Maserati Adds Spice to Monterey
Steals the Show at The Quail; Delights Owners with Rally to Historics

More: Maserati Adds Spice to Monterey | Maserati MC12: Third Straight Championship Season! | Special year-end lease and finance opportunities on 2007 Quattroportes

As predicted in Maserati Monthly 26, the GranTurismo proved to be the stand-out exhibit at the events surrounding the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Crowds thronged to see the ground-breaking sports coupe on its first appearance on the West Coast. Maserati was prominent at the headline events of Monterey Week: The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering, The Monterey Historic Races at Laguna Seca, and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance itself.

The Quail, a Motorsports gathering, is the most exclusive event in Monterey. Its highly prized tickets are strictly limited in number, its gourmet food and drink are renowned, and its collection of themed motorsports displays are the finest imaginable. Maserati is now a fixture at this marvelous event, this year showing both Quattroportes and the incomparable GranTurismo, making its public debut on the West Coast. People waited patiently for an opportunity to slide behind the wheel of the GranTurismo, and thanks to Maserati North America and its California dealers, a lucky group had the opportunity to drive a number of Quattroportes. This was the hit of the event, with the super sedans constantly in use, their engine note ringing out in the valley. The Maserati enclosure was a must-see destination for true enthusiasts, including noted aficionado Jay Leno, who spent some time in conversation with Jim Selwa, president of Maserati North America.

At the Monterey Historic race meeting Maserati arranged very exclusive gourmet refreshments and full hospitality for its owners who took part in the inaugural Maserati Rally to the Historics, presented by Nespresso. The Rally was oversubscribed, but this was to the benefit of The Painted Turtle, a Hole in the Wall Camp for seriously ill children, which received all participation fees. Beginning with breakfast at the gracious Bernardus Lodge, Maserati owners enjoyed a rollicking rally around the spectacular Carmel Valley, including some of the most challenging roads the area has to offer. Brunch at the Bernardus Winery included a silent auction for good causes, and all participants received lovely keepsakes including a Microsoft Zune media player. With a police escort, the rallyists next headed to the track at Laguna Seca where they relaxed trackside in Maserati’s marquee and enjoyed refreshments while watching vintage racers including a number of Maseratis. The event was an enormous success and a much enjoyed addition to Maserati owners’ Monterey festivities.

At Pebble Beach the focus is, naturally, on classic cars – and Maserati did not disappoint. Not only did an A6G54 Zagato coupe win best in show in the postwar custom-bodied sports class, but one of the ultra-rare 5000 GT models – a 1962 model, bodied by Allemano - was auctioned for over $1 million following the Concours. But it was the modern machinery that proved the greatest attraction as crowds thronged to the putting green by the Lodge at Pebble Beach to see the GranTurismo, beside which the other cars on show went virtually unnoticed. Maserati owners and other VIPs were also beneficiaries of the Trident’s hospitality as Maserati offered seating, refreshment, and conviviality at its large pavilion near the reviewing stand.

At Concorso Italiano, Maserati was amply represented by Maserati clubs and owners. This celebration of Italian cars in fact grew from the annual Monterey meeting of The Maserati Club, so it is fitting that this year a major theme was the celebration of the 3500GTs Golden Anniversary. Eleven stunning 3500 GTs, including a couple of rare 3500 GTI spiders, were on hand and drew vast admiration from everyone, as did an exceptional collection of Ghiblis and Boras, among others. Doug Magnon’s MC12 stole the show, and seemed to garner more attention and be the subject of more photos than any other car present, while the GranTurismo on display at The Quail was the subject of great and enthusiastic discussion at Concorso!

With the Quattroporte proving to be the sports sedan of choice for the true enthusiast, and with the GranTurismo being such a hit that some dealers have already sold out their entire 2008 allocation, Maserati continues to power its way forward. To find out more, contact your local authorized Maserati dealer.