Unveiled at the 2004 Geneva motor show, it was a very exclusive mid-engine model originally intended to be hand-built in just 25 units, all of which sold-out before its launch. Due to the MC12’s considerable success, immediately followed up with numerous victories in the FIA’s GT1 class, a second batch of 25 cars was built in 2005.

Designed for high level road use, the MC12 exceeded 330 kmh at full throttle, sprinting from 0 to 100 kmh in just 3.8 seconds. The MC12 benefited from the Ferrari-Maserati Group’s most advanced technologies and competition experience. Its naturally aspirated 6 litre V12 punched out 465 kW at 7500 rpm, yet offered absolutely excellent drivability, remaining exceptionally lively and fluid even at low engine speeds. An aluminium crankcase, titanium con-rods and extremely efficient fourvalve cylinder heads were all part of its design. Four gear-driven overhead camshafts provided perfect timing control. The unit was mated to Maserati’s proven six-speed Cambiocorsa transmission, offering computerised gear selection. In Race mode, the system was mapped to deliver much faster gear changes and to activate the ASR.

The MC12’s independent wishbone front and rear suspension with anti-dive and anti-squat geometries and push-rod set-up offered an extremely progressive suspension response for exceptionally precise handling in all conditions. The stress-bearing chassis was made from a carbon fibre and Nomex honeycomb sandwich, while the two-seater coupé/spyder bodywork was constructed entirely from carbon fibre, and featured a removable hard top. The car’s styling was developed in the wind tunnel from an idealoriginally from Giugiaro by Maserati’s own technicians with the invaluable contribution of Frank Stephenson, then in charge of the Ferrari Maserati Group’s Concept Design and Development department. Intensive wind tunnel testing and advanced mathematical computations, combined with work on the track and on the road resulted in an extraordinarily efficient shape that exudes power and personality. All air intakes, vents and other aerodynamic components had been designed to optimise the car’s internal fluid dynamics and air flows to ensure optimal downforce (vertical load) and aerodynamic efficiency values. The whole underside of the car had been faired in and sealed with the fitting of two generous diffusers for maximum ground effect.

The MC12 was Maserati’s first mid-engine road-legal GT since 1982. In June 2004, Maserati’s CEO Martin Leach personally demonstrated the car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Among the lucky few worldwide clients was Jason Kay, lead singer of British pop band Jamiroquai.