Maserati Enthusiasts' Page

The Enthusiasts' Page
	All things 'Maserati'. News of forthcoming models, owner's cars, tips, 'Marque' reunions and the odd touch of humour! In fact anything of interest to the 'Maseratista'. So if you have any news about Maseratis or have anything owners and enthusiasts should know, send details to enricomaserati@btinternet.com	Virtual Maserati clock by toolshell.org

You can click on some pictures for a better view!!

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From 24 Hrs of Spa

MASERATIS IN POLE POSITION

Alex Müller claimed pole position in the number 2 Vitaphone Maserati MC 12, his second pole in a row after Oschersleben. He lead a Vitaphone Maserati MC 12 one-two-three, with Alessandro Pierguidi setting the number 33 Vitaphone Racing Team DHL car in second on the grid, while Andrea Bertolini placed the number 1 Vitaphone Racing Team in third. The Vitaphone Racing Team line-up for GT1 Car N.1 - Bartels/Bertolini/Sarrazin/Negraõ, Vitaphone Racing Team Car N.2 - Ramos/Müller/Van De Poele/Lamy, Vitaphone Racing Team Car N.33 - Pier Guidi/Lemeret/Vosse/Rosenblad, Vitaphone Racing Team DHL You can follow the 24 Hrs of Spa live at http://gt1live.tv/. The Maserati line-up for GT4 European Cup - Spa-Francorchamps Car #1 Team Gianni Guidici (ITA) - Car: Maserati Trofeo - Driver: Gianni Guidici (ITA) Car #2 Team Gianni Guidici (ITA) - Car: Maserati Trofeo - Driver: Andrea Perlini (ITA) Car #40 Team AF Corse (ITA) - Car: Maserati GranTurismo MC - Driver: Cédric Sbirrazuoli (MON) GT4 Race 1 Results: 2nd #40 Maserati GranTurismo MC GT4 - Sbirrazuoli/Case 7th #1 Maserati Trofeo - Guidici 9th #2 Maserati Trofeo - Perlini GT4 Race 2 Results: 6th #40 Maserati GranTurismo MC GT4 - Sbirrazuoli/Case 11th #2 Maserati Trofeo - Perlini D.N.F. #1 Maserati Trofeo - Guidici






From www.russiatoday.com

MASERATI ALMOST CONQUERS THE ADRIATIC

21 July 2009 Coastguard services have prevented what could well have been the first conquest of the sea by world-famous Maserati cars. It was probably the Neptune's trident used in the Maserati logo that gave Marco Amoretti and Marcolino de Candia, two daring 50-year-old Italians, the idea to refurbish the Maserati Biturbo into a boat. Not only did they fulfill the unusual idea of creating "Miriam", the first ever waterproof car-boat, but they also set sail from the resort of Bocca di Magra. However, as italian ANSA reports, their journey was cut short, when local coast guards seized the inventors, as they docked for a meal near a local restaurant. They were fined hundreds of euros and ordered to remove Miriam from the water. According to their own statement, the two believed the car's travel test would empower it for sea travel, and planned to go on all-Italy cruise circumnavigating from Bocca di Magra on Italy's western coast to Venice on the eastern. Ananova also reports claims that in 1999 Amoretti and de Candia traveled across the Atlantic Ocean - from the Canary Islands to Martinique - in a converted Ford Taunus and a Volkswagen Passat.

The Biturbo rules the waves - well almost!!






From Ary-Hans in The Netherlands

MASERATI 2-LITRE GHIBLI GT

"Hello Enrico, I have a Maserati Ghibli GT 2.0 from 1996. Identification number ZAM336B0000361???. It has now covered 88,000 km and is in concours condition. It was delivered from the factory in a special dark blue colour and a light grey interior. The previous owner told me that the car was updated at the factory in 2000. I have 2 questions: - How many cars of this type were made ? - How many do you think are still on the road ? With kind regards, Ary-Hans."

