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On December 1st, 1914 Alfieri Maserati founded "Società Anonima Officine Alfieri
Maserati", then located in Via de’ Pepoli 11 in Bologna. The company specialised
in preparing cars for road competitions. This date marks the beginning of the
history of one of the most glorious marques in the automotive world. The company
that would become world famous for its international racing success and for
producing cars which have later become milestones for their technology as well
as for their innovative and refined Italian style.
The first Maserati was the Tipo 26, which immediately gained a win in its
class at the Targa Florio in 1926. With this victory came the symbol of
Maserati, the Trident, which was designed by Mario Maserati. Mario was an artist
and a painter and didn’t share the same passion for cars as his brothers. His
inspiration came to him while painting the Neptune statue in Bologna main square
Piazza Maggiore.
After moving to Modena in 1939, to the now historical site of Viale Ciro
Menotti 322, and, more recently, after being relaunched by Ferrari, Maserati now
reaches another important goal, by preparing to celebrate its 90 years with a
unique event.
Celebrations will take place on September 17, 18 and 19 this year, with cars
going on a route which will unite Milan and Rome, stopping at the factory in
Modena. Three groups of cars will participate:
-“90 Years in History”: 90 Maserati Spyder and Coupé models from the current
range, will be decorated to commemorate an important international event of the
last 90 years. For example, the year 1969 will be represented by man’s first
landing on the moon.
-“Classic Tour”: Pre 1984 Maserati cars, which will include some of the most
memorable models in the history of the Trident marque.
-“Celebrity Tour”: An opportunity for Maserati owners to join the event, from
Modena to Rome at the wheel of their own car.
Such a special event could not have taken place without the kind support of
Maserati’s key partners: a group of prestigious companies, each of them leader
in their own field, sharing the same core values as Maserati. The event sponsors
are: Pirelli, Audemars Piguet, 3M, Barilla. The official suppliers are
Ermenegildo Zegna, Cavalieri Hilton, Laurent Perrier, Carrozzeria Campana, Mario
Neri.
The programme:
Friday, September 17: cars from the "Classic Tour" category will
arrive in Modena and visit the factory before driving to Mugello. The same day,
in Milan, the "90 Years in History" category, will parade across the city up to
Piazza del Duomo.
Saturday, September 18: the "Classic Tour" group will compete in a
regularity race: the Trofeo 90° Maserati. Meanwhile the "90 Years in History"
cars coming from Milan, will stop in Modena to visit the factory, where they
will be joined by the third group the "Celebrity Tour". At the end of all these
activities all cars will leave for Rome, where the Audemars-Piguet gala dinner
will be held at Villa Miani: on this occasion a limited edition watch which
celebrates the ninety years of Maserati will be announced.
Sunday, September 19: all the cars will parade in Rome, following
two different routes, before they all meet in Piazza del Popolo. The event will
finish in the afternoon.
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