|
On December 1st,
1914 Alfieri Maserati founded "Società Anonima Officine Alfieri Maserati", on
Via de' Pepoli 11 in Bologna. The company specialised in preparing cars for road
competitions.
This date marks the beginning of the history of one of the most
glorious marques in the automotive world.
The company would become world famous for its international racing success
and for producing cars which have later become milestones for their technology
as well as for their innovative and refined Italian style.
The first Maserati was the Tipo 26, which immediately gained a win in its class
at the Targa Florio in 1926. With this victory came the symbol of Maserati, the
Trident, which was designed by Mario Maserati.
Mario was an artist and a painter and didn't share the same passion for cars as
his brothers. His inspiration came to him while painting the Neptune statue in
Bologna's main square Piazza Maggiore.
The company moved to Modena in 1939 to the now historical site at Viale Ciro
Menotti 322 and, after being re-launched by Ferrari, Maserati now reaches
another important goal, by preparing to celebrate its 90 years with a unique
event.
Celebration
The celebration will take place on 17th, 18th and 19th September with cars going
on a route which will unite Milan and Rome, stopping at the factory in Modena.
Three groups of cars will participate:
- "90 Years in History": 90 Maserati Spyder and Coupé models from the current
range, will be decorated to commemorate an important international event for
each of the last 90 years. For example, the year 1969 will be represented by
man's first landing on the moon.
- "Classic Tour": Pre 1984 Maserati cars which will include some of the most
memorable models in the history of the Trident marque.
- "Celebrity Tour": An opportunity for Maserati owners to join the event, from
Modena to Rome at the wheel of their own car.
Such a special event could not have taken place without the support of
Maserati's key partners, a group of prestigious companies, each of them leader
in their own field, sharing the same core values as Maserati. The event sponsors
are: Pirelli, Audemars Piguet, 3M, Barilla. The official suppliers are
Ermenegildo Zegna, Cavalieri Hilton, Laurent Perrier, Carrozzeria Campana, Mario
Neri.
The programme
Friday, September 17: cars from the "Classic Tour" category will arrive in
Modena and visit the factory before driving to Mugello. The same day, in Milan,
the "90 Years in History" category, will parade across the city up to Piazza del
Duomo.
Saturday, September 18: the "Classic Tour" group will compete in a regularity
race: the Trofeo 90° Maserati. Meanwhile the "90 Years in History" cars coming
from Milan, will stop in Modena to visit the factory, where they will be joined
by the third group the "Celebrity Tour".
At the end of all these activities all cars will leave for Rome, where the
Audemars-Piguet gala dinner will be held at Villa Miani: on this occasion a
limited edition watch which celebrates the 90 years of Maserati will be
announced.
Sunday, September 19: all the cars will parade in Rome, following two different
routes, before they all meet in Piazza del Popolo. The event will finish in the
afternoon. |
|
