth race of the 2012 season will take place on the 23rd of September at the Infineon Raceway in California (USA) in what will be the first Trofeo Maserati race held outside Europe.

To further emphasise the international character of the Trofeo MC Maserati, the sixth and final race of the 2012 season will be staged in Shanghai, China, on the 4th of November.

In addition to these first intercontinental events, the third season of the Trofeo MC championship will usher in a number of changes, including a new race format with a series of special "endurance" events in which the combination of performance, strategy and stamina can make all the difference. These events make for an exciting, intense race programme in which drivers can compete either individually or in pairs.

The championship consists of 3 "standard" events (two 40-minute races) and 3 "endurance" events (two 30-minute races and one 50-minute race with compulsory pit stop).

Other changes concern the architecture of the racing car. The upgraded Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo 2012, featuring a new set-up, new aerodynamics and reduced weight, will further enhance performance.

The first edition of the Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK staged in the Middle East was also a huge success. This thrilling championship has involved the most prestigious race tracks in the Middle East, with races held at Formula One tracks in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, as well as at the Losail circuit in Qatar and the Dubai Autodrome in the United Arab Emirates.

2011 for MASERATI

Maserati ended 2011 having delivered 6159 units (+8.5%), reporting revenues of 588 million euros. With 2437 cars sold and a 20% increase on 2010, in 2011 the United States was once again Maserati's largest market while, for the first time in the company's history, China was second, with 842 cars sold (almost double those of 2010). Sales in Japan were also up significantly compared to 2010 (+22%).

In 2011, Maserati's trading profits stood at 40 million euros (trading margin:6.8%). This marked increase compared to the 2010 operating profits of 24 million euros (trading margin:4.1 %) was achieved thanks to a better mix and continuous optimisation of operating costs.

In the last quarter of 2011, Maserati reported revenues of 143 million euros. The trading profits for the quarter came to 14 million euros (against 8 million euros for the same period in 2010).

NEW MASERATI STORE WEBSITE

The new Maserati store website is now online at www.maseratistore.com, providing fans of Maserati with an official e-commerce channel. The new website design, understated and stylish in the iconic Maserati colours, eloquently expresses the values of elegance, luxury and sportiness automatically associated with the Maserati brand, using its layout to enhance the image of the products displayed on the homepage, with enlarged views showing products to best advantage.

Navigation too has been improved, allowing users to access the various products available in the online store in a more varied, intuitive way: a side menu presents the products grouped in emotional categories, through the Contemporary, Heritage, MC and Yachting lines, while in the new top menu products are arranged according to product type.

New functions include the option of filtering results by colour or size, and a larger search box that remains visible throughout navigation, which makes finding exactly the right Maserati product easier than ever. Among a raft of interesting new features, the introduction of recommendations, drawing users' attention to other Maserati items they might also like. In addition, there is the chance to share the chosen product on Facebook and Twitter, by simply clicking on the corresponding share button.

Text and photos courtesy of Maserati
 
 
 
 
 
From Philippe in Belgium
 
NEW MUSEUM IN MODENA
 

Modena Terra dei Motori - On the occasion of the opening of Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari, Saturday 10th March the first edition of “Night of the motors” will take place.
 
©Gazzetta di Modena

Inside the new Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari		 ©Gazzetta di Modena

 
 

This event will gather Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Ducati, vintage red cars owners, enthusiasts, onlookers, families, and it will be much more than a great open-air exhibition.

From 18:00 to 24:00 there will be many activities such as entertainment for children, and exhibition of vintage cars and motorbikes; historic centre shops will be open, and under the city arcades and in some squares there will be street shows, in collaboration with Ferrara Buskers Festival.

A real gem is the presence of dozens of Ferrari cars, in collaboration with Ferrari clubs; 100 motorbikes and vintage red cars in collaboration with Club Motori Modena and other Association, street shows from the buskers of Ferrara, exhibitions and performances of cars and motorbikes, bar and restaurants with special menus thanks to the Associazione Modena a Tavola, and a midnight nosh-up of spaghetti with red tomato.

