Maserati

In director Federico Fellini’s atmospheric opus La Dolce Vita, roadsters play as pivotal a role in the meandering storyline as do its glamorous Romans. Could anyone imagine actress Anita Ekberg’s flowing blonde mane contained by a closed-up coupé?

Channeling that free-spirited theme, Maserati has just-unveiled the MC20 Cielo Spyder, which expands the MC20 supercar’s persona into a more extroverted and seemingly care-free direction. Yet, as we learned at the car’s debut here in Italy’s Motor Valley, the new Cielo—Italian for “sky”—has, in fact, incorporated rather reasonable, engineering-focused ways to make blowing your hair back an even more emotionally charged experience.

The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo Spyder. 

Aldo Ferrero, courtesy of Maserati S.p.A.

Maserati design boss Klaus Busse describes the MC20’s visual treatment as focused on “visual longevity and purity,” another way of saying that it’s less concerned with frivolity and fashion than enduring, clean looks. Busse contextualizes the modern Maserati brand in a way that flies in the face of many conventional opinions. “Design is the second most important thing on a Maserati,” he says. “Technology and performance are the first.”
Sure, Maserati has packed a number of tech innovations into its carbon-fiber supercar. And at least aesthetically, in coupé form, the MC20 carries an edge of seriousness with its angular nose, purposeful midsection and subtly arced shoulders. Ditch the fixed lid, and the Maserati’s roofline preserves much of its former sleekness, only adding an incremental amount of height to the carbon-fiber flying buttresses in order to accommodate the complex folding bits beneath. In order to keep the rear deck from looking bloated, designers convinced engineers to reposition it as low as possible, which entailed tactics like repositioning the engine’s wiring harness to a lower position in order to enhance the car’s overall visual proportions.

On the performance front, the MC20 Cielo covers zero to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and can reach in excess of 199 mph. 

Aldo Ferrero, courtesy of Maserati S.p.A.

Like certain UK-based, carbon-bodied competitors, Maserati has incorporated an electrochromic “Smart Glass” window that promises to either block the sun or let in light at the touch of a button. However, unlike its peers from Surrey, Maserati’s system defaults to a fully opaque setting when power is not being fed to the system, creating a light-proof barrier as opposed to the competitor’s, which doesn’t fully block the solar rays. The Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal folding roof adds a bit more complexity and weight compared to what a non-transparent panel would, helping bring the total weight gain to 143 pounds. But the performance figures remain essentially unchanged: zero to 62 mph in approximately 3 seconds flat, and a top speed in excess of 199 mph.

A Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal roof allows for the management of sunlight within the cockpit. 

Aldo Ferrero, courtesy of Maserati S.p.A.

Responsible for those metrics is the Cielo’s twin-turbocharged Nettuno V-6 that screams to 8,000 rpm and produces 621 hp, identical figures to its coupé counterpart. Though the car’s stability control systems remain unaltered, the suspension settings have been fine tuned in order to accommodate the added weight. While we have yet to pilot the MC20 Cielo (watch this space for a first drive review), its athletic soul appears to have remained intact, apart from a recalibrated active rear differential which might yield slightly more predictable handling characteristics. Maserati claims the Cielo will offer best-in-class thermal insulation from the folding hardtop and a closing time of 12 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph, offering a degree of versatility that makes it suitable for everyday use.
The Cielo’s roof structure might ruffle purists when the top is up, as the center section isn’t quite as streamlined as that of the fixed coupé’s. However, when the tonneau lifts and reveals a large trident logo embedded below the clear coat and finished in titanium, the MC20 becomes an intangibly cooler looking supercar whose spirit brings a bit more sprezzatura than the non-alfresco alternative.

A large trident logo is embedded below the clear coat and finished in titanium. 

Aldo Ferrero, courtesy of Maserati S.p.A.

The three-layer metallic launch color, dubbed Acquamarina, sets a subtly iridescent mood to the proceedings, emphasizing the model’s more elegant side. The convertible does not quite reach the languid hedonism and disillusionment of the film La Dolce Vita, but it certainly is a compelling way to let your hair down. The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo Spyder will reach US showrooms late this year.

It could have been a scene straight out of a Fellini movie. A weather-beaten Italian signore riding his putt-putting Vespa on the outskirts of Italy’s car-crazy Milan. He pulls up alongside our sunflower-yellow Maserati Grecale Trofeo at a stoplight, flashes a big, toothy grin and ever-so-slowly begins clapping his hands in applause. His words are unmistakable. Che bella macchina. What a beautiful car.

To show him just how bella this macchina is, it’s hard to resist the theatrical. The red light turns to green, the Corsa (track) setting is dialed up, foot flat to the floor and the Grecale catapults off the line. Unleashed are SUV’s potent 523 horses and 457 ft lbs of twist, courtesy of a detuned version of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo Nettuno V-6 shared by Maserati’s $210,000 MC20 supercar.

In an explosion of revs (the redline is 7,000 rpm), a crescendo of guttural exhaust barks and neck-snapping gear shifts, the Grecale continues to surge as the digital speedo’s needle whips past the 60 mph mark in just 3.6 seconds. That’s BMW M3 quick. Quicker than the arch-rival Porsche Macan GTS and as quick as Mercedes’ thundering V8 Biturbo GLC 63.

Maserati’s 523 hp Grecale Trofeo SUV. 

