Maserati Centennial Gathering
The innovative Italian automaker celebrates 100 years with an awe-inspiring showcase of its historic legacy
Often times, the stories behind companies are something worth knowing, in particular when they talk about passion, intuition, genius, downfalls, and comebacks—and especially when each step is is punctuated with victories.
Maserati was born in 1914, exactly 100 years ago. The mythical Italian brand is celebrating this important anniversary with a series of global events, which culminated in Torino, a city where Maserati is building its own future. Back in 1914, the Maserati brothers decided to concretize their passion for motors into a car workshop in Bologna. There they built their first racing cars and laid the foundations of a glorious adventure. Nevertheless, financial issues made them sell the company, which was moved to Modena, a city very well known among the car lovers. This is where many classic models were conceived and built, like the 3500 GT in 1957, Quattroporte in 1963 (the first sedan with a sports engine, relaunched in 2013), Ghibli in 1967 and Biturbo in 1982. In the ’90s Maserati was acquired by Fiat and a strong bond with Ferrari was set, which is still solid today.
The Maserati Centennial Gathering was the perfect commemoration of the past, present and future of these amazing masterpieces of style and mechanics. The celebration took place in Bologna (where it all began), Modena (where the HQ and the Maserati Museum are), Cremona (where Baconin Borzacchini set the Flying 10 KM speed world record in 1929) and Torino (the city where Quattroporte and Ghibli are built today).
One of the most exciting moments was the Concours d’Elegance in Torino’s beautiful Piazza San Carlo. Together with collectors and fans, we had the privilege and rare chance to admire some of the historic models and a few unique prototypes.
Specifically, the Boomerang looks like a vessel from another planet. Its pointed shape makes this 1971 prototype look and feel like it was taken from the set of a sci-fi movie and confirms the vision of designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The interiors are an integral part of the project, since the instrumentation is compacted into a singular steering wheel.
The 3500 GT, despite now being 60 years old, is still contemporary and sexy. This highlight, carries a curvy shape and a series of sophisticated and elegant details.
We also saw one of the few A6GCS by Pininfarina, presented to the public in 1954. This is a true gem, calibrated yet aggressive, a real racing car reminiscent of an actual spider.
A series of Ghiblis from the late ’60s were the ultimate confirmation that designer Bertone had been able to anticipate and define the car industry of the following decade. It’s striking both inside and out.
The Khamsin was launched in 1974. With its transparency and strong edges, it is one more classic design of the ’70s, continuing the legacy and innovations set forth by the Ghibli.
A feast for the eyes and a pleasure for the heart of any Maserati lover, the Centennial Gathering was a beautiful celebration of the brand’s long-lasting heritage and eternally innovative approach to car manufacturing.
Images courtesy of Paolo Ferrarini for Cool Hunting; see more in the slideshow