Some of the most famous local Clubs will be there, with the best cars and motorbikes: Scuderia Modena Historica, Club Motori di Modena, Historic Motor Club di Soliera, Registro nazionale Fiat 124 Sport Spider, Motoclub 2000, Scuderia Ferrari Club Modena, Scuderia Ferrari Club Modena Enzo Ferrari, Fiat Coupé Passion.

Among the other events, there will be the simulation of a Grand Prix start: on the Via Emilia, in collaboration with Circolo della Biella, 12 valuable cars representing the history of sport motor racing will start a Grand Prix that will then take them to Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari. Two wonderful Maserati racing cars will be in front of the vintage cars.
 
©Gazzetta di Modena

Maserati A6GCS Berlinetta by Pinin Farina		 ©Gazzetta di Modena

Maserati A6G Spyder by Zagato
 

An event within the event, exciting for many enthusiasts, is the arrangement with the Racetrack in Marzaglia: at 23:30 cars and motorbikes that joined the rallies and performances in the historic center will go to the Racetrack to drive a few laps of the track that will be floodlit for the occasion.

A non-competitive track event is planned to gather hundreds of people; it has been organized in collaboration with Uisp (Unione Italiana Sport Per tutti) and www.ModenaCorre.it. Its meeting-place will be in Piazza XX Settembre at 20:00 for the start of the first “Tribute to Enzo Ferrari”. Its participants will wear a yellow T-Shirt reminding the opening of Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari.

There will also be a yellow train driving from the historic centre to the newly opened Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari, a round trip, in collaboration with Modenamoremio. The trip will cost 1 euro for each passenger, and the money raised will be donated to the Modena non-profit association “Ilcestodiciliege”, helping women who have undergone a breast surgery.

The two final train stops will be Piazza Roma and the Museum car park in Via Soli.
 
©Gazzetta di Modena

The Maserati A6GCS Berlinetta by Pinin Farina arriving at the new Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari
 

Click on the photo above to view a short 4 minute video of the Maserati A6GCS Berlinetta by Pinin Farina arriving at the new museum courtesy of the Gazzetta di Modena.

The background music is the song "Nuvolari" sung by Lucio Dalla and can be listened to at www.youtube.com.
 
 
 
 
 
From Lievin in Belgium
 
FROM A QUATTROPORTE IV TO COUPE CAMBIOCORSA - Sempre una Maserati !
 

"Hi Enrico,

My Maserati Quattroporte IV has always been serviced by "Garage Antonis" in Turnhout, Belgium since 2000. (www.antonisturnhout.be).

I sold my Quattroporte a couple of weeks a go and bought a 4200 Cambiocorsa, imported from Bari in Italy (see attached pics of my 4200).

My Quattroporte (which has done nearly 140,000 km) is currently on sale on their website, as mentioned above.

Lievin."
 

Lievin's Maserati Coupe Cambiocorsa
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From Bernard in France
 
OSENAT AUCTION FONTAINEBLEAU
AUTOMOBILES DE COLLECTION, MOTOS ET CANOTS
Suinday, 18th March at 2:30pm
5 rue Royale
77300 Fontainebleau
France

Tel: 0033 (0)1 80 81 90 10
Fax: 0033 (0)1 80 81 90 39
Email: contact@osenat.com
Web site: www.osenat.fr/
 

1968 MASERATI MISTRAL COUPE 4000

Chassis No: AM109/A1*1732*

Colour: Blue

Interior: Beige leather

Estimate: GB £41,745 - £50,094 GBP

At the Auto Show in Turin in 1963, Maserati unveiled two new models. The "Quattroporte", a four door saloon, and the "saloon 2 posti". It's a little later that Colonel John Simone, the French importer, proposed to name this model, Mistral. The Mistral is the name of a violent wind sometimes blows down the Rhone valley.