Lorenzo Marcinno, courtesy of Maserati S.p.A.

As we explained in-depth after the Grecale’s recent global reveal, this is Maserati’s make-or-break entry into the booming, mid-size performance SUV market. Built on a modified Giorgio platform from Stellantis, one that underpins everything from Alfa Romeo’s Giulia and Stelvio to Jeep’s Grand Cherokee, the Grecale will be offered in three versions—GT, Modena and Trofeo—with pricing from $64,995. First examples land stateside around fall.
The Trofeo is the performance flagship, perched high above the base GT and what’s expected to be the best-selling Modena, both of which feature a mild-hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill packing 296 hp and 325 hp, respectively. No word on Trofeo pricing yet (though we suspect it to be just under six figures), but it’s lavished with features like adaptive air suspension, huge Brembo stoppers, 21-inch rims and a 21-speaker Sonus Faber sound system pumping with 1,285 watts of output. And then there’s the leather, lots of leather.

The drive experience is bolstered by the Grecale Trofeo’s rear-biased all-wheel-drive configuration, adaptive air suspension and huge Brembo stoppers. 

Lorenzo Marcinno, courtesy of Maserati S.p.A.

One look at our Grecale Trofeo tester, painted in the retina-searing shade of Giallo Modenese yellow, and it’s clear the design team has done a fine job of adorning it with visual cues from Maserati’s lineage. The thrusting, oversize grille and lights are shaped from those of the MC20, the trio of portholes adorning the front fenders are pure Maserati and the marque’s distinctive trident badging stands proud on the grille and rear roof pillar.

In the metal, the Grecale Trofeo does look bigger and beefier than the Macan, and less angular than its larger sibling, the Maserati Levante. Yes, it’s all a little generic and conservative, but Maserati’s design chief Klaus Busse tells Robb Report that this was the intention, preferring what he calls “visual longevity” to faddish design.
Arguably, it’s the Grecale’s interior that will have luxury SUV buyers signing on the dotted line. This leather-rich cabin boasts best-in-class space, with stretch-out rear-seat legroom and a generously sized trunk beneath the high-lifting tailgate. There’s proper quality and refinement here, with gorgeous quilting and double-stitching accents, lots of carbon fiber and lovely satin-finished metal. And the front seats are terrific, with deep side bolstering and plenty of power adjustment.

Inside, there’s plenty of rear-seat legroom and a generously sized trunk beneath the high-lifting tailgate. 

Lorenzo Marcinno, courtesy of Maserati S.p.A.

The big story here, however, is the new infotainment setup, with no fewer than five screens. Smack in the center is a 12.3-inch display with an 8.8-inch glass panel below. Admittedly, it’s a bit busy, with no physical knobs or buttons, but the graphics are pin-sharp and the controls fairly intuitive.
One innovative feature is the traditional, dash-mounted Maserati clock that’s now digital and configurable. It also facilitates a voice-activated personal assistant, who sadly failed to comprehend every single navigational request I made. Something about the accent.
But all is forgiven when you press the wheel-mounted “start” button and hear that sonorous V-6 burst to life. While power is down 98 hp compared to the MC20, it’s 89 hp up on the Macan GTS (also powered by a twin-turbo V-6), and plenty sufficient to make the Trofeo a thrill ride.

A total of five screens comprise the new infotainment system, including a 12.3-inch display with an 8.8-inch glass panel below. 

Lorenzo Marcinno, courtesy of Maserati S.p.A.

Fit with a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic and elephant-ear-sized metal paddle shifters for manual control, the Grecale Trofeo always feels eager and responsive, especially in Sport or Corsa modes.
Although our route through the congested back streets of Milan, interspersed with the odd traffic-camera-blighted stretch of autostrada, was far from ideal for wringing out the Grecale, it offered glimpses of the car’s rarified potential. The star is the Trofeo’s laser-precise, nicely weighted steering, which heightens the SUV’s athletic feel. Enhancing this further are the rear-biased all-wheel-drive system and seemingly time-stopping Brembo brakes.

Mounted on the dash, the digital clock facilitates a voice-activated virtual assistant. 

Davide De Martis, courtesy of Maserati S.p.A.

Less impressive was our tester’s often brittle, fidgety ride and the occasional creak and groan from the body over particularly nasty Milanese ruts and potholes. But all-in-all, this a hugely appealing addition to the Maserati lineup, one that will be complemented by the arrival of the all-electric Grecale Folgore closer to fall. In the meantime, we concur with our Vespa-riding friend, Che bella macchina, indeed.

While certain storied carmakers in Italy’s “Motor Valley” release increasingly limited-edition models, at times cresting seven figures, Maserati has, in recent years, gone more mainstream. Admittedly, its identity has a taken a few hits in the process, as lower price points and a high volume of inventory have diluted the perception of the brand.

Now, with the relative safety net of automotive consortium Stellantis, the marque is trying to walk the proverbial high wire as it attempts to reclaim its once rarified stature with the introduction of its $210,000 MC20 supercar, while integrating elements derived from that engineering into a vehicle geared much further down market. The latter model, announced today, is the 2023 Maserati Grecale—a compact, mid-size SUV developed to compete with Germany’s heavy hitters in the segment, but with a starting price of just $63,500.

The 2023 Maserati Grecale Trofeo SUV. 

Photo: Courtesy of Maserati S.p.A.

