Maserati Enthusiasts' Page

The Enthusiasts' Page

- YOU ARE NOW ON PAGE 110
	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 maserati123@btopenworld.com	Grille trident on a Maserati 450S by Zagato

You can click on some pictures for a better view!!






From Roland in France

"Dear Sir, I bought a 3500GT Touring recently and started to work on it. On the engine I found 4 pistons fully "welded " to the engine block, but with some patience all are now on my work bench: pistons, con-rods, piston rings, timing chain, gears etc... I cannot complain at all to the seller as I bought the car "as is", and I knew all that. What I always say is that when a part is 100% out of order you have to replace it, when it is only 50% out of order you also have to replace it. The only difference is that you will have probably bought the car for a lower price. This is valid for engine, doors, leather trim etc. ..... One cannot imagine you'll keep seats with leather in medium condition: in all cases you have to make all new, no compromise. So do not hesitate to buy a car with a very bad appearance and 6 pistons out of order, even if only one is out, you will replace all 6. Visit websites, search by yourself, meet people, that's the best way. Just take one example: yesterday I was looking for piston rings. I checked on the manufacturer's websites which engines have 86 mm diameter piston rings and found that modern Fiat and Peugeot engines do. I only have to visit a Fiat garage to find what I need at a fraction of the Maserati cost. I did the same for my Ferrari 250 SWB, piston rings are same on Fiat 124! Be patient, take the time to look, to compare. You'll save time and money. If anyday you find a old Maserati to restore, do not hesitate, buy it. In all cases this will be profitable. I don't mean you will make money. It will be profitable in the sense you'll meet nice people and save something made by artists when manufacturing cars were something. Best regards, Roland."






From John in the UK

*Spotted at the Geneva Motor Show by ' Autocar' magazine.*

Il Tridente - 'It's a symbol that can grow on you!






From the UK

Text in English	MASERATI The Road Cars 1981-1997 by John Price Williams Published by Crowood 2007 The book is due out on April 23rd and will be priced at GB £19.95 and US $34.95. "Maserati is one of the great names of the Italian motor industry and is today more successful than at any time in its long history of nearly 100 years. Yet it nearly disappeared for ever in the 1970s, when it was abandoned by Citroen, one of a long string of owners. This is the story of how Maserati was brought back to life with a fast, luxurious twin-turbocharged coupe, the Biturbo, which formed the basis for a range of exceptional models over the next decade and a half.

Although the Biturbo's early reputation for unreliability has hung over it like a cloud, the models that followed it evolved into ever-quicker and more accomplished cars like the open-top Spyder, the nimble Karif, the powerful V8 Shamal, the amazingly quick Chibli Cup and many others - a plethora of models, all of which are chronicled here with specifications, model histories and extracts from contemporary road tests, There's also period detail on the Quattroporte, now one of Maserati's most successful models, but then a byword for extravagance, coveted by presidents and captains of industry. Behind Maserati's revival at that time was one man - Alejandro De Tomaso reviled and revered in equal measure, and this book tells ho he saved the Modena company and had a hand in almost every decision until he sold out to Fiat. There are also comprehensive sections on buying and restoration, and on clubs and specialists. Maseratis of this era are regarded as exceptional cars by those who acknowledge their quirks, but appreciate the unique experience of owning and driving a piece of Italian motoring history. They are cars long overdue this reappraisal." John Price Williams. John Price Williams ia a journalist who has been on the staff of national newspapers and the BBC. He contributes to motoring magazines and has written several books on classic cars, including Riley - The Legendary RMs for Crowood. He is a member of the Guild of Motoring Writers






From SpaItalia in Belgium

2nd & 3rd June 2007 The world famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit will be the scene of a unique Maserati celebration!



