The Italian luxury automaker Maserati celebrated its 100th anniversary with the presentation of the spectacular sports model Zagato Maserati Mostro at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, recently held on the shores of Lake Como in Italy. The vehicle, inspired by the historic 1957 Maserati 450 S Coupe, was designed by the Milan studio Zagato and is fueled by a powerful 4.2L V8 Maserati engine.The celebrated 1957 Maserati 450 S Coupe model represented a significant technological breakthrough in its time. It was created to compete in major global car races, including the 24 hours of Le Mans and the Nürbungring circuit, driven by Sir Stirling Moss. The current model Mostro (Monster) was conceived and designed for sports competitions but incorporates details that can be applied to the road. The Zagato design team introduced a carbon fiber bodywork mounted on a lightweight steel interlaced structure.The Mostro´s powerful momentum lies in the potent central front 4.2L V8 engine with 400 horsepower, located behind the front axle with a six-speed semi-automatic transmission. The car evokes the outline of the 1957 450 S Coupe, adding special touches to the design of the side windows and the windshield, as well as its body´s rounded curves, impressive rear spoiler and swan wing doors.
The Italian company Zagato deserves credit for some of the most beautiful sports cars designs in its nearly 100 years of existence. It has developed and stylized superb machines for exclusive firms, from Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Bentley and Bugatti, to Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini and Rolls Royce, among others. Zagato can achieve the precise combination of rationality, functionality and style.
The mythical Maserati firm was born in Bologna, and in 1940 moved to its current headquarters in Modena, Italy. Today, it is part of the Ferrari group and one of the main protagonists in the history of racing cars. Inspired by the famous sculpture of Neptune in Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore, which dates back to the 16th century, the emblematic trident that identifies the brand has remained unchanged.
The long and productive collaboration between Zagato and Maserati is legendary and has produced excellent and original products. This anniversary celebration gave them the opportunity to realize a unique dream, reserved for only five lucky owners. And, as expected, the five units of the limited edition Zagato Maserati Mostro have already been reserved. ■