Invited to preview the Grecale yesterday at a boutique film studio in West Hollywood, Robb Report asked Bill Peffer, Maserati’s CEO of North America, how the new entry-level Grecale bolsters cachet. “Following mass market, the luxury space has gravitated towards SUVs, and we’ve had a very good offering [the Levante] since 2017,” says Peffer. “However, we’ve only had one. So, versus our primary competition, we don’t get on the consideration list as often as we’d like. Most of our competitors that do, have more than one in their lineup. This [the Grecale] actually helps legitimize Maserati further as a choice for performance luxury SUV.”
A primary factor in that drive for legitimacy is the incorporation of a detuned variation of the MC20’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo Nettuno V-6 engine on the Grecale’s top-tier Trofeo variant. The power plant includes the same Formula 1–derived twin-spark-plug, pre-chamber combustion system in the supercar’s six-cylinder heart, an innovation that, according to Peffer, “allows massive power from a relatively small displacement.” But rather than the MC20’s 630 hp output, the Grecale Trofeo makes 523 hp and just over 457 ft lbs of torque. Also on hand are an adaptive air suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential and Brembo brakes that bring the SUV from 62 mph to a full stop in less than 131 feet.

Derived from the Maserati MC20’s Nettuno engine, the Grecale Trofeo’s 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V-6 delivers 457 ft lbs of torque. 

Photo: Courtesy of Maserati S.p.A.

Tying in the Nettuno derivative was key if the Gracale was to have any real gravitas. “As you know, in the past, a lot of our power plants have been sourced from Ferrari,” states Peffer. “The one in the MC20 is Maserati designed, Maserati built and exclusive to Maserati. This doesn’t get shared anywhere else.

The same, however can’t be said for all aspects of the Grecale, as the architectural platform is being shared within Stellantis. And although Peffer would not give specifics as to which had the same bones, he didn’t deny a guess from an attendee that the Alfa Romeo Stelvio was one such sibling, but did stress how they are entirely different offerings.

Inside the Grecale Trofeo are heated, 14-way adjustable seats. 

Photo: Courtesy of Maserati S.p.A.

The Grecale, fit with an eight-speed transmission, will also be available in two trim packages positioned under the Trofeo. These comprise the base model Grecale GT and the mid-level Grecale Modena, with mild-hybrid four-cylinder power trains delivering 296 hp and 325 hp, respectively, along with nearly 332 ft lbs of torque. And while the engines are not all based on the Nettuno, each Grecale variant shares the same styling cues from the MC20, including the grille and headlamps, as well as taillights that pay homage to the Giorgetto Giugiaro–designed Maserati 3200 GT, circa 1998.

The Grecale Trofeo with 21-inch wheels and a dual-paned panoramic sunroof. 

Photo: Courtesy of Maserati S.p.A.

The three Grecale options also come with the same four drive modes: Comfort, GT, Sport and Off-Road, but the Trofeo adds Corsa (Race) mode to the mix. Obviously, with different power-train configurations, claimed performance metrics differ. The Trofeo, Modena and GT are said to cover zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, 5.0 seconds and 5.3 seconds, respectively, while top speed for the Trofeo is 177 mph compared to 149 mph for the others.
Standout features inside the cabin include a 14-speaker Sonus faber sound system, with the Italian audio specialist’s 21-speaker, 1,000-watt setup as another option. Also of note is the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) infotainment system and a 12.3-inch display, the biggest from the brand to date, paired with an 8.8-inch control screen. The MIA platform has voice-command capability and is similar to its German counterpart “Hey, Mercedes,” except for the slight change in command to . . . wait for it . . . “Hey, Maserati.” Also part of the improved user interface will be a wearable key, likened to a timepiece in aesthetic.

Taking center stage inside is the combination of a 12.3-inch infotainment display, the biggest Maserati has ever offered, set above an 8.8-inch control screen. 

Photo: Courtesy of Maserati S.p.A.

When queried about a plug-in hybrid Grecale, Peffer says: “We viewed it here in the US, for our customers, as more of a transitional technology and instead want to make the investment in full electrification.” The result of that investment is about a year away and will take the form of the zero-emissions Grecale Folgore, slated to carry a 105 kWh battery and churn out 590 ft lbs of torque.

The all-electric Maserati Grecale Folgore is expected to reach the market a year after the initial Grecale lineup. 

Photo: Courtesy of Maserati S.p.A.

What is available now, but not for long, is a limited-edition Grecale Modena upgraded with adaptive air suspension, 21-inch wheels and a dual-paned panoramic sunroof among the select premium trim amenities. The offer is available only through Maserati’s online reservation site for the US and Canada, and Peffer assures that those who take advantage of this presale “will be among the first to secure production of their cars, which should start arriving in the fall.”
With the Grecale SUV and MC20 supercar side by side during the in-person preview, both ends of Maserati’s tightrope were represented. Successfully treading between the two, while capitalizing on the market share each represent, will be a high-stakes feat to be sure.

Maserati is finally joining the electric revolution.

The venerable Italian marque announced on Thursday that its first fully battery-powered model, the GranTurismo Folgore, will go on sale next year. The EV isn’t ready for the spotlight just yet just yet, but the brand did tease what it will look like and what kind of performance we can expect.
We already knew the GranTurismo Folgore (the Italian word for lightning) was coming, of course. Maserati announced that it was working on an EV version of its beloved grand tourer back in September 2020. And now, 18 months later, it would appear the brand is ready to start showing off the fruits of its labor. Thursday’s announcement was accompanied by the release of the most intriguing images yet of the automaker’s debut EV. The new photos show a car shrouded in shadow and wrapped in camouflage, but you can clearly see that it shares a similar shape with the model’s last iteration. That’s fine by us, as the previous GranTurismo was a striking vehicle.