From that moment, the new models with two places will be named after a wind and two two kept the name of an output circuit as the Sebring in 1962.

Masterful line of Mistral is due to the magic pencil of the great stylist Pietro Frua of Turin. It innovates by abandoning the traditional grille. He places the air intake under the bumper. At the rear, it sets a very large telescope and creates a tailgate. The glass area is substantial and well lit.

The chassis has a wheelbase of 2.40 m. It is made of square tubing. The disc brakes are fitted as standard. The gearbox is a ZF 5-speed. The engine is the six-cylinder engine with dual ignition and dual overhead cam head. The engine is the first 3.5-liter that passes very quickly to 3.7 liters. Version 4.0 will be launched in 1966. The power is entrusted to a Lucas fuel injection. The advertisement clearly announced: "the dual ignition and fuel injection offer indirect power, smoothness and exceptional economy."

The objective of this new car is to replace the 3500 GT. The latter was available in coupe and convertible, it will be the same for the Mistral. She acquitted himself very honorably of his mission. The Mistral has left very good memories among fans.

The copy of the sale is a rare 4.0-liter coupe. Of the 828 cut Mistral, only 298 cars were the 255 hp engine. The upholstery Mistral is our original black leather. She is very well preserved. The car was never restored. The paint has been redone, four years ago on a sound basis without blistering and corrosion. As the owner, "it was only to remove scratches and dents due to time." He adds "the original engine works well but requires a revision-control including carburation, not made recently." The car traveled about 15000 km in 15 years, mostly while out club. A manual and an original copy of the catalog of spare parts with the car.

Our Mistral is a 1968 model with yellow headlights. His general condition is very friendly. The dashboard is very complete and typical of the late '60s. The counter indicates a distance of 45400 km. Behind the beautiful flying, you feel good. We really want to go further with this mount of choice.

The Maserati Mistral is often considered the most beautiful of all Maserati road and has been for a long time. Its production was discontinued in 1970. It was the latest to offer the six-cylinder Maserati engine that originated in the 250F, the car world champion in 1957.

"A few years ago, I had the chance to eat lunch with Edmund and Ubaldo Sgarzi Ciclet Italy. Ubaldo was the commercial director of Lamborghini in its infancy and for very long. He told me his Turin Salon 63. It was at this show that the prototype Lamborghini is presented for the first time. And the only cars on display that made him fear commercially Mistral was magnificent! She is really beautiful this car! "These are his words, except that they were Italian.
 

The 1968 Maserati Mistral Coupe 4000
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
From Jacco in The Netherlands
 
PASSIONE MASERATI
 

"Hi Enrico,

I'm Jacco from Holland and have some more info for your register.

Hope this fits in your Ghibli register. Just bought myself another Ghibli ABS;

Chassis No: ZAM336B00*PB360640*
Left hand drive
2.0-litre
Colour: Verde Tundra
Interior: Pelle Beige
GT-Wheels

The car is in Holland since 2001 and was first registered in Italy in June 1994.

Beside this Ghibli, I also have a 1984 Biturbo 2.5 (74,000 km), a 1991 Spyder (91,000 km), a 3200GT (82,000 km) and all are manual transmission.

I've also owned Ghibli #360930 (Blu) and #360983 (Blu) and a silver 1996 2.0-litre 1996, of which I don't have the chassis number written down.

Others were a 1998 Quattroporte 3.2 Ottocilindri automatic silver/black, a 1996 Quattroporte 3.2 Ottocilindri automatic verde tundra/beige, a 2000 Quattroporte V8 Evoluzione automatic blu/beige, a 1996 Quattroporte 2.8 Seicilindri automatic verde tundra/beige, a 1989 228 manual black/beige, a 1989 2.24v red, a 1990 2.24v black, a 1991 4.24v black 1991, a 1990 430 silver/beige, a 1990 4.24v silver/black, and many many other Biturbos.....