"Hi Ary-Hans, Thank you for your email and the photos. According to factory records, between 1992 and 1997, production of the 2.0-litre Ghibli reached a total of 1157 units in over 5 years. Between 1992 and 1994 there were 428 series one 2-litre Ghiblis produced. Between 1994 and 1995, there were 308 2-litre Ghibli M.Y.94s produced, between 1995 and 1996 there were 255 2-litre Ghibli M.Y.95s produced, and between 1996 and 1997 there were 166 2-litre Ghibli GTs produced. There were also 4 other 2-litre models of the Ghibli produced during that period; the Ghibli K.S. (actual numbers produced are not known as the "K.S. performance kit" could be fitted to Ghibli M.Y.94 cars or later by both the factory and Maserati concessionaires), the Ghibli Open Cup (25), the Ghibli Cup (60) and the Ghibli Primatist (60). I do not know if the production numbers for these models are included in the overall 2-litre Ghibli production figure of 1157 units. A change in Italian law for calculating the road fund licence (it was no longer calculated on engine size but on brake horsepower), meant that there was no longer any financial advantage to home market buyers in producing the 2-litre models, so production was ended in 1997. It is very difficult to ascertain how many 2-litre Ghibli GTs have survived. In fact it's difficult to know how many of the original 1157 2-litre Ghiblis are still around, as some may have been written-off through road accidents, and because of their relatively low resale value, others may have been broken up to be resold for spare parts. This is something no one can know. Perhaps someone ought to organise an International Maserati Ghibli II Meeting in the near furure! Regards, Enrico."

I'm trying to put together a database of 2-litre left-hand drive Ghiblis from 1992 to 1997, so if you drive one of these Ghiblis please contact me at enricomaserati@btinternet.com, thank you.

Ary-Hans' 2-litre Ghibli GT

Ary-Hans' 2-litre Ghibli GT at the Museum De Cruquius ...		... and Steam Pumping Station






From Newspress in the UK

MASERATI GB PROUDLY SUPPORTS BRITISH GOLFER JUSTIN ROSE

As the curtain raises today on the 2009 Open Championship at Turnberry, in Scotland, Maserati GB is proud to announce its support of British golfer Justin Rose. Justin, who drives a Maserati Quattroporte S when in the UK, arrived from the US last week, and had an extremely busy schedule in the running up to the Open Championship. On Wednesday 8th July at the prestigious Stoke Park Club in Buckinghamshire, the inaugural ‘Justin Rose Tradition Charity Golf Day’ took place, raising a staggering figure of £176,000 for Cancer Research UK. The format for the day saw 80 golfers take part in a celebrity Pro-Am, with celebrities and sponsors chauffeured around in a fleet of Maserati Quattroportes and GranTurismos. Captains such as Tim Henman, Jodie Kidd, Matt Dawson and Bruce Forsyth CBE, all lead their teams into battle on the golf course. Following the golf, over 120 guests enjoyed the evening entertainment in a glamorous marquee on the lawns of Stoke Park where auctioneer Jonny Gould brilliantly persuaded bidders to continually increase their offers for the ‘money can't buy' prizes. The charity day is an event that Justin had been dreaming of organising for some time and was delighted to see so many friends, family and supporters coming together for the occasion. The day itself was all about raising as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK, a charity very close to Justin, who lost is father to leukaemia, and his wife Kate, whose mother died of breast cancer. Cancer Research UK is the world's leading charity dedicated to cancer research. In 2007/08 they spent almost £44 million on breast cancer research alone, making them the largest single funder of breast cancer research in the UK. They also support a broad spectrum of research into leukaemia in adults and children. This includes laboratory studies into the biology and genetic basis of leukaemia, as well as testing new treatments in patients.

Justin Rose with the new Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic		The new Maserati Quattroporte S at Stoke Park Golf Club

From left to right: Bruce Forsyth, Les Ferdinand, Justin Rose, Jodie Kidd and Anton du Beke pose in front of the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic.

Text and photos courtesy of Maserati

Film buffs might be interested to know that the famous "Odd Job" bowler hat scene in the Bond film "Goldfinger" was filmed at Stoke Park Golf Club.






From Jerry at SM World in the USA

"Hello Enrico, I Googled your name with Maserati and found your web site. Great site ! Very informative. Yes, you can publish photos of the Bonneville Race car, tow truck and trailer. The 202 MPH was not recent. It was a new Bonneville Land Speed Record set in 1987, and set by my wife, Sylvia. It is still in the record book. The car's fastest speed was 206 MPH average over a mile, on a qualifying run the day before the record attempt. You can Google Bonneville Land Speed Racing and Bonneville 200 MPH Club for more info. Thank you, Jerry."