Maserati GranTurismo Folgore 

Maserati

While it wasn’t ready to show off the finished GranTurismo Folgore, Maserati did disclose some information that’s sure to get tongues wagging. First, its all-electric powertrain will make a whopping 1,200 horses. That’s more than twice the number generated by the brand’s previous most powerful model, the 580 hp Quattroporte Trofeo. And you should be able to feel all that added power: The marque says the car will be able to launch from zero to 62 mph in three seconds flat and top out at a brisk 186 mph.

Maserati

The GranTurismo Folgore will be just the first of many EVs Maserati will release in the coming years. In addition to teasing its first EV, the brand also reiterated its pledge to offer fully electric version of all its models by 2025. That means that within three years, you can expect all-electric variants of the MC20 sports car, the Quattroporte sports sedan and its two SUVs, the full-size Levante and upcoming Grecale, each of which will carry the Folgore name. By 2030, the marque says it will have stopped producing cars with internal combustion engines entirely.
Like many of its Italian peers, Maserati has been slow to embrace electrification. But Thursday’s announcement makes clear that the brand has changed its tune. We can’t wait to see the results.

Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera has been providing bespoke body work for nearly a century—and, contrary to what you might think, it hasn’t all been for Aston Martin and Ferrari. Case in point: A rare 1940 BMW 328 roadster decked out with the Italian coachbuilder’s iconic tubular A-frame chassis has just been listed for sale.

The classic model is being offered by collector car dealer DriverSource for $795,000. Its design, which arguably put BMW on the map and helped influence automotive design in the years to follow, was created by auto engineer Fritz Fieldler and his former assistant Rudolf Schleicher. True to the Superleggera legacy, the curvy exterior is composed of thin-gauge aluminum panels that lay over a steel tube structure. Making the model even more special, this 328 is believed to be one of the first special Touring bodied cars built for BMW, and just one of seven with a dry-sump engine.

The front profile of the 1940 BMW 328 Superleggera Roadster. 

Courtesy of Driver Source

The two-door coupe was built with independent front suspension and a live rear axle leaf spring. It remains largely in original condition—that is, after a bit of a detour: In the ’50s, the car’s body was placed a Simca chassis (sourcing parts for the car had apparently proved too difficult for the owner). But by 1990, the 328 was once again paired with its original frame, just a decade before it underwent an extensive ground-up revamp by famed coachbuilder Fran Roxas.
The roadster weighs in at 1,720 pounds in race-specs and is powered by a pushrod-actuated, twin-cam 2.0-liter straight-six. The inline engine, similar to the one found in BMW’s 326 and 327, delivers 80 hp and 93 ft lbs of torque. That’s enough grunt to push the car from zero to 60 mph in 10.5 seconds, leading it to a top speed of 93 mph. For added zip, the coupe has been given a trio of Solex 30 JF downdraft carbs that provide an added dose of fuel when needed for higher speeds.

The rear of the stunningly-preserved model. 

Courtesy of Driver Source

The outbreak of World War II brought an early end to the BMW 328 series—only six prototype examples of the BMW coupe were built with the Touring Superleggera bodywork. Carrozzeria Touring also folded in 1966, causing its prior releases to become even more coveted on the collector market. Though the coachbuilder would reopen in Milan in 2006, those factors combine to make the 328 a true rarity.

If you’re interested in adding the roadster to your collection, visit DriverSource’s website for more details. And check out more images below.

Courtesy of Driver Source

Courtesy of Driver Source

Courtesy of Driver Source

Ever since the 1963 Mistral, Maserati has—with few exceptions—named its cars after certain winds known throughout the world. Sometimes, the monikers are evocative and memorable, like Ghibli or Khamsin. Others have been more problematic, as exemplified when Maserati’s marketing types called its SUV concept the Kubang, after the Javanese wind. Thankfully, it was changed to Levante when that model finally went into production.

For collectors, no doubt the most significant Maserati production car since the original Ghibli (1967 though 1973) is the Bora, known internally as Tipo AM117, made from 1971 through 1978. After a Google search revealed the name is shared with a wind near the Adriatic Sea, then looking at the world globe in my office, I felt sufficiently equipped to delve into Maserati’s most ambitious road car of the 1970s, and maybe ever.

The 1975 Maserati Bora heading to the RM Sotheby’s Fort Lauderdale auction later this month. 

Photo by Juan Martinez, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.

The Bora is important for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it was Maserati’s first mid-engined production car. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who, when at Ghia, penned the original Ghibli. He left Ghia in 1967 and founded Italdesign the same year, leading with the Bizzarrini Manta show car and soon bringing Maserati into his client portfolio.
The V-8-powered Bora and the Merak, its six-cylinder sibling that followed in 1972, were the models that anchored the marque to its sporting roots. The Bora concept was born in 1968, shortly after French marque Citroën took control of Maserati, which would be flipped to De Tomaso in 1975, subsequently to Fiat and is now under the aegis of corporate colossus Stellantis. But the decade spanning 1965 to 1975 was a fertile one for Italian carmakers, with Lamborghini, Ferrari, De Tomaso and Iso producing models as innovative as they were drop-dead gorgeous.
Maserati was determined to catch up, entering the fray with a truly modern design that debuted at the Geneva Auto Salon in March of 1971. The Bora was a sensation, and unlike any Maserati before, it ushered the marque into the modern age with features like independent suspension on all four corners, something no Maserati previously had, but Lamborghini employed on its very first model in 1964.