I don't have any pictures yet of my latest Ghibli.

I really love Maseratis and owned my first Biturbo 2.5 (beige) when I was 21 years old (16 years ago) after saving for it since it came out; our neighbour bought a new one and I had to have one later..

From that moment I bought another one, sold the other etc.... I most regret selling my 228.

*The 3200 GT is together with my 6 year old son and best friend for live Indy.

*The Ghibli MY'94 #360930 (still in superb condition) 88,000km

*The Ghibli MY'94 #360983 (unfortunately the owner after me crashed it).

*The Tundra Verde car without a license plate is a 1998 2.8 Ghibli GT, manual 98,000 km imported from Finland from a first Royal owner; I sold the car to Germany in November 2011.

I regret not writing down the chassis number.... I will e-mail the new owner and ask him!

*The silver/black Ghibli is a 1996 2.0-litre manual 1996 152,000 km (now for sale somewhere in Holland for EURO 12.500,- on www.gaspedaal.nl) after me the car was trashed and not very well looked after.

Enclosed some pictures of some of my cars I had/have.

Keep on the good work because I check it every day!

Greetings from Holland.

Jacco."
 

The 2000 Maserati Quattroporte V8 evoluzione
The 1998 Maserati Quattroporte 3.2 ottocilindri
 

1996 Maserati Ghibli GT 2.0-litre
Maserati Ghibli MY'94 #360930
 

1998 Maserati Ghibli GT 2.8-litre
Jacco's first Maserati Biturbo E 2.5
 

The 1991 Maserati 4.24v.
Jacco's son with the Maserati 3200 GT
 

Maserati Biturbo Coupe
Maserati Biturbo Coupe
 

Maserati Biturbo Coupe
Maserati Ghibli MY'94 #360983
 
 
 
 
 
From Daniel in the USA
 
OUR FIRST MASERATI
 

"Hi Enrico,

I'm a classic car collector and just recently added a Coupe to the collection. I like having the books with images and the car history, but I don't know where can I get them. Do you know of somewhere or someone ?

The car arrived yesterday. I fell in love with it right away. It is a 1968 Ghibli Coupe, black on the outside and camel on the inside. I don't particularly like that combination on this car and the paint isn't good.

The car was owned by a Colombian but he didn't take good care of it, and it isn't in a very good shape. We are planning, and I say we because it is my father and I, are going to do a full restoration on the car.

The car runs well and the sound is lovely but we want a 100 points car. Do you know where I could get a parts manual (all the parts and accessories on the car) and maybe some books about the car ? I need everything I can to make the car a concourse winner.

The paint isn't good. The tail lights are from a Volkswagen. The interior hoodroof lining seems rotten. The lever that controls the wipers and lights is broken, and adaptions Were made. A sound system was installed. I know all this things are catastrophic but the car was not ours.

Enrico, I'll send images of the Ghibli and some of my other cars in different emails. I hope you can help me.

I don't remember if I told you but I am from Mexico. As this is our first Maserati we don't have any experience on Italian cars. Where do you think Maserati parts are better to get them from ? Looking quality before price, obviously.

Thank you,

Daniel."
 

Maserati Ghibli Coupe
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

"I was checking a Maserati book and completely fell in love with a Type 4CS-1100 (30's). Have you ever seen one?"
 

 
 
 

Hi Daniel,

Yes I have, but I didn't recognise it straight away as it was described as a Tipo 4CS-1500 when I saw it. It formed part of the collection housed in the Rosso Bianco Museum at Aschaffenburg in Germany. The museum closed in 2006, and most of the collection was put up for auction.

Maserati Tipo 4CS 1100/1500 #1124, it must have received an engine upgrade at some time, was auctioned by Bonhams in Monaco later that year and sold for Euro 643,000.00 (including buyer's premium).

According to a friend of mine it was purchased by a South African collector, is presently being restored here in the UK to its original 1935 condition and will be on display in his museum in South Africa.
 

