Maserati’s story begins in the early 20th century in Modena province, a region that has become synonymous with Italian automotive excellence. The company was founded by the Maserati brothers, Alfieri, Bindo, Carlo, Ettore and Ernesto, whose passion for engineering and racing set the foundation for a legendary marque.
Originally established in Bologna in 1914 as a workshop focused on race car development, Maserati moved its headquarters to Modena province in 1937. This relocation marked the beginning of a deep connection between the brand and the region’s industrial and cultural identity.
The Maserati brothers were not just engineers, they were visionaries with a passion for motorsport. They built their first car in 1926, the Tipo 26, which won its debut race in the Targa Florio. This triumph set the tone for decades of racing innovation and competitive spirit.
Maserati quickly established itself as a force in international racing, challenging giants like Alfa Romeo and Bugatti. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the company produced a series of successful single-seaters and sports cars that earned respect on circuits across Europe.
After World War II, Maserati shifted its focus to grand touring cars, combining the speed of its race cars with the comfort and luxury of road-going vehicles. The A6 series introduced in 1947 laid the groundwork for this transition and reflected a new era in Italian design.
Modena province became central to this evolution, providing access to skilled craftsmen, advanced machinery and a network of suppliers. Maserati’s commitment to luxury and performance helped define the modern GT car, making it a brand of choice for the elite and the adventurous.
Maserati has produced numerous iconic vehicles that have left an indelible mark on automotive history. The 3500 GT from the 1950s brought the brand into the spotlight as a refined yet powerful luxury coupe, appealing to celebrities and royalty alike.
In the 1960s and 1970s, models like the Ghibli, Bora and Khamsin pushed the envelope with bold styling and groundbreaking engineering. Each model carried the elegance and intensity that have become hallmarks of the Maserati identity, rooted in the innovation culture of Modena province.
Maserati has a proud, if brief, history in Formula One. It competed as a constructor in the 1950s and achieved its greatest triumph in 1957, when Juan Manuel Fangio drove the Maserati 250F to his fifth world championship title. The 250F is still considered one of the finest race cars ever made.
Though Maserati later withdrew from direct competition, its spirit lives on through performance-driven development. The knowledge gained from F1 helped shape its production cars, with Modena province remaining the technical hub for this continuous evolution.
Over the decades, Maserati has experienced a number of ownership changes. After being acquired by Citroën in 1968, it faced several challenges, including financial struggles and shifting market demands. In the late 1970s, it was briefly under state control via De Tomaso.
In 1993, Maserati entered a new phase when it was acquired by Fiat. This led to closer ties with Ferrari, which took over management of the brand in 1997. Maserati returned to Modena province with fresh investment and engineering excellence, reaffirming its place as a leader in luxury performance cars.
The early 2000s saw the launch of new models that reinvigorated Maserati. The Quattroporte luxury sedan and the GranTurismo coupe received acclaim for their refined design, V8 power and everyday usability. These cars exemplified the Modena tradition of blending form and function.
More recently, Maserati introduced the MC20, a mid-engine supercar that marks the brand’s return to the supercar segment. Built in Modena province using a new production facility and advanced composite materials, the MC20 embodies the future of Italian high-performance engineering.
One of Maserati’s most distinguishing features is its approach to design. Cars are sculpted with elegance and intent, with every curve reflecting both heritage and innovation. Interiors are finished with fine leather, polished wood and advanced technology, offering a sensory driving experience.
The sound of a Maserati engine is equally iconic. Tuned to produce a deep, resonant growl, the exhaust note is a signature of the brand’s identity. It is a sound that resonates across Modena province and beyond, symbolizing Italian passion for performance and artistry.
Maserati has embraced the challenges of sustainability and electrification. Its Folgore program is dedicated to developing all-electric versions of its models. The GranTurismo Folgore is the first of these, combining electric power with the brand’s hallmark luxury and excitement.
The brand is investing heavily in research and development, with a focus on electric drivetrains and digital connectivity. Modena province remains the centre for innovation, ensuring that Maserati retains its soul while adapting to a new automotive era.
More than just a car brand, Maserati is a cultural symbol of Italian sophistication. It reflects the craftsmanship, creativity and resilience of Modena province, a region that has given the world some of its finest machines and designers.
From motorsport legends to modern supercars, Maserati carries the legacy of a family-driven dream that began over a century ago. Every Maserati is a testament to the enduring values of its homeland and the vision of its founders.
Maserati has lived many lives, each chapter shaped by ambition, innovation and Italian spirit. Through triumphs and trials, it has remained a symbol of refined power and elegance, deeply tied to the soul of Modena province.
As the brand races into the future with electric technology and global vision, it continues to honor its roots. Maserati’s story is not just one of cars, but of people, passion and a place that will forever define its legacy.
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