The Bora was Maserati’s first model to feature independent suspension on all four corners. 

Photo by Juan Martinez, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.

The Bora’s steel body and beefy monocoque chassis make the model a heavy car, though its weight is somewhat mitigated by a drag coefficient of 0.30. The engine, positioned longitudinally and with a five-speed ZF transaxle behind it, is attached to a tubular-steel subframe joined to the monocoque chassis via four flexible mounts, improving ride comfort.

Inside, the driver and passenger recline in two elegant buckets more reminiscent of Corbusier’s iconic chaise lounge than automotive seating. And because Citroën cars have hydraulic fluid in their veins, the Bora’s disc brakes, pop-up headlights, pedal cluster, steering wheel and seats are all activated, adjusted, tilted or telescoped at the touch of a button. Sound insulation is addressed by double-paned bulkhead glass and a carpeted cover over the burly V-8 engine, which, along with the spare tire, is located behind the driver, making room for luggage space in the front trunk.

A steel body and beefy monocoque chassis make the Bora a heavy car, though its weight is mitigated by a 0.30 coefficient of drag. 

Photo by Juan Martinez, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.

That engine was a masterpiece when introduced, every bit the match for powerful Ferrari flat-12s and Lamborghini V-12s of the day. Descended from the motorsport power plant developed for Maserati’s 450S race car, the engine in the Bora was initially offered in 4.7- and 4.9-liter variants. Production eventually switched to the 4.9-liter engine, developed to comply with US emissions requirements. With an aluminum block, four cams, 16 valves and a quartet of fat Weber carburetors, it makes about 330 hp and allows the car to reach 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. Claimed top speed at the time was anywhere from 170 mph to 178 mph, depending on whom one believed.

Along with the spare tire, the longitudinally mounted 4.9-liter V-8 engine is positioned behind the driver. 

Photo by Juan Martinez, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.

Despite the Bora’s performance, looks and comfort, Maserati struggled after being acquired by De Tomaso in 1975. Altogether, 564 examples of the Bora were built between 1971 and 1978. Of that total, 289 were fit with the 4.7-liter engine, and 275 were powered by the 4.9-liter version made from 1973 through 1978.
The brushed stainless-steel roof and A pillars immediately set the Bora apart from its contemporaries, and after more than 50 years, its shape is as inspired and purposeful as it was in 1971. RM Sotheby’s will be presenting this US-market example at the auction house’s Fort Lauderdale sale from March 25 though 26. The vehicle was completed in May of 1975 and originally painted Rosso Fuoco, while black Connolly leather was featured inside.

Both driver and passenger recline in two elegant buckets reminiscent of Corbusier’s iconic chaise lounge. 

Photo by Juan Martinez, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.

This particular Bora was sold new by Maserati’s American distributorship in Englewood, N.J. While early ownership history is unknown, it was acquired by the consignor in 2015 from a collector in Texas. At some point during its previous stewardship, the car received a thorough restoration, including a respray in yellow and a fresh interior. Importantly, factory documentation confirms a numbers-matching engine.
A high watermark of Maserati engineering and Giugiaro design, Maserati’s Bora is unquestionably the most undervalued Italian hot rod from the 1970s. With an estimate of $180,000 to $220,000, this Bora will be offered with no reserve.

When it was unveiled in 1959, the Maserati 5000 GT was the Italian marque’s fullest expression of Gran Turismo, the ultimate Maserati road car of its era and the only one to rival Ferrari’s exclusive Superamerica. The auction of any 5000 GT is an occasion, and on January 24, this example will be offered as part of Gooding & Company’s Geared Online Scottsdale Edition sale.

Available in the Maserati catalog from 1959 through 1964, the Tipo AM103, as the 5000 GT was officially designated, established a series of achievements. It was Maserati’s first V-8-powered road-going automobile, and Europe’s first fuel-injected V-8 (only Chevrolet had done that commercially before). It was also, during its brief lifetime, the fastest and most expensive production automobile in the world.

According to David Brynan, senior specialist for Gooding & Company, “The Maserati 5000 GT is one of the most extraordinary cars of its generation—truly a car of kings.” And as far as the model’s exclusivity, he adds that “only 34 were ever built, and of those, just three were bodied by Carrozzeria Touring, including the first example, which was built for the Shah of Iran.”

The 1959 Maserati 5000 GT being offered through Gooding & Company. 

Photo by Mike Maez, courtesy of Gooding & Company.

