Automotive Recyclers Association - Archive

Online Resources:

• Maserati
• Maserati Blog

Related Ads:

Maserati Cars

Maserati, although a highly-recognized brand, and the sports car of many dreams, has indeed endured its share of obstacles throughout its long history. Founded in December 1914 by Alfieri Maserati, one of seven brothers, he rented office space in Bologna, Italy and started Società Anonima Officine Alfieri Maserati. With a solid racing background, both as a technician and a driver, in addition to plenty of ideas for a car of his own, Alfieri produced the "Tipo 26" in 1926. Not only was this the first all-Maserati car to wear the Trident Badge (Maserati emblem), Alfieri drove the car at the Targa Florio, winning in its class.

Two of the brothers had already long passed away, but the remaining four were just as eager to work in the automotive industry. Bindo, and Ettore were experienced in the design, engineering and construction of cars, having worked for Isotta Fraschini. Ernesto was a race car driver and won the 1927 Italian Drivers' Championship in the Tipo 26. Mario was a painter and it is assumed that he designed the company logo, the "Trident Badge", inspired by the statue of Neptune in Bologna. As the cars and drivers continued to win races, the brand become more popular and thus, monies were available to expand the operations.

Alfieri was well-respected and people from all walks of life admired him. Thus, there was great sadness when he died so early at age forty-five in 1932. The last Maserati car that he designed was the 8C 2500 built in 1931. But Ettore, Bindo and Ernesto were not daunted. They continued their brother's legacy with aggressive participation in racing ventures and building their own vehicles. But as good as they were, Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union fought just as doggedly and poised themselves as serious competition to Maserati.

As a result, the company decided to focus on national races instead, and this afforded them many victories. By 1936, they needed more funds and Gino Rovere invested heavily in Maserati. The 6CM was built giving Maserati the competitive edge it required in voiturette class racing (lighter and smaller cars).

Significant Dates in Maserati's History

• 1937, the brothers sold the company to wealthy industrialist Adolfo Orsi, and the plant was subsequently moved from Bologna to Modena. The brothers continued as chief engineers until their contract expired in 1948.
• 1939, Maserati begins to win international races again with the development of the 8CTF. Victory comes at the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1939.
• During the war, focus shifts to machine tools, electrical components, spark plugs, and electric vehicles.
• 1946, as the war ends, cars are built again and the A6 1500 is released.
• 1950s become more difficult for Maserati, as Alfa Romeo and Ferrari become more aggressive.
• 1953, win the Italian Grand Prix.
• 1957, Maserati retires from racing after winning the World Title with the 250F. They did, however, continue to build racing cars for private teams, and also built Formula One engines.
• 1958, the plant shifts its focus from racing to the development and sale of production cars. Consequently, the 1962 Sebring and the 1963 Quattroporte were introduced to the public.
• 1968, the company is sold to Citroën.
• 1971, the Bora is released and is considered the first mass-produced Maserati.
• 1973 proved to be a tough year financially for the company due to the Oil Crisis. Nevertheless, it managed to launch two new models. But this did not help the company and Citroën announced that Maserati was in liquidation. The government took control of the company through its agency GEPI.
• 1975, motorcycle maker Benelli and race car driver Alejandro De Tomaso acquire controlling interest in Maserati.
• 1993, Fiat takes over company.
• 1997, Fiat sells to Ferrari
• 2002, the Coupé is launched for the North American market.
• 2005, nearly six thousand cars were sold versus just over five hundred in 1998.
• 2005, ownership is returned to Fiat
• 2009, the first ever Maserati four-seater convertible, GranCabrio, was recently shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
• 2009, presently sold in forty-three countries.

Models and Years Released

• 1926 Tip 26
• 1927 Tip 26B
• 1931 4CTR
• 1931 8C 2500
• 1934 4CM
• 1936 6CM
• 1939 8CTF
• 1946 A6 1500
• 1946 Tipo 6CS/46
• 1951 A6GCM
• 1954 Tipo 250F
• 1954 A6G CS
• 1958 3500 GT
• 1959 Tipo 61 (Birdcage)
• 1962 Sebring
• 1963 Quattroporte
• 1971 Bora
• 1972 Merak
• 1972 Khamsin
• 1973 Quattroporte II
• 1973 Merak SS
• 1976 Kyalami
• 1976 Quattroporte III
• 1984 Biturbo
• 1998 3200 GT
• 1998 Quattroporte Evoluzione
• 2001 Spyder
• 2002 Coupé
• 2002 MC12 racing car
• 2002 Trofeo racing car
• 2002 Trofeo Light racing car
• 2003 the new Quattroporte Saloon
• 2005 Maserati Birdcage 75th
• 2006 GranSport MC Victory
• 2007 GranTurismo
• 2009 GranCabrio Four-Seater Convertible