Maserati Tipo 4CS 1100/1500 #1124 ...
... on display at the Rosso Bianco Museum
 

Maserati Tipo 4CS 1100/1500 #1124 ...
... on display at the Rosso Bianco Museum
 

 
 
 

 
Maserati Tipo 4CS 1100/1500 on display at Bonhams Monaco
 

Les Grandes Marques a Monaco - Important Historic Motor Cars and Automobilia

20 May 2006 - Monaco

Lot No: 172

The Ex-Scuderia Subalpina, Mille Miglia, Briggs Cunningham Collection

1935 Maserati 4CS-1100/1500
Chassis No. 1124

Sold for €643,000 inclusive of Buyer's Premium
 

1935 Maserati 4CS-1100/1500 - Chassis No. 1124
The four-cylinder 1½-litre Maserati engine
 

This most attractive 1500cc-engined Maserati sports-racing car began competitive life in 1935 as one of the factory-backed private entries in that year’s classical Mille Miglia round-Italy road race. There is a probability that the car contested a second Mille Miglia as late as 1938, and at some stage after that event – but probably before Italy entered the Second World War in the mid-summer of 1940 – this car’s original cycle-mudguard bodywork, was replaced by the present well-proportioned and well-made enveloping body form.

This car was acquired by the late Briggs Swift Cunningham for his legendary Cunningham Automotive Museum display in Costa Mesa, California, in 1969. It thus became one of the last historic competition vehicles to be purchased by the world-renowned American car connoisseur. It was sold subsequently by Cunningham into Italian ownership before being acquired by German connoisseur Peter Kaus for his magnificent Rosso Bianco Collection in Aschaffenburg. This Monaco Sale presents the first opportunity for a new owner of similar stature to acquire what is surely one of the most delightful small-capacity Maserati sports-racing cars from that classical period of the 1930s.

Would-be purchasers of this historic sports-racing car should also be aware that these small-capacity Maseratis were not only rare – only five definitive 4CS-1100s and seven 4CS-1500s being documented in contemporary factory records – they were also extraordinarily successful, these Bolognese-built 1100s winning their category in the legendary Mille Miglia no fewer than four times, 1932, and 1934-36 consecutively.

Chassis ‘1124’ offered here began life during the winter of 1934-35 in the contemporary production factory of Officine Maserati, at the Ponte Vecchio, Bologna. It was invoiced to the Turin-based Scuderia Subalpina on March 15, 1935. This sporting organisation had been founded by Count Luigi Della Chiesa, who on December 14, 1934, had announced a quasi-works-team association with Maserati, similar to that under which the Scuderia Ferrari was doing battle on behalf of the Alfa Romeo factory. Della Chiesa was backed by industrialists Giorgio Ambrosini (owner of Siata) and Giorgio Giusti, and the wealthy enthusiast and racing driver Gino Rovere, who would also assume the Presidency of Maserati itself. Rovere also funded the early racing appearances of Dr Nino Farina who would become motor racing’s first Formula 1 World Champion Driver postwar.

Maserati ‘1124’ was one of three Mille Miglia sports cars ordered by this wealthy and well-connected racing team, its sisters being the big and extremely powerful 3.7-litre 6C-34 Sport chassis ‘3026’ (to be raced in the forthcoming Mille Miglia by Varzi-Bignami) and the 4CS-1500 chassis ‘1524’ (which would be crewed in the Mille Miglia by Scarfiotti-Penati, racing number ‘70’).

By that time Alfieri Maserati’s basic 4-cylinder 1100cc competition car design was already four years old. It had been developed to supply a popular capacity-class of both national and International motor sport, in dual-purpose single-seat – monoposto - and two-seat – sport biposto – body forms. The eldest Maserati brother had based his engine design upon the proven architecture of his preceding straight-8 power units, to be mounted in a lightened, drilled chassis frame similarly derived from his successful 8C-series of racing cars.