Rarity is relative, and the genealogy of the 5000 GT is complex. A vital primer for serious enthusiasts is Maserati 5000 GT—A Significant Automobile by Maurice Khawam and photographed by David Gooley (published in 2001), which comprises the definitive history of the model. The book tells the story of a car whose family tree is close-knit and complicated. With such few made, and by eight coachbuilders, even the most plentiful among them—the 22 examples of the Allemano-bodied cars—are exceedingly rare. Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera and Frua made three each, Monterosa built two and the examples from Bertone, Ghia, Michelotti and Pininfarina are unique. It’s as fascinating a story as any Italian carmaker has to tell.
Apart from luxurious bodywork in a variety of guises, what made the 5000 GT special was its engine, a 5.0-liter V-8 derived from the high-strung 4.5-liter unit that powered Maserati’s most formidable race car, the 450 S. Bored out to 4,937 cc, that engine would, in smaller or equal displacement, eventually become the heart of models like the Quattroporte, Ghibli, Bora and any number of mostly forgotten jewels in Maserati’s Trident like the Mexico, Indy, Khamsin and Kyalami. The latter four were produced in numbers that dwarfed the 5000 GT by comparison.

Of the 34 examples of the 5000 GT built, Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera made the bodies for three. 

Photo by Mike Maez, courtesy of Gooding & Company.

It’s important to remember that the handmade bodies of coachbuilt vehicles like the 5000 GT are idiosyncratic, as one might imagine for cars hammered out of aluminum sheet metal and wrapped around a racing chassis and drivetrain. The clients thus attracted to such bespoke GTs were the richest elite, including captains of industry and royal figures such as Gianni Agnelli, the aforementioned Shah of Iran and Karim Aga Khan.
Touring’s 5000 GT is distinguished by an unusual grille design that pays homage to Maserati’s victorious 250F Grand Prix cars. Oddly retro today, the strange central snorkel would have been regarded a cutting-edge design flourish at the time, as evocative of the Space Age as a Jell-O mold or a beehive hairdo. Chassis No. AM103.010 was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 1960, and was subsequently modified and shown in November at the Torino Motor Show. It was retained by the factory through 1961, during which time it was used as a testbed for an experimental 3.8-liter V-8 engine. It was finally sold to a member of the Orsi family—owners of Maserati at the time—and equipped with the larger Tipo 103 Lucas fuel-injected 5.0-liter V-8. In 1965, it was again returned to Maserati, where it was rebuilt to special order for Prince Abdel Majid bin-Saud of Saudi Arabia, featuring some stylistic embellishments it no longer retains.

The front grille design pays homage to Maserati’s victorious 250F Grand Prix cars. 

Photo by Mike Maez, courtesy of Gooding & Company.

Provenance since the 1980s has included ownership by US and European collectors, and most recently by an owner who commissioned a restoration aimed at returning the car to its final configuration, as it was sold by Maserati in 1961. Repainted in correct Azzurro Vincennes with black leather upholstery, it is presented in partially restored condition, affording its new owner the opportunity to complete its restoration and hit the concours circuit. The lots crossing the block at Gooding & Company’s Geared Online Scottsdale Edition will begin closing on Friday, January 28, and this Maserati—estimated at $700,000 to $900,000—can be viewed in Scottsdale prior to the auction.

Repainted in its correct Azzurro Vincennes color scheme, this car is presented in partially restored condition. 

Photo by Mike Maez, courtesy of Gooding & Company.

“These Maseratis rarely appear for sale, and when they do, they always command attention,” says Brynan. “This is the last of the three Touring-bodied 5000 GTs, and it is a car which has never before been seen at public auction . . . the perfect candidate for a collector who wants to debut a significant Maserati at leading concours like Pebble Beach and Villa d’Este.”

Collectors hungry for a dose of automotive nostalgia will soon have the chance to feast on one perfectly retro Maserati.

The car in question is a gorgeous light brown Ghibli 4.9 SS that rolled off the line in 1970. An oldie but a goodie, the classic four-wheeler will go under the gavel at Gooding & Company’s Scottsdale auction, taking place in January next year.

To recap, the Ghibli was first introduced as a two-seater concept car at the Turin Motor Show in 1966. Penned by a young Giorgetto Giugiaro, who was working for the Italian coachbuilder Ghia at the time, the first-gen Ghibli was characterized by a sleek, steel body, a shark-shaped nose and pop-up headlights. A clear rival to the Ferrari Daytona and Lamborghini Miura, it is still considered one of the most handsome cars of the 1960s.

The Ghibli sports its factory-correct light brown metallic colorway. 

Gooding & Company/Brian Henniker

Under the hood, the original Ghibli was powered by a 4.7-liter V-8 mated to a five-speed ZF gearbox. The production model, which started rolling out in ‘67, was equipped with additional seats and thus the Ghibli became a two-door 2+2 fastback coupé.
A few years later in ‘69, the Ghibli 4.9 SS was introduced with even more grunt. The stroked 4.9-liter V-8, which was good for 330 horses and 355 ft lbs of twist, gave the Ghibli a blistering top speed of 174 mph. This made it the fastest road-going Maserati at the time. Other noteworthy features include a double-wishbone front suspension with coil springs, a rear live axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs and four-wheel servo-assisted hydraulic disc brakes.
In all, just 1,149 coupés were built before production stopped in ‘73. The Ghibli did make a brief comeback in the ‘90s as a coupé with a twin-turbocharged V-6, but the current third-generation is an executive saloon that started rolling out in 2013. As such, models like this metallic beauty are especially sought-after among the Maserati faithful.

The white interior features a classic wooden steering wheel. 