The Hathaway Citroen SM Pick-up support vehicle		The Hathaway Citroen Race SM on display

Jerry Hathaway's beautifully engineered Citroen Race SM

Photos courtesy of Jerry and Sylvia Hathaway

SM Record of Sylvia and Jerry Hathaway In 1987, a Citroen SM, with the V6 Maserati engine, specially prepared by Jerry Hathaway, and driven by his wife Sylvia, drove over the salt lake at Bonneville and dry lake at El Mirage (US) reaching a top speed of 202.301 mph (323,682 kph). The car was equipped with twin Air Research T 104 turbochargers and Holley Type 850 carburettors. The clutch was similar to that used on the Maserati Bora. The hydropneumatic suspension system operated on a lower pressure than standard, with the front and rear suspension adopting separate systems, with the high pressure pump and supply being repositioned at the rear of the car behind the driver. A braking parachute was attached to the rear bumper; with this parachute it was possible to slow the SM down from 320 kph to 60 kph in under 50 metres. SM Pick-up Jerry Hathaway of SM World in California also converted an SM into a Pick-up in 1986. Although the car maintained its original design, it was 30 cm longer than the standard SM.






From Roberto in Canada

"Hello Enrico, As you so often hear with due credit, you have an awesome site! About recommended oils... I have been using the Castrol (100%) Syntec (Canada and US) 5W/50 for the last 12 years and over 60,000 km (oil change every 5,000 KM) in my 1988 2.0-litre Spyder. To this day with a total of 115,000 km, it has been top. I still have a top running engine with no oil burn. I've dropped the oil pan to check for sludge/gunk and amazed to find next to none. Just thought I'd let you know from a long term owner that has only "tested" this oil. Cheers, Roberto. P.S. As requested, here are some pics of my car. Excuse the dog... The leather can handle the dog quite well!"

Roberto's Maserati Biturbo i Spyder and friend Kady!






From Bob in the USA

"Hi Enrico, Here's a Youtube video of what is a Ghibli Open Cup Evo at the track? www.youtube.com. Bob."






From Andy in the UK

"Hi Enrico! My AM115 4.7-Litre Maserati Ghibli is left-hand drive and was first registered in Switzerland in 1969. I've attached a picture of the car on the last trip we took up to Whitby and the North Yorkshire Moors before the stripdown began. I have very few good photos (I'm no David Bailey that's for sure) I've attached an extra couple here. I do have better ones from other websites (themotor.net, ferrarimondial.net and Octane Magazine) who took photos of my car when we visited the Autoitalia show at Gaydon last year. They are much better than my poor efforts but I realise there may be copyright issues to consider. Let me know if you would like to see them. Best regards Andy."

Andy's Maserati Ghibli on the North Yorkshire Moors






From Erik in Norway

MASERATI GHIBLI 1a serie

"Hello Enrico! Hope you are well! I want to share with you and fellow Maserati enthusiast pictures taken by a proffesional Norwegian Photographer Martin Johansen at Autophoto.no. Best regards, Erik."

©Martin Johansen		©Martin Johansen

©Martin Johansen Erik's Maserati Ghibli 1a serie		©Martin Johansen

©Martin Johansen		©Martin Johansen

©Martin Johansen		©Martin Johansen

©Martin Johansen		©Martin Johansen

©Martin Johansen		©Martin Johansen

©Martin Johansen		©Martin Johansen

©Martin Johansen		©Martin Johansen

©Martin Johansen		©Martin Johansen






From Newspress in the UK

MASERATI GB PRESENTS BOYLE39 LIMITED EDITION POLO SHIRT

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 victory of the Maserati 8CTF number 2 car driven by Wilbur Shaw, Maserati is proud to present the new Boyle39 polo shirt. In heavy cotton with strong herringbone braid trims, the Maserati Boyle39 shirt carries unique patches and badges, including: the silver Trident on a grey background on the right shoulder inspired by the one featured on the powerful supercharged 3-litre engine; the name Maserati in 1930s lettering on the shoulders, taken from the official documents of the time; the oval on the chest, identical to the one on the bonnet of the 8CTF, and the number 2, the very number with which in 1939 Shaw won the prestigious American race. The Maserati Boyle39 polo shirt, worn here by supermodel, Maserati racing driver and polo player Jodie Kidd at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, goes on sale today with a retail price of £120. Produced in a limited edition of just 200 pieces – the number of laps completed by the winner of the Indy 500 - it can be ordered exclusively at Maserati dealerships.