"Dear Maserati owner, Better than anyone, you know that, since ever, Italian cars have a very special position in the automotive industry. Simply because, amongst all others, they’ve got soul…. It is this Latin passion that SpaItalia is celebrating each year. Now in its 6th edition, SpaItalia has evolved into a must-attend convergence of exception, taste, and affluence. Founded in 2002, SpaItalia is a celebration of Italian style, gathering hundreds of Italian cars, with annual showcases legendary Italian makes or designers. SpaItalia will this year honour one of the most prestigious Italian car manufacturers: Maserati. The event will attract one of the greater displays of Maserati’s in Europe and a special tribute will be paid to Juan Manuel Fangio, who won, just 50 years ago, its 5th title at the wheel of the famous 250F. An icon. Numerous activities will be proposed to the visitors. From the Saturday rally to the Concours d’Élégance, from the club’s area to an unforgettable driving experience on the F1 track, you will be the true actor of the event. The 2007 SpaItalia is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 2nd and 3rd at the circuit of Spa Francorchamps – Belgium. For further information and registrations, please visit our website: www.spaitalia.be. And if your club wants to organise its own hospitality or activity, feel free to contact us. Hope to see you there next June! Yours truly, Jean-Pierre Magalhaes." General Secretary of SpaItalia






From Franceso in Italy

"Ciao a tutti i Maseratisti come me di questo fantastico sito e grazie ad Enrico che mi permette di scoprire ogni giorno notizie nuove sulle creature del Tridente. Vi presento ora la mia Ghibli '95,anche se l'avrete già vista a Pagina 74 mentre era ricoverata presso l'officina di William Sala per un trapianto di motore con uno tutto nuovo e fiammante messo a punto dal sig. Sala. Bella vero? È il mio sogno divenuto realt à! A presto, Ciao ciao."

"Hi to all Maserati fans,like me, of this fantastic site, and thank you to Enrico for allowing me every day to find out more news about the creations of the Trident. Let me now show you my 1995 Ghibli, even if you have already seen it on Page 74 while it was a patient at the workshop of William Sala receiving an engine transplant with a brand new one tuned by Sig. Sala. It's beautiful is it not? It's my dream that has become a reality! See you soon. Bye Francesco."






From in Germany

Comes the Maserati MC 12XX

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Engine V12 cylinder 6.3-litre Maximum power output: ca. 800 bhp/(588 kW) at 8,500 rpm Maximum torque: ca. 780 Nm at 5,800 rpm Performance Maximum speed: Over 390 km/h Acceleration from 0–100 km/h: ca. 3.2secs Acceleration from 0–200 km/h: ca. 9.0secs Acceleration from 0–300 km/h: ca. 19.0secs Special equipment • Power increased by 170 bhp – including new steel cylinder liners and pistons, cubic capacity increased to 6.3-litre (as the FXX), new camshafts, new Titanium valve springs, new Titanium connecting rods, new oil cooling system, new exhaust manifolds, stainless steel sports catalytic covertor, stainless steel sports mufflers, sports air filter, ram-air system, fuel cooling system, new clutch, all new bearings, new oil pump, new gaskets, and all work dyno-tested. • Sports catalytic converter in stainless steel with bi-level switch controlled exhaust note, new tail pipes in carbon-fibre • Adjustable exhaust note volume via a push-button control • Ceramic sport braking system with 396mm front brake discs and 360mm rear brake discs and special front and rear brake pads • Wheels may be painted in a variety of designs • A tyre-air-pressure control system monitors the pressure and temperature of each wheel • Hand-made headlamp-covers in Makrolon • Design modifications and colour scheme may be tailored to customer's specific requirements • Independently adjustable boost-pressure dumping technology – rebound and compression dumping as in the FIA GT MC12 • Air-intake made from carbon-fibre • Weight reducing programme 100 kg !! • New Race wheels: Front 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR 19 Michelin tyres and rear 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR 20 Michelin tyres Included with this performance package is a one day testing session with instructor, mechanics, data-recording, transport and hospitality at a race track. All enquiries to edo competition



