Gooding & Company/Brian Henniker

The car is in great condition both inside and out, too. A true time capsule, it even has its original engine, a classic wooden steering wheel and all the old-school instrumentation. It’s also been repainted in its original, factory-correct light brown metallic color scheme.
It goes without saying, this trip down memory lane will cost you. The auction house expects the Ghibli to fetch between $250,000 and $300,000 at the Geared Online event. The sale, which will be accompanied by an exclusive viewing event in Scottsdale, Arizona, will kick off on Monday, January 24 wrap up Friday, January 28.

Check out more photos below:

Gooding & Company/Brian Henniker

Gooding & Company/Brian Henniker

Gooding & Company/Brian Henniker

Gooding & Company/Brian Henniker

Gooding & Company/Brian Henniker

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High horsepower, Nappa leather seats with massage, premium sound systems. If you’re in the market for a luxury vehicle, you probably won’t mind the associated high-end insurance premiums. Here are the most expensive cars to insure based on an analysis of 320 models.

Maserati Quattroporte GTS GranLusso

The 2021 Maserati Quattro GTS. 

Photo: Courtesy of Maserati

4-Door Sedan Turbo
Average annual premium: $4,271
MSRP: $111,185
The Maserati Quattroporte GTS GranLusso 4-Door Sedan Turbo delivers the pedigree of a race car yet the luxury of the highest of high-end vehicles. Checking in with maximum horsepower of 530 and a top speed of more than 190 mph, this sleek ride comes with features like four-zone climate control and heated seats, natural leather upholstery, racing-inspired wheels and a cushy Maserati-developed suspension system.
The Maserati Quattroporte GTS GranLusso 4-Door Sedan Turbo lets a driver unleash their inner racer while simultaneously taking advantage of executive-level amenities.
Porsche Taycan Turbo

The Porsche Taycan Turbo. 

Photo: Courtesy of Porsche AG.

4-Door Sedan
Average annual premium: $4,117
MSRP: $152,250
Simply put, the Porsche Taycan Turbo 4-Door Sedan is a refined automotive beast. With horsepower of up to 670, this upscale machine rules the road. Aside from its sheer muscle, highlights include an advanced driver’s “cockpit,” thermally insulated glass, a pollen filter and a slew of airbags. The Porsche Taycan Turbo 4-Door Sedan can get you where you want to go in a flash—and in style.
Audi R8 5.2L V10 Quattro

The Audi R8 V10 Spyder with Quattro all-wheel drive. 

Photo: Courtesy Audi.

2-Door Coupe AWD
Average annual premium: $4,079
MSRP: $199,095
At 602 hp, the Audi R8 5.2L V10 Quattro 2-Door Coupe AWD supplies almost as much horsepower as the Kentucky Derby. Driver and passenger can zoom along in this seven-speed beauty while luxuriating in top-quality, 18-way Nappa leather seats; riding on 20-inch aluminum sport wheels; and jamming to tunes pumped out by a five-speaker, Bluetooth-enabled, SiriusXM-equipped sound system. Thanks to the V10 engine, this Audi purrs like a tiger. And the spiffy interior should keep driver and passenger purring with delight.
Related: Compare Rates On Car Insurance With EverQuote

Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4MATIC

The Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 Cabriolet. 

Photo by Cordero Studios

2-Door Convertible Turbo AWD
Average annual premium: $3,948
MSRP: $185,400
The performance and style of the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4MATIC 2-Door Convertible Turbo AWD might make your heart race. The twin-turbo V8 engine maxes out at a horsepower of 603 as it paves the way for a zero-to-60 time of 3.4 seconds. This Mercedes-Benz goes beyond being a speedy road warrior, though. The interior lives up to the price tag, featuring luxurious Nappa leather seats throughout, 12-way power seats (with massage functions) in the front, handcrafted wood trim and three-zone LED ambient lighting. It’s as if your well-appointed living room were on wheels.
BMW i8

A 2017 BMW i8 on the road. 

Photo: Courtesy BMW

2-Door Convertible Turbo Electric 
Average annual premium: $3,934
MSRP: $147,500
The BMW i8 2-Door Convertible Turbo Electric marries enviable power, exquisite style and substance, and energy conservation. This plug-in hybrid can zoom from zero to 60 in an impressive 4.6 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 155 mph. On the style and substance front, this bad boy features a Harman Kardon sound system, Apple CarPlay functionality and leather upholstery. And lastly, the BMW i8 delivers a miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) of 69.
Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 4MATIC

A 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 in action. 

Photo: Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

4-Door Utility AWD Turbo
Average annual premium: $3,933
MSRP: $157,500
The 577 hp twin-turbo V8 engine is the star of the Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 4MATIC—an engine that helps propel this utility vehicle from zero to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds. But the co-stars hold their own, including the wireless smartphone charging pad, three-zone climate control, 20-inch wheels, and heated front and rear seats. The Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 4MATIC unquestionably lends uniqueness to the utility category.
Mercedes-Benz S 560

The sleek 2021 Mercedes-Benz S560. 

Mercedes-Benz

2-Door Convertible Turbo
Average annual premium: $3,896
MSRP: $132,450
The Mercedes-Benz S 560 2-Door Convertible Turbo is both high-tech and high-end. On the high-tech side, this convertible boasts goodies like an 12.8-inch OLED infotainment screen, a 3D dash cluster and a 360-degree camera. On the high-end side, it comes with 12-way power seats, three-zone LED ambient lighting, Nappa leather upholstery and a cabin-air purification system. Not to be overlooked is the convertible’s astounding power: Twin turbos allowing horsepower of 463 and zero-to-60 acceleration in 4.5 seconds.

