70-years-of-GranTurismo

THE PUREST EXPRESSION OF GRANTURISMO

The 2018 Maserati GranTurismo has been meticulously restyled to reflect the pioneering spirit of the original GranTurismo concept, a thrilling pairing of race car sportiness with uncompromising luxury. This is a car for those who defy convention, those who dare to be different.

Whatever your ambition, whatever the distance, the 2018 Maserati GranTurismo delivers – in audacious style. Exterior details have been revised to give even more of a sense of striking, unmistakable elegance. The restyled interior picks up on the dynamic themes of the exterior; close attention has been paid to every luxurious detail to ensure excellent comfort.

70 YEARS OF GRANTURISMO

Uniquely, GranTurismo is at the heart of every single Maserati.

The original concept was enticingly simple. It involved fitting a sophisticated race car engine into a luxurious, handcrafted sedan.

Seamlessly combining these two worlds was, of course, far from simple. Yet it is exactly what Maserati did in 1947 with the A6 1500 GT Pininfarina and some years later with the 3500GT prototype: “The White Dame”. Such power had never been so beautifully packaged and delivered – opening up all kinds of new, long-distance possibilities.

Today’s GranTurismo models are direct descendants of this breakthrough innovation. They embody the irresistible allure of exotic Italian style, combined with hard-edged, race-bred performance. They offer a tantalising blend of exclusive luxury, progressive technology and surging, uncompromising power.

All with a spine-tingling soundtrack to match.

The White Dame: history of an icon

The lucky few who witnessed the achingly beautiful 3500GT out on one of its very first test runs through Modena that day were given a fleeting glimpse of what would quickly become a firm favorite amongst Italy’s celebrities and business leaders of the time.

An early morning test drive of Maserati’s first high-volume series produced Gran Turismo, shortly after its world premiere at the 1957 Salon International de l’Automobile de Genève, must have been a sight to behold.

Indeed, timing was everything. Sixty years ago, ‘The White Dame’, as the early 3500GT prototype was nicknamed, represented style, success and romance in the post-war economic boom. A symbol of hope and prosperity as well as luxury and speed in the moment – but a masterpiece in any era.

The elegant car not only consolidated Maserati’s presence in the growing grand tourer market which it helped pioneer in 1947 with the A6 1500, it also set a new benchmark for luxurious long distance travel, which many of the other top marques would soon aim to keep up with.

For 70 years, our quest has been to develop and refine a unique, pure expression of the GranTurismo concept. Follow this fascinating evolution from the late 1940’s to the present day.

-1947

A6 1500
THE FIRST MASERATI GRANTURISMO

The prototype of what can be considered the first GranTurismo – i.e. the first Maserati destined for road use and not for racing – was unveiled at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show. It was christened ‘A6’ – A in honour of Alfieri Maserati and 6 denoting its straight-six engine. Its incredible styling was the work of the renowned designer Pininfarina. Featuring a tapered two-seater cabin, three horizontal ventilation inlets on the wings and futuristic hidden headlights, the design and originality were immediately appreciated by the public.

-1957

3500 GT Vignale Spyder
A WORK OF ART

The 3500 GT coupé was launched at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show, it marked the company’s entry into the growing grand tourer market and soon became a favourite of Italy’s celebrities and business leaders. A roadster version followed in 1959 - the stunning 3500 GT Spyder Vignale, designed by Giovanni Michelotti, the leading stylist at the renowned coachbuilders, Vignale. This soft-top Maserati was a masterpiece of proportion and was described in the press as a ‘rolling work of art’.

-1970

Ghibli SS Coupé
LA DOLCE VITA

The late 1960s saw the birth of the supercar and some of the most revolutionary and breath-taking designs ever conceived. Amongst the true greats of this era was the Maserati Ghibli. Named after a Saharan wind, it was considered an automotive portrayal of ‘la dolce vita’. It featured exotic elements such as pop-up headlights, electric windows and magnesium alloy wheels. Plush sports seats, with wide ribs, rounded cushions, and a reclined driving position made this car a truly comfortable grand tourer, whilst a spacious 24 cubic foot boot and large twin fuel tanks enhanced its practicality.

-1998

3200 GT Assetto Corsa
PERFORMANCE WITH FINE CRAFTSMANSHIP

Launched in 1998, the 3200 GT was the first of a new generation of Maseratis produced under Ferrari management. Innovative and visually dramatic, it also had all the power and performance that customers expected of the marque, being capable of an impressive 174 mph and 0-62 mph in 5.1 seconds. In 2001, Maserati launched a special limited edition of the 3200 GT, named Assetto Corsa. Its interior featured perforated Connolly leather seats, sporty drilled aluminium pedals, and 'Assetto Corsa' scripts on the sill kick panels. The complexity of its upholstery was a testament to Italian expertise and fine craftsmanship in leatherwork.

Tales of our Soul

70 years of Gran Touring in 120 seconds

LAUNCH EVENT
Goodwood Festival of Speed welcomes the 2018 GranTurismo and GranCabrio

GO TO GOODWOOD

GranTurismo

PURE ITALIAN, BORN AND BRED.

GranTurismo embodies the irresistible allure of true Italian style,
combined with exhilarating, race-bred performance.

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GranCabrio

THE EXHILARATION OF THE OPEN AIR.

For those who crave the thrilling road ahead and the boundless sky above. Maserati GranCabrio: enjoy a whole new perspective.

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Introducing the 2018 Maserati GranTurismo

The White Dame: history of an icon

For 70 years, our quest has been to develop and refine a unique, pure expression of the GranTurismo concept. Follow this fascinating evolution from the late 1940’s to the present day.

Tales of our Soul