Maserati Enthusiasts' Page

The Enthusiasts' Page
	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 Maserati Corse in Italy

Baldi dominates the first round of the Trofeo Maserati at Imola

In the morning race, the Tuscan built up a solid lead only to be reeled in by Manuel Villa towards the end. The close finish was down to Baldi taking his foot off the gas and he crossed the line just nine tenths up on his rival. Earlier, Baldi had crossed swords with Stefano Gai before he suffered a gearbox problem and lost ground. Still, Gai was able to finish on the podium. Baldi did not make the same mistake in the afternoon and, once he had sprinted off pole, he led to the chequered flag. Behind him came Pavia driver Lorenzo Casè (who topped the Team category) as he made up for the disappointment in the first race when a problem with the EBD compromised his efforts. Third across the line, but second in the Trofeo standings, was Stefano Gai. He edged out Venezuelan Gaetano Ardagna (third in the Trofeo). In the morning, Ardagna had clashed with Casè and both were forced to retire. Thanks to this fantastic one-two, Baldi now leads the Trofeo overall. Swiss Team top the Team series courtesy of the two points picked up by Casè for taking pole. Despite Sbirrazzuoli’s win and Chionna’s third spot, Swiss Team have pulled away from AF Corse. Swiss driver Olivier Doeblin, from Scuderia Jolly Club, stood out for twice taking second spot in the Team championship. David Baldi: “I am happy but, honestly speaking, I did not expect to win two races. In the first race I made the most of other drivers’ mistakes and, in the second, I pushed hard over the first six laps to build up a lead. I then limited my drive to maintaining the lead until the end, making sure I avoided making the error I made in the morning when a lapse of concentration almost cost me the race. The car was spot on and the tyres responded well”. Lorenzo Casé: “Overall, this first day was a positive one as it was my first in this single-race championship. It will be great if I can get into the overall classification over the coming rounds as it is only natural for a driver to go for the win when he is among the leaders”. The second round of the Trofeo Maserati GranTurismo MC is scheduled for 15 May at Monza.

Copyright Mario Chiarappa/Angelo Corradin The Swiss Team		Copyright Mario Chiarappa/Angelo Corradin The Start

Copyright Mario Chiarappa/Angelo Corradin David Baldi		Copyright Mario Chiarappa/Angelo Corradin David Baldi

Copyright Maserati/Mario Chiarappa Mosca/ Benusiglio		Copyright Mario Chiarappa/Angelo Corradin Mosca/ Benusiglio

Text and photos courtesy of the Maserati Media Center






From Geoff in the UK

A 1974 MASERATI BORA 4900

"Hi Enrico, I was surfing the internet and came across this magnificent example of the legendary Maserati Bora. The car is presently being displayed in the showrooms of Continental AutoSports of Hinsdale, Illinois in the USA, a factory authorized Ferrari dealer since 1975. The photos demonstrate the fine quality of finish in this, the first rear-engined Maserati production car. I am sure they will give you permission to publish their wonderful collection of photographs. Best regards, Geoff."

The Maserati Bora





































If you want further details of this Maserati Bora check out the Continental AutoSports' website at http://continentalautosports.com. I would like to thank Continental AutoSports of of Hinsdale, Illinois for giving me permission to publish these excellent photogrphs of Maserati Bora #AM117/49US652

Why the different front and rear bumpers ? You may well ask !! In 1971, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued the country's first regulation applicable to passenger car bumpers. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 215, "Exterior Protection," took effect on 1 September 1972 — when most automanufacturers would begin producing their model year 1973 vehicles. The standard prohibited functional damage to specified safety-related components such as headlamps and fuel system components when the vehicle is subjected to barrier crash tests at 5 mph (8 km/h) for front and 2.5 mph (4 km/h) for rear bumper systems. In October 1972, the U.S. Congress enacted the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Saving Act, which required NHTSA to issue a bumper standard that yields the "maximum feasible reduction of cost to the public and to the consumer". Factors considered included the costs and benefits of implementation, the standard's effect on insurance costs and legal fees, savings in consumer time and inconvenience, and health and safety considerations. The 1973 model year passenger cars sold in the U.S. used a variety designs. They ranged from non-dynamic versions with solid rubber guards, to "recoverable" designs with oil and nitrogen filled telescoping shock-absorbers. The standards were further beefed up for the 1974 model year passenger cars with standardized height front and rear bumpers that could take angle impacts at 5 mph (8 km/h) with no damage to the car's lights, safety equipment, and engine. This often meant additional overall vehicle length, as well as new front and rear designs to incorporate the stronger energy absorbing bumpers. Text courtesy of Wikipedia.






