Maserati is an Italian luxury car manufacturer that has a long and storied history in the automotive industry. Founded in Bologna, Italy, in 1914 by the Maserati brothers – Alfieri, Ettore, and Ernesto – the company initially focused on producing racing cars.
The Maserati brothers’ passion for racing led them to create innovative and high-performance automobiles. In 1926, the company built its first car, the Tipo 26, which debuted in the Targa Florio race. It achieved immediate success, winning its class. Maserati continued to develop racing cars and achieved numerous victories in prestigious competitions, including the Indianapolis 500 and the Grand Prix.
In the 1930s, Maserati faced financial difficulties and went through several ownership changes. In 1937, the Orsi family took over the company and relocated its headquarters to Modena, Italy. Under new ownership, Maserati expanded its production to include road cars alongside their racing models.
After World War II, Maserati regained its focus on racing and developed several legendary cars, such as the 250F, which won the Formula One World Championship in 1957 with Juan Manuel Fangio behind the wheel. The 1950s and 1960s marked a successful period for Maserati, both on the track and in terms of road car production.
In the late 1960s, Maserati faced financial difficulties once again and was acquired by Citroën in 1968. The French company infused new resources into Maserati and introduced technological advancements. During this period, Maserati produced notable models like the Bora and the Merak.
However, in the 1970s, Citroën itself experienced financial problems and was taken over by Peugeot. As a result, Maserati was sold to an Italian state-owned company called GEPI in 1975. In 1977, the company was acquired by Alejandro de Tomaso, an Argentinian entrepreneur, who brought stability and investment to Maserati.
Under de Tomaso’s ownership, Maserati expanded its model range and launched successful cars like the Biturbo and the Quattroporte. In the 1990s, Maserati experienced further ownership changes, with the company becoming part of Fiat Group (now Stellantis) in 1993. This led to collaborations with other luxury car manufacturers, including Ferrari, which helped Maserati develop new models and access advanced technology.
In recent years, Maserati has continued to produce high-performance luxury cars, including the GranTurismo, the Ghibli, and the Levante. The company has also embraced hybrid technology and announced plans to electrify its entire lineup by 2025.
Throughout its history, Maserati has maintained a reputation for producing elegant and powerful cars that blend style, luxury, and performance. The brand’s rich racing heritage and commitment to craftsmanship have made Maserati a respected name in the automotive industry.
