Maserati
Maserati
Founded
1914
Founders
Alfieri Maserati
Country
Italy
Headquarters
Modena
Maserati
Founded
1914
Founders
Alfieri Maserati
Country
Italy
Headquarters
Modena
About this brand
Discover the history
Maserati, an esteemed Italian luxury car manufacturer, was founded in 1914 by the Maserati brothers, Alfieri, Ettore, and Ernesto, in Bologna, Italy. Initially, the company focused on building high-performance racing cars, a legacy that would define Maserati’s identity for decades to come. The early models of Maserati, such as the Tipo 26, demonstrated the company’s commitment to innovation and performance, setting the stage for its future in motorsport.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Maserati gained a reputation for its engineering prowess and racing success. The Maserati Tipo 26, introduced in 1926, was one of the brand’s first racing cars and achieved notable victories, including wins in the Targa Florio. The company’s focus on racing continued with models like the Tipo 8C and Tipo 6CM, which dominated various racing events and further established Maserati’s presence in motorsport.
The 1950s and 1960s were golden years for Maserati in motorsport. The company achieved significant success in Formula 1 with the Maserati 250F, a car renowned for its performance and design. The 250F helped Maserati secure multiple victories, including wins in the Argentine Grand Prix and the German Grand Prix, solidifying its reputation as a formidable competitor in Formula 1.
In sports car racing, Maserati continued to excel with the Maserati Birdcage 60 and 61, known for their lightweight design and innovative engineering. These cars were competitive in endurance races and sports car championships, showcasing Maserati’s ability to blend performance with cutting-edge technology. The Birdcage models were particularly notable for their unique chassis design, which contributed to their success on the track.
The 1970s and 1980s saw Maserati’s focus shift somewhat from racing to producing high-performance road cars. During this period, the company introduced iconic models such as the Maserati Bora and the Maserati Merak, which combined luxury with impressive performance. The Maserati BiTurbo, introduced in the 1980s, was another notable model that showcased the brand’s commitment to blending performance with everyday usability.
In the 1990s, Maserati faced financial challenges and underwent ownership changes. The brand was acquired by Fiat in 1993, which led to a renewed focus on producing high-quality sports cars. Under Fiat’s ownership, Maserati introduced models such as the Maserati 3200 GT and the Maserati GranSport, which combined modern design with the company’s performance heritage.
The 2000s marked a period of revitalization for Maserati. The company launched the Maserati Quattroporte, a luxury sedan that received acclaim for its blend of performance and elegance. The Maserati GranTurismo, introduced in 2007, further solidified the brand’s position as a producer of high-performance luxury vehicles.
Today, Maserati continues to be celebrated for its rich history in motorsport and its commitment to producing luxurious, high-performance cars. The brand’s legacy includes a series of racing successes and iconic models that have left a lasting impact on the automotive world. Maserati’s ongoing focus on innovation and performance ensures that it remains a prominent name in the luxury car market, continuing to build on its storied heritage.