From Enrico in the UK

TROFEO MASERATI GRANTURISMO MC 2011

16-17 July 2011 - FIA World Touring Car Championship at Donington Park. Saturday and Sunday 16th and 17th July 2011 sees the staging of Rounds 13 and 14 of the FIA World Touring Car Championship. Running alongside this event will be Round 5 of the 2011 TROFEO MASERATI GRANTURISMO MC Championship. This will be the only opportunity Maseratisti will have to see the wonderful Maserati GranTurismo MCs in action in the UK. Further information on ticket prices will be made available as soon as I know more.






From www.automobili10.it in Italy

FIAT GROUP MOVING FORWARDS WITH MASERATI, FERRARI AND ALFA ROMEO

"During the first three months of 2011, the Fiat Group have performed very well with the market brands Ferrari and Maserati, whose supercars and other novelties in the luxury cars sector have exceeded sales forecasts. Joining Ferrari and Maserati, are Alfa Romeo, but the cars of Fiat and Lancia were less satisfactory. Finally, a focus on the international market: a big drop in sales in Spain (-27.3%), growth in The Netherlands and Austria, a stable situation in Brazil, where there was only the growth of +0.8%. Great news for Maserati in China: with 1,467 cars delivered and the volume of sales increasing by +21.7%."






From Maserati Corse in Italy

TROFEO MASERATI GRANTURISMO MC 2011

Imola (I), 27 March 2011 - The tests held at Imola on 26-27 March officially opened the 2011 Trofeo Maserati GranTurismo MC season. Things got underway again after Pietro Zumerle's October win at Mugello last season, one in which 27 cars competed. This time at Imola 33 drivers got to know the new Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo. The car boasts significant technical changes: the engine and transmission software have been updated, the power upped by 38 bhp to give a total of 488 bhp and gear changes can now be made in 60 ms. Even the brakes and aerodynamics have been modified to boost performance on the track. Changes have been made for the eight-round, 2011 calendar with the introduction of two shorter 30 minutes races (the first two) and two final events lasting 50 minutes. Five rounds will maintain the standard format of two 40-minute races. This means that the shorter rounds will see 80% of the points assigned and the longer ones, which include the obligatory pit stop, 120%. At the end of the series, the drivers will be able to ditch their worst result. The opening round will be held at Imola on 1 May ( on a GT Open weekend ), then comes Monza on 15 May ( WTCC ), the 5 June round is still to be defined, 26 June is at Spa ( Belgium, GT Open ), 17 July at Donington ( UK, WTCC ), 4 September at Valencia, ( Spain, WTCC ), 18 September at Vallelunga ( Italian GT ) with the grand finale at Mugello at 2 October ( Italian GT ). After the positive experiment in 2010, all the participants will be able to use the data analysis sessions with Maserati Corse staff to evaluate their competitiveness. The Trofeo package allows drivers to compete individually or in a pair and as part of a team for the entire season or in single races. The all-inclusive costs range from €155.000 (plus tax) to €158.000 (plus tax) depending on the options chosen. The cost includes the logistical management of the car, technical assistance at the circuit, clothing for the track and paddock and access to the hospitality area. Owners of GT4-configured GranTurismo MCs can still take part in the Teams championship by setting up their cars according to the 2011 GranTurismo MC Trofeo specifications. The Maserati Trofeo Racing Academy also took place this weekend. The Academy is a professional programme that prepares less expert drivers for competing in the Trofeo Maserati. The www.maseraticorse.com website will be updated throughout race weekends with interviews, news, videos and photos of the drivers. The events will have extensive TV and media coverage that will be announced at the first race on 1 May at Imola. Text and photos courtesy of Maserati Media Center ( Photos Copyright Maserati / Mario Chiarappa )

