Grand Prix of France (Header image)
Maserati’s early talisman, Juan Manuel Fangio, in action aboard his A6GCM Formula 2 car at Reims in 1953. The Argentinian would fall just one second shy of victory (Mike Hawthorn won in his Ferrari) but this would be the first of Fangio’s three second places. His win in the final race of the season at Monza signalled that times were changing in the drivers’ championship. Ascari won this one, but Fangio would go on to become unbeatable for the following four years.

Scroll forward to the present, and his surname is synonymous with exotic GTs and illustrious racing cars. Alfieri and his siblings forged a legend, one that cannot be distilled into an attention-grabbing soundbite. For all the trackside glory and showroom success, there have been just as many calamities, pratfalls and bankruptcy hearings. It’s what makes the Maserati narrative so compelling: the soap opera boomerangs of serial ownership, Italy’s political machinations and the pressure of outside forces have shaped one long fantastical yarn, one that is festooned with enthralling details.

As Maserati celebrates its 100th year, it is chasing new markets (think of a Modenese SUV, and then stop thinking) and German opposition in the premium saloon car sector. It craves big numbers and there is every possibility that it will give rivals a bloody nose. That said, the old guard is understandably concerned about Maserati’s cross-pollination with ‘lesser’ brands, and with good reason, but Maserati has rarely been on a firmer footing in its entire existence.