All photos are the strict copyright of edo competition






Maserati Enters Six MC12 Super Cars in the FIA GT World Championship

Maserati will defend its FIA GT World Championship crown with no fewer than six Maserati MC12 super cars in the hands of three teams, including the reigning drivers' and team World Champions, Michael Bartels and Thomas Biagi in the Vitaphone Maserati Team. The 2007 season of the International FIA GT World Championship was officially launched at the Italian Monza circuit where the cars and racing teams that will do battle during the ten event championship held two days of pre-season tests. After the success achieved in the last two seasons, the Maserati MC12 will line up at the start as the vehicle to be beaten. This year the Maserati supercar from Modena will be driven by three private teams: the Playteam Sara Free, the Vitaphone Racing Team and the JMB Racing Team. After having taken part in the Italian leg of the 2006 championship of the FIA GT and after having made its mark in the Italian GT Championship with Giambattista Giannoccaro/Toni Vilander, the Playteam Sara Free will now face the new challenge with two MC12's entrusted to the Andrea Bertolini/Andrea Piccini and Giambattista Giannoccaro/Alessandro Pier Guidi crews, fitted with Pirelli tyres, at World Championship level for a full season. The Vitaphone Racing Team will attempt to defend the crown of the holder of the drivers' and team title of last year. Michael Bartels and Thomas Biagi are currently the two drivers confirmed by the team that will nominate another team in the next few weeks. After the 2005 experience, the JMB Racing Team returns to the FIA GT1 with two MC12s. The names of the drivers with which the Monegasque racing team will face the season are Kutemann/Waaijenberg and Macari/Aucott and these two drivers will also participate in the Citation Cup). During the winter months, Maserati Corse has continued its development work on the MC12 in order to adapt the vehicle to the new rules approved by FIA. China: the first FIA GT Appointment of the Season 25th March 2007, Zhuhai International Circuit - Round 1 FIA GT 2007 The Zuhai circuit is the first permanent circuit to have been completed in China. The 4,300-metre-long course complies with the international standards dictated by the FIA and is fitted with advanced service facilities. It is a circuit that is perfectly adapted to the characteristics of the Maserati MC12, as confirmed by the historical double win in 2004, by Bertolini/Salo and Herbert/De Simone, at the wheel of the vehicles lined up by AF Corse. However in 2005, the MC12's, relieved of a weight of 150 kg, concluded an extremely difficult race in third and fourth position respectively with Bartels/Scheider and Babini/Biagi. Thanks to these results, the Vitaphone Racing Team assured itself its first team title and Maserati won the FIA GT1 Constructors Cup. THE MASERATI MC12 The MC12 represents one of the most successful GT's of the last few years. From 2004 the MC12 has won 4 titles (1 Constructor's, 1 Drivers' and 2 Team), 10 victories, 21 podiums and 2 consecutive triumphs in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. THE TEAMS Playteam Sara Free Photo courtesy of Maserati SpA The Playteam Sara Free team has been the ultimate team in the last two seasons of the GT championships in Italy, Spain and Europe. In the Italian GT Championship, the MC12, driven by Giannoccaro/Vilander, was awarded the drivers' title thanks to twelve successes and two second positions in eight seasonal rounds. The team, has hired the official Maserati test driver, Andrea Bertolini, and uses Pirelli tyres and Shell lubricants. Vitaphone Racing Team Photo courtesy of Maserati SpA After its debut in 2004 in the FIAT GT Series, the German team won its first two team titles thanks to the performance of the MC12 in 2005 and thanks to perfect organisation in the pit lane. After two consecutive triumphs in the 24 Hours of Spa (2005 and 2006), the Vitaphone Racing Team saw Andrea Bertolini and Michael Bartels as winners of the drivers' title in 2006. This also contributed to Maserati's success in the GT1 Constructors Cup in 2005. JMB Racing Team Photo courtesy of Maserati SpA This team from the Principality of Monaco has been taking part in the FIA GT from 1997. In 2005, when JMB participated in the championship with the MC12, the team registered their first record in terms of points, 114, and that won them second place in the team classification and tt contributed to Maserati's success in the GT1 Constructors Cup in 2005. THE RACING SCHEDULE FOR 2007 25/03/2007 Zhuhai, China 06/05/2007 Silverstone, England 20/05/2007 Bucharest, Rumania 24/06/2007 Monza, Italy 08/07/2007 Oschersleben 29/07/2007 Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium 08/09/2007 Adria 23/09/2007 Brno, Czech Republic 30/09/2007 Nogaro 21/10/2007 Zolder MC12 GT1 - TECHNICAL DETAILS Chassis: Carbon fibre Length: 4995 mm Width: 2096 mm Height: 1167 mmV Gauge Front wheel rings: 12J/12.5J/13.J - 18"V Rear wheel rings: 13J/13.5J - 18" Tyres: Pirelli P-Zero Front: 14" X 18" max Rear: 14" X 18" max Tank: Rubber Capacity: 99 litres Weight in movement: 1100 kg ENGINE Compression ratio: Not available Suction: Limited, by cable, 12 throttles Maximum power: Not available Maximum torque: Not available Injection: Marelli MR 5 Engine weight: 205 kg Lubricants: Shell Gearbox: Manual sequential 6 gears + reverse Gearbox and differential weight: 70 kg Differential: Self-blocking with clutches CLUTCH Type: Push - Carbon Diameter: 140 mm (5,5 inch) Weight: 5 kg BRAKES Type: Brembo callipers Messier Bugatti carbon disks Diameter: 380/330 Thickness: 28 mm Brake callipers: Brembo with 6 pistons Brake pads: Various kinds Suspension: Triangular arms superimposed with sprag Steering box: Servo assisted Text courtesy of Maserati SpA