The prototype Maserati 4C-1100 had emerged in two-seat sports form rigged with cycle mudguards and full lighting equipment in time for the 1931 Mille Miglia. Crewed by Tuffanelli/Bertocchi it won the 1100cc category. This model was retrospectively entitled the 4CTR (4-cilindi testa riportata – ‘detachable cylinder head’) and it spawned the definitive 4CS and 4CM models from 1932, when Alfieri died prematurely, and kid brother Ernesto assumed prime design responsibility.
 

1935 Maserati 4CS-1100
 
 

The surviving Maserati brothers intended the 4CS two-seater to be a dual-purpose endurance-racing and road car (in that order), while the 4CM was an up-to-date slender-bodied, open-wheeled centreline single-seater for 1100cc and 1500cc Vetturetta-class racing – the contemporary stepping-stone towards Grand Prix competition.

The first of the true 4CS-1100 cars was displayed by Maserati in the 1932 Milan Motor Show, bodied by Carrozzeria Brianza and liveried in flaring yellow. That car is recorded as chassis serial ‘1114’ but no other 4CS sports car versions seem to have been sold until 1935, just five 4CM pure racing cars being delivered through 1932, plus one 4CM-1100 engine for boat racer Luciano Uboldi. However, Piero Taruffi drove a 4CS-1100 with factory cycle-mudguard body in the 1934 Mille Miglia to win the class a second time. In 1935-36 Ettore Bianco’s 4CS-1100 added two more consecutive class victories to this too-often overlooked Maserati model’s illustrious history.

In fact interest in the 1100cc category had slumped, and it was not revived until 1935, when 4CS ‘1124’ offered here was constructed for the Scuderia Subalpina as the second of a batch of three sister 1100s, the others selling to Moris Bergamini of Mantua and Ettore Bianco of Genoa. Three 4CM-1100 single-seaters were also produced that year, for Barbieri, Tuffanelli, Bergamini (to accompany his new 4CS) and Count ‘Johnny’ Lurani.

One final 4CS-1100 – the sixth constructed – would be delivered to Franco Bertani in 1936, based upon what originally had been a 1500 model.

The 4CS engine was an in-line twin-overhead camshaft 4-cylinder dry-sump unit with bore and stroke dimensions of 65mm x 82mm, displacing 1088.4cc. It was equipped with Roots supercharging and developed up to 115bhp at 6,000rpm. Overall dry weight in cycle-mudguard form was around 700kg – c. 1,500lbs – and maximum speed 150km/h – 95mph. This engine specification was shared with the sister, though slender-chassised, 4CM single-seater cars, which were some 120kg – c. 300lbs – lighter, and proved capable of up to 210km/h – c.135mph.

On April 9, 1935 the Scuderia Subalpina also took delivery of a 4CS-1500 model with 1.5-litre engine, chassis ‘1524’, three weeks after having accepted ‘1124’. The larger engine had bore and stroke dimensions of 69mm x 100mm, displacing 1497.7cc, and delivered a claimed 115bhp at 5,000rpm, with much improved torque and acceleration. Car weight was actually reduced by some 70kg – 150lbs – and top speed was claimed to be 170km/h – c. 105mph.

Italy’s annual Mille Miglia was obviously the Maserati 4CS cars’ prime reason to exist. The 1935 event saw Subalpina’s new ‘1124’ being driven in the great race by either Gildo Strazza (racing number ‘20’ or by Guido Romano (racing number ‘23’).