Nissan GT-R

The 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th anniversary model 

Nissan

2-Door Coupe Turbo
Average annual premium: $3,880
MSRP: $113,540
Hopping into the driver’s seat of the Nissan GT-R 2-Door Coupe Turbo might feel like you’ve been transported right to the racetrack. This sports car, nicknamed “Godzilla,” zips from zero to 60 in a mind-blowing 2.9 seconds courtesy of a twin-turbocharged engine that supplies horsepower of 565. As a bonus, all-wheel drive comes standard.
BMW M850i xDrive

The 2021 BMW M850i. 

Photo: Courtesy of BMW

2-Door Convertible Turbo
Average annual premium: $3,815
MSRP: $122,395
With 523 hp, the BMW M850i xDrive 2-Door Convertible Turbo isn’t horsing around. Aside from the ability to travel zero to 60 in 3.3 seconds, this convertible puts you in the lap of luxury with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, 14-way power-adjustable heated front seats and rich leather throughout the cabin. A highly desirable standard feature: all-wheel drive.
Audi RS7 Quattro

The 2021 Audi R8 Quattro. 

Audi

4-Door Sedan AWD Turbo
Average annual premium: $3,800
MSRP: $116,000
The Audi RS7 Quattro 4-Door Sedan AWD Turbo revs up the Audi lineup with both beauty and brawn. This polished machine dazzles with highlights such as leather upholstery, a two-touchscreen infotainment system and a subscription-based WiFi hotspot. As for brawn, the 591 hp engine thrusts this sedan from zero to 60 in three seconds and empowers a driver to push the pedal up to 155 mph.
How Vehicles Affect Auto Insurance Rates
The claims history of the vehicle you’re insuring can have a large impact on your auto insurance rates. If your insurer has received frequent and/or expensive claims for that model, it will increase your own rate, even if you have a great driving record.
In addition, expensive vehicles that hold high cash value lead to expensive claims when they’re totaled and collision or comprehensive insurance pays out. Note that this payout is based on the cash value of the vehicle at the time it’s totaled, not the MSRP or price you paid for it.
Compare, for example, the Maserati Quattroporte GTS GranLusso, with an average annual car insurance rate of $4,271, with the popular Toyota RAV4 at about $1,700 a year for the same amount of coverage.

Methodology
We used data from Quadrant Information Services, a provider of insurance data and analytics. Rates are based on national averages for 2021 models for a 50-year-old male driver with a clean record with liability coverage of $100,000 in bodily injury per person, $300,000 per accident and $100,000 in property damage liability, uninsured motorist coverage and any other coverage required in a state. The rate also includes collision and comprehensive coverage.

John Egan is a freelance writer, editor and content marketing strategist in Austin, Texas. His work has been published by Experian, Bankrate, National Real Estate Investor, U.S. News & World Report, Urban Land magazine and other outlets. 

Few drummers rank higher in the rock pantheon than the late Neil Peart, but music wasn’t his only passion. The Rush member, who died last year following a three-year battle with brain cancer, was also a huge car buff, and now some of the most prized rides are up for grabs.

In August, Gooding & Company will auction off a collection of cars Peart lovingly called his “Silver Surfers” on behalf of his estate. The vehicles in the collection represent some of the most sought-after Italian, British and American cars of the last 60 years. And, true to their nickname, most of them are silver.

Neil Peart’s 1970 Lamborghini Miura P400 S 

Gooding & Company

Although it’s hard to choose, the star of the “Silver Surfers” almost certainly has to be Peart’s 1970 Lamborghini Miura P400 S. Considered by some collectors to be the most beautiful production car of all time, Peart’s example—chassis 4042—features an all-silver livery, including a set of striking Campagnolo cast alloy wheels and a black leather interior. Beautifully maintained, and with an air-conditioned cabin, it’s expected to sell for between $1.2 million and $1.5 million.

Neil Peart’s 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 

Gooding & Company

Not all of the “Silver Surfers” are silver, though. Peart also owned a glossy black 1964 Shelby Cobra 289. Bought by the drummer in 2015, chassis CSX2234 still has many of its original parts—including a Ford 289 V-8 and rack and pinion steering—all of which were lovingly restored in the mid-aughts. The sleek roadster will likely hammer down for somewhere in the neighborhood of $900,000 and $1 million.
Among the other cars in the collection are James Bond’s vehicle of choice, the 1964 Aston Martin DB5. Chassis DB5/1690/R is one of just 1,000 DB5s built by the British marque and shows off a navy blue interior and period-correct Borrani wire wheels. Presale low and high estimates are $650,000 and $725,000, respectively.

Neil Peart’s 1964 Aston Martin DB5 

Gooding & Company

Peart’s 1965 Maserati Mistral Spider with an oxblood interior is no slouch, either. It’s one of just 125 convertibles built during the eight years the Mistral was in production and should fetch between $575,000 and $625,000. There’s also a 1973 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS Coupe that has an estimate of $250,000 to $300,000. Rounding out the mini collection are a gorgeous 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe and 1964 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre Coupe that could sell for as much as $160,000 and $180,000 respectively.

If today’s Tom Sawyer was a car guy, we’re sure these beauties would be all a modern-day warrior could ask for. You can bid on Peart’s “Silver Surfers” at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach sales on August 13 and 14.