2011 TROFEO MASERATI GRANTURISMO MC CALENDAR
Date	Circuit	Country
01 May	Imola	Italy
15 May	Monza	Italy
05 June	To be determined	To be determined
26 June	Spa Francorchamps	Belgium
17 July	Donington Park	United Kingdom
04 September	Valencia	Spain
18 September	Vallelunga	Italy
02 October	Mugello	Italy






From Roger in the UK

9th BRISTOL AUTO MOTO 2011

"Ciao Enrico, I drove down to Bristol on Saturday for the ninth Bristol Auto Moto. We were blessed with warm April sunshine and the narrow streets were thronged with crowds of people admiring the fine display of Italian cars, motorbikes and scooters. If I have one criticism it is that year by year this event attracts more modern cars and less older cars, but I fear this situation is typical of many car shows and events which are open to all ages of car. Then again all those modern cars will one day be classics we hope, so let’s see them now and for the next 100 years! Maserati was well represented with around twenty cars on show, but just three in the “older” category: Dave Newby’s Bora, my Merak SS, and Reg Palmer’s 425i which won a rosette for best Maserati in the show. Bringing us up to date was a good selection of 3200GT, Coupe, Spyder, QPV and Granturismo. A few photos for you of the Maseratis on show – photography is always difficult here with the narrow streets and crowds of people! Many thanks to Paul Hanmore and team for organizing another great show - and for getting the weather right! Best regards, Roger."

The Quattroporte		Reg Palmer’s 425i ... ... won a rosette for best Maserati in the show

The Coupes, 3200 GTs and Spyders		The Coupes, 3200 GTs and Spyders

Dave Newby’s Bora		Roger Harrison's Merak SS






From Finest Automotive in Germany

Here's news of a very rare and highly desirable supercar. Presently for sale in the showrooms of Finest Automotive in Germany is the breathtaking Maserati MC12 Corsa - a Maserati that is not only strikingly beautiful, but staggeringly quick.

The Maserati MC12 Corsa In May 2006, Maserati proudly announced the production of the MC12 Corsa, a supercar build-to-order for a select number of Maserati clients. The rare and exclusive MC12 Corsa was developed from the MC12 GT1 type which won the 2005 FIA GT Manufacturers Cup, and allowed its owners to test their driving capability in the most exclusive gentlemen drivers’ environment. It was for use exclusively on track during private test sessions - or exhibition activities organised by Maserati. The Maserati MC12 Corsa is living testimony of Maserati’s ability to individually tailor-make specially produced high-tech cars, and was available in the official Maserati “Blue Victory” colour. However, it could be personalized upon request with several optional items, starting from a different colour upon request by the client. Total production of the Maserati MC12 Corsa did not exceed 12 units worldwide. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Chassis: Carbon-fiber monocoque Gearbox: Cambiocorsa Brakes: Brembo steel and carbon ( no ABS ) Front rim: 18-inch race version Rear rim: 18-inch race version Front tyres: 14x18 Rear tyres: 14x18 Interior: 2 seats – race version Roll-bar: yes Engine: V12 at 60° Capacity: 6.0-litre ( 5,998 cc ) Power output: 755 bhp ( 555KW ) at 8,000 rpm Dry weight: 1,150 Kg ( 2,535 lbs ) Power/weight ratio: 1,52 Kg/Hp Units: 12+3 prototypes For further information please visit www.finestautomotive.com. I would like to that Mr Uwe Rost for granting me permission to publish these photos.






Jerome in the USA

THE EMBLEMS SPRING CHARITY EVENT - 28th May 2011

Hi Enrico, You are welcome. I drive a 1987 Biturbo 425i, 1989 228, 1987 Biturbo Si and a 1985 Biturbo E. I am going to paint to 228 and Biturbo E in two to three weeks. I will send you some photos. I also own a 1975 Khamsin, but it will be a year before I complete the restoration. I have attached photos of 1987 425i and Biturbo Si. Thanks, Jerome."

Jerome's splendid example of a Biturbo 425i











Jerome's splendid example of a Biturbo Si





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