Strazza was accompanied by Baldini in his 4CS, leaving the Brescia startline at 4:09.30 in the morning, Bosch headlights ablaze. The Scuderia Subalpina in fact received backing from the German electrical company, and its Maseratis were also equipped with Bosch ignition magnetos, in place of Maseratis’ usually-preferred Scintilla-Vertex type. Strazza/Baldini reached the Rome control at 06:21, 9 minutes 20 seconds slower than the sister car of Ettore Bianco/’Guerrino’ Bertocchi, but they were forced to retire during the second half of the classic event, without reaching the finish back in Brescia. Bianco/Bertocchi went on to win the category, an incredible 7th overall, in 15 hours 12 minutes and 56 seconds…more than two hours ahead of their closest rivals, the Villoresi brothers’ Fiat…

The second Subalpina-entered 4CS-1100 of Masera/Romano left Brescia at 4.11am, had its passage card stamped by the Rome control officials at 07:37.10, and hammered on to complete the full race distance back in Brescia after a grueling 18 hours 25mins 57secs, being placed 25th overall.

The Bergamini/Braghiroli 4CS-1100 (number ‘38’) also failed to finish, as did the Subalpina team’s 4CS-1500 ‘1524’ shared by Scarfiotti/Penati.

We are advised that the car offered here, chassis ‘1124’ may have been re-equipped with the 1500cc engine in place of its original 1100cc power unit, in time for the 1938 Mille Miglia in which such a car – reportedly still featuring the original-type cycle-mudguard bodywork - was co-driven by Brezzi/Rivetti (racing number ‘127’). That car’s start time is recorded as having been 04.51 which according to contemporary race reporter Giovanni Canestrini was the final slot allocated to cars of up to 2000cc supercharged. The unfortunate crew did not make it as far as the Rome control.

Information available on the car’s subsequent owners has still to be confirmed before its purchase by Briggs Cunningham in Italy in the summer of 1969, by which time this chassis was already equipped with the pretty wheel-enveloping bodywork with which it is offered here today.

The Cunningham Automotive Museum’s own description of this car read, in part, as follows: “Its last event was the XV Autogimcana Alpina, Laverona, in August 1968…it has been extensively modified in certain areas to up-date it; the most noticeable modifications being a new body and…independent front suspension. The present body is much wider (than original) with full fenders and sweeping lines reminiscent of Figoni et Falaschi coachwork…

“The original firewall is still in place and is forward of the new firewall which forms a large offset and nearly doubles the original width…”, undoubtedly rendering the car immensely more habitable and comfortable than it could ever have been in its original slim-bodied, cycle-mudguard form.

We understand that the car resold in later years from Cunningham to Italy, from where it was acquired by Peter Kaus for his Rosso Bianco Collection.

As with all cars which are emerging from long-term museum preservation and display we would advise that detailed mechanical inspection and preparation should now be undertaken by experienced Maserati specialists.

But this is undoubtedly a uniquely-bodied example of an already rare and most attractive post-Vintage thoroughbred Maserati, one which started life with one of the legendary Italian brothers’ sophisticated twin-overhead camshaft 1100cc supercharged engines, which has been upgraded – very probably within period – to 1500cc form. It is, above all, a Maserati whose history should certainly qualify it for entry not only in today’s Mille Miglia re-run but also in the widest possible range of the most glamorous and discerning of International historic races, rallies and concours, worldwide.

Text and photos courtesy of Bonhams
 
 
 
 
 
From Trevor in the UK
 
MASERATIS ON CANVAS
 

"Hi Enrico,

I have just had published an 8 page feature on my car paintings and sculptures in the magazine, "International Artist".

If you think that it might be of interest to your membership please feel free to circulate any of the attachments.

Regards,

Trevor Neal.

Tel: +44(0)114 258 8112
Mobile: +44(0)794 017 9520
Website: www.trevorneal.co.uk."
 

Original painting, Oil on canvas, 71cm x 97cm
Maserati A6 GCM near Sienna Tuscany, owned and raced by Fangio.
 

Commissioned Oil on Canvas
Maserati Quattroporte, St Marks Square, Venice.
 

Original painting, Oil on Canvas, 71cm x 97cm
Maserati 3200 GT, Ancient Rome.
 

18th scale Diecast sculpture, Maserati Quattroporte...
...now mounted on a base and encased in a perspex box.
 

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 

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