If you are fortunate enough to celebrate a centenary, Maserati definitely sets the standard for how to capture all 100 years in an amazing display. It took a lot of coordination, a lot of participants, and a lot of zeal about the brand to accomplish a three-day extravaganza that highlighted so much beauty and excellence in the automotive industry. If you happened to miss it, we’ll give you a quick breakdown of how the Trident spent its time just two weeks ago.
Day One: Motoring in Modena
The Maserati Centennial International Gathering began in Modena, Italy, which has been the headquarters for the automaker since 1940. As vintage and modern models converged on this small Italian city, more than 500 collectors and clients had the privilege to enjoy the sights and sounds of 200 of Maserati’s finest. Once they were all lined up in the Piazza Grande – covered in shadow from the Ghirlandina, the iconic white stone bell tower of Modena – they all began a pilgrimage to Via de’ Pepoli nearl Bologna, which was where the company first opened for business on 1 December 1914.
In Via de’ Pepoli, the participants received a guided tour of the factory at Viale Ciro Menotti, the place the Italian automaker has occupied since moving from Bologna; it is here that the GranTurismo and GranCabrio are manufactured.
Day Two: Touring to Turin
A regularity competition started off the second day, only for those who chose to participate, at the San Martino del Lago circuit just a short trip from the city of Cremona. And, in fact, just a few miles from this track lies the road where Baconin Borzacchini set the first world record for Maserati on 28 September 1929. He attained this by driving a 16-cylinder V4 up to 152.86 mph.
That record stood for eight years.
That evening, at the Reggia di Venaria Reale, Maserati CEO Harald Wester hosted a gala dinner in the same room that the Duke of Savoy used to entertain guests in 1675. Others in attendance included Fiat Chrysler Group CEO and Maserati chairman Sergio Marchionne.
“Maserati will never be a giant. It will never be the biggest producer of automobiles in the world, but it will be, simply, the best,” he said at one point during the dinner.
Day Three: Tearing up Turin
This third, and final, day centered on the city of Turin, with the final segment of the regularity competition followed by a climb to the Basilica of Superga, the 300-year-old church that rises far above the city.
These fortunate 500 then toured Maserati’s newst factory in Grugliascio, the Giovanni Agnelli plant. It is here that the Ghibli and Quattroporte are built.
They all droge into the heat of Turin for a concours d’elegance.
Shout-out to the Maserati Mexico 4200 Prototype Frua for winning the Best of Show award.
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