A selection of classic and contemporary Maseratis led New York City’s 66th annual Columbus Day Parade up Fifth Avenue on October 11, 2010. Tens of thousands of New Yorkers had an opportunity to see and hear the historic cars from Modena while five distinct examples of the new GranCabrio carried parade honorees. Among the Maserati’s travelling up 5th Avenue were some of the very special units which created the legend of the Modenese brand.
The first is a 1929 Maserati V4 Spyder, powered by a 16-cylinder engine; this car set the world's speed record of 152.9 mph in 1929. It was rebodied in 1931 by Zagato (the second one in the picture) as a road-going sports car and in 2003 was the class winner of Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance.
The third is a 1955 Maserati A6G54 GT Frua Berlinetta; at Turin Motor Show Car, 1955, it was sold to Italian music legend Domenico Modugno. In 2003 was the Best of Show in Villa d'Este Concours.
The fourth is a 1956 Maserati 300S, winner of the 1956 Venezuelan Grand Prix driven by Sterling Moss and later acquired by 5 time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio. In 1999 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance was the class winner.
The last one is a 1970 Ghibli SS Spyder: this is one of 25 built, this unit carried 2010 Columbus Day honoree driven by Maria Bartiromo.
In conjunction with this event, a 2011 Maserati GranCabrio was on view in a unique exhibition in Grand Central Terminal until October 15. The Maserati GranCabrio combines exceptional performance with timeless style and craftsmanship while comfortably accommodating four adults in open air luxury.
Maserati is partnering with the Columbus Citizens Foundation in a raffle of this GranCabrio in recognition and support of the Foundation’s scholarship programs and of the company’s own heritage. Please visit www.columbusraffle.com for raffle details and rules. Proceeds of the raffle will benefit the Columbus Citizens Foundation’s scholarship funds. The Foundation is a non-profit organization in New York City that provides financial aid to deserving students from elementary school through graduate school levels and organizes events that promote Italian-American heritage and culture. In 2010, the Foundation is providing financial aid to over 600 students. The Foundation has organized New York City’s Columbus Day Parade since 1929.

The photo of the vintage cars led by the 1929/31 Maserati V16 should be credited to Anita and Steve Shevett, Courtesy the Columbus Citizens Foundation.

The photo of the GranCabrio should be credited to Vito Catano, Courtesy the Columbus Citizens Foundation.