The Maserati Boyle39 limited edition polo shirt		The Maserati Boyle39 limited edition polo shirt

Supermodel Jodie Kidd wearing the Maserati Boyle39 limited edition polo shirt whilst driving the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

Text and photos courtesy of Maserati






From Newspress in the UK

MASERATI GRANTURISMO S AUTOMATIC AND QUATTROPORTE SPORT GTS MAKE THEIR UK DEBUT AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

The 150,000 spectators at the Goodwood Festival of Speed were treated to an amazing sight as an extraordinary array of over 30 supercars kicked off the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Amongst them were the Trident Marque’s two latest additions: the GranTurismo S Automatic and the Quattroporte Sport GTS, both at their UK debut. Celebrity Chef and car collector James Martin was first on the start line behind the wheel of a GranTurismo S Automatic on Friday. The new Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features a 4.7 litre V8 which develops 440HP, 490Nm of torque and reaches 62mph from standstill in five seconds flat. James then handed over the keys to supermodel and TV presenter Jodie Kidd, who shared the GranTurismo cabin with Major Phil Packer for the hillclimb on Sunday. “I met Phil a few weeks ago at a charity event for the NSPCC,” said Jodie after flying up the hill, “and we immediately clicked. He’s an immensely brave man and his efforts to support both the NSPCC and Help for Heroes are outstanding.” Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason drove the latest incarnation of Maserati’s iconic flagship saloon, the Quattroporte Sport GTS. Conceived and developed as “a real driving machine in the guise of a luxury saloon”, the Quattroporte Sport GT S features the new V8 4.7 litre engine with increased power output (440bhp), specific gear-shifting software, front and rear suspension with single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and lower ride height. Its sports exhaust, controlled by pneumatic valves and enhanced by large twin-oval tailpipes, accounts for its deep, throaty and captivating sound which enthralled the Goodwood crowd. Prices start at £84,395 for the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic and £89,865 for the Quattroporte Sport GTS.

James Martin drives the new GranTurismo S Automatic at Goodwood Festival of Speed		Nick Mason and AA Gill in the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GTS

Jodie Kidd with Major Phil Packer onboard a Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic

Text and photos courtesy of Maserati






From Enrico in the UK

Total 24 Hours of Spa - 25/26 July 2009

Rumours abounding in the motoring press suggest that the Vitaphone Racing Team will be entering three Maserati MC12s for this year's Total 24 Hours of Spa. The three Maseratis will be driven by; Michael Bartels, Andrea Bertolini, Stéphane Sarrazin and Alexandre Negrão - Alex Müller, Miguel Ramos, Pedro Lamy and Eric van de Poele - Carl Rosenblad, Alessandro Pier Guidi, Vincent Vosse and Stéphane Lémeret. After last year's one-two finish, we wish them the very best of luck for this year!

2008: The Bertolini/Bartels/Sarrazin/Van De Poele Vitaphone Racing Maserati MC12 takes the chequered flag		2008: The Vitaphone Racing drivers take first and second spot on the podium






From Mario in the USA

The Riverside International Automotive Museum revisited

"Hello Enrico! I went to the RIAM today and took some more pictures. I'll send them if you want them. Thanks, Maserati Mario."






From Saulius in Lithuania

"Hi Enrico, Having been a regular visitor to your site for several years. Great web page, good job. Few weeks ago I finished my Maserati web page. It’s still very poor, but hopefully one day…. My personal cars is Maserati Ghibli M.Y. 94 and Biturbo 84. My knowledge in Lithuania we got ~ 25 Maserati cars. Half of them Biturbo series. With the best wishes for all Maseratisti out there from Lithuania, Saulius."

Saulius' Ghibli takes a winter trip to Finland		The Ghibli meets a low flying aircraft

Maserati Ghibli plus Boletus Edulis		Maserati Biturbo behind closed doors!





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