From Enrico in the UK

Recently added to my Maserati model collection is this rare factory built 1:43 scale model by BalCar Models, from a casting by BBR, described as the 1964 Cooper Maserati Type 61 V8 Monaco MkV. The Ex-Roy Salvadori/CT 'Tommy' Atkins 1964 COOPER MONACO-MASERATI V8 MK V sports-racing prototype, with its fabulous 5-litre Maserati V8-engine, was the car in which Roy Salvadori drove the last full season of his renowned professional career. The Cooper Monaco-Maserati was until recently housed in the Rosso Bianco Museum in Germany. Last year it was put up for sale at auction by Bonhams at the Goodwood Revival Meeting and was purchased by an English gentleman.







I have also added this great new 1:18 scale model of the Tipo 61 'Birdcage' rolling chassis by CMC Models to my collection. A charmingly graceful body designed by the mastermind Giulio Alfieri, who integrated a light frame of barely 30 kg with more than 200 single pieces of tube. Because of this engineering innovation, the Maserati Tipo 60/61 acquired the legendary nickname “Birdcage”. Only 23 units were made during the years from 1959 through 1961. The American Lucky Casner was one of the most successful owners of the Birdcage Tipo 61. In May 1960, Stirling Moss and Dan Gurney won the 1,000-km race of Nürburg-ring. With the starting number 5, they accomplished an outstanding victory in the pouring rain against keen competition. Only one year later the Camoradi Team (Casner Motor Racing Division) repeated the winning record with Casner and Gregory as the drivers. These consecutive victories added new glory to Maserati and sustained its everlasting top position in the illustrious circle of racing car manufacturers. The model is composed of over 1,000 single parts, 507 of which are made of stainless steel, copper, and brass. This model is an exact replica of the rolling chassis of that winning car of Moss and Gurney. I also have their Tipo 61 model complete with bodywork, but I think this model illustrates the complexity of the tubular chassis, engine, suspension, brakes and interior far more clearly. The detail in these CMC models is amazing and they represent unbelievable value. I bought mine from Joachim Horrer in Germany, his prices are very competitive!! You can contact him at jhorrer@online.de.

One of a limited edition of 3,000!!






New Diatto to be unveiled at Geneva

Coachbuilder Zagato has released the first image of its latest creation, the Diatto Ottovu Zagato. The car will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month, powered by a supercharged Maserati V8. The project was commissioned to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Diatto marque. In 1921, Ugo Zagato designed a lightweight and aerodynamic body for a Diatto chassis. The Diatto marque also has a close association with Maserati. By the early Twenties, Alfieri and Ernesto Maserati had earned a reputation, both as racing drivers and design engineers. Diatto spotted their talent and in 1922 engaged them to manage their race team. And so began a prosperous partnership which produced both successes and victories in a number of competitions. But in 1925 the Diatto company ran into financial difficulties, leading to the Maserati brothers to build their own race car, the Tipo 26, in 1926. The rest is history!

Zagato's Diatto Ottovu!





BACK TO TOP OF THIS PAGE

MORE FOR THE ENTHUSIAST