Celebrating 100 Years of Maserati in Japan

In 1914, in Bologna, Italy, three brothers founded a sports car manufacturer.—The name was Maserati. Over its long history, the company has produced numerous legendary cars, both for racing and the road. This year, marking its centenary, a ceremony was held at the twilight setting of Zojo-ji Temple to celebrate this milestone with passionate Maserati fans in Japan.

Eight legendary Maseratis, symbolizing the brand's history, were gathered within the temple grounds. Among them, the "A6 1500 Pininfarina," unveiled in 1947, was Maserati's first road model. It represents the first Maserati GT and the origin of all subsequent models to this day.



Also present were the first-generation "Quattroporte," beloved by many prominent figures, and the "Bora," a familiar sight to those who experienced the supercar boom. The exhibition was made possible through the cooperation of the Maserati Club of Japan, and all vehicles were in impeccable condition. Such a gathering of historic models is a rare sight, even on a global scale.

The event commenced as dusk settled, with the day's heat still lingering. Mr. Fabio Cannizzari, Representative of Maserati Japan, expressed his gratitude to the many Maserati fans gathered. Two models then made their Japan premiere for this special evening.

Following its world premiere at theNew York Auto Showthis April, the 100th-anniversary model,Centennial Special Edition, was unveiled.

Two Centennial Special Editions Make Their Japan Premiere

The Maserati 100th Anniversary Centennial Special Edition models are based on the four-seater coupé, Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale, and the four-seater convertible, Maserati GranCabrio MC.

Both models feature special exterior colors that enhance their exclusivity. Among the seven available colors, the new shades "Blu Incrosto" and "Grigio Pietra," along with "Rosso Magma" applied to the GranTurismo on display, utilize a special three-layer structure. Their brilliance and deep hues are befitting of a special model. The alloy wheels, available in five designs, are all fitted with center ornaments specific to the Centennial edition.

The interior is equally distinguished, with exclusive materials coordinated to match the selected body color. For instance, selecting "Rosso Magma" pairs the interior with black leather and rosso stitching. The piping on the carpets and the design lines on the seats also feature stitching in the same color, adding an accent that unifies the cabin and imparts a sporty feel.



Both models are powered by a V8 DOHC engine delivering a maximum output of 460 hp, paired with a 6-speed MC Shift gearbox with AT shift capability. The GranTurismo MC Stradale, with a top speed of 303 km/h, is truly Maserati's fastest road car. The GranCabrio MC boasts a top speed of 289 km/h, making these limited editions fitting representatives of Maserati's powerful 100-year journey.

Mr. Cannizzari also announced the Japanese pricing: the "GranTurismo MC Stradale Centennial Special Edition" will be ¥23.47 million, and the "GranCabrio MC Centennial Special Edition" will be ¥24.24 million. Global deliveries are scheduled to commence in October. A total of twelve units are planned for Japan, with six of each model.

100th Anniversary Relay: The Maserati Centenary Journey Connects Tokyo and Kyoto

The event reached its climax with a special illumination of the nearby Tokyo Tower to celebrate Maserati's 100th anniversary.

The chosen color was blue, Maserati's corporate color. As the beautifully illuminated blue Tokyo Tower, displaying the number "100," appeared against the night sky, applause erupted from the venue. Its captivating glow seemed to foreshadow Maserati's bright future.



Following this night event on July 22nd, a "100th Anniversary Relay: The Maserati Centenary Journey" will commence on the 23rd, starting from Zojo-ji Temple in Tokyo and proceeding to Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto. This journey is a tribute to Maserati's century of endeavors, involving the careful hand-transport of a special Maserati tea set as a dedication to Kiyomizu-dera, praying for renewed prosperity in the next 100 years.

This rally will involve approximately ten vehicles, including the "Bora" that was part of the historical exhibition, and is scheduled to conclude on July 24th. On the evening of the 24th, after a ceremony at Kiyomizu-dera's stage to present the dedication items, a highlight performance of the Italian opera masterpiece "Madama Butterfly" will be held as a commemorative concert at the same venue.