One to Buy: 6600km from new 2006 Maserati MC12
Soon after the Ferrari Enzo had been launched, parent company Fiat gave the green light for a GT1 racing version to be developed. However, instead of being badged as a Ferrari, the new machine would appear under another of Fiat’s brands: Maserati.
Most significantly, the resultant Maserati MC12 featured redesigned bodywork, a different construction method for its monocoque and steel instead of carbon brake discs (as dictated by racing regulations of the time). New gear ratios were also fitted and the redline was lowered. Unlike the fixed head Enzo, the MC12 road car featured a removable central roof panel.
Maserati went on to reveal their most exciting vehicle in decades at the Geneva Motor Show during March of 2004 As the MC12 was conceived for use in the GT1 competition class, 25 road-going versions had to be built for homologation.
All 25 units required for were then lined up for inspection by the FIA scrutineers in late August with the entire run having been pre-sold at a price of €600,000 apiece. In 2005, a second batch of 25 cars was completed, which took total production to 50 units. Each of the 50 was painted a two-tone white over blue colour scheme.
The new Maserati went on to secure the FIA GT Championship for Teams five years straight between 2005 and 2009. The Drivers’ title fell to the MC12 on four occasions between 2006 and 2009. Between 2005 and 2007 (when a Manufacturers’ title was added to the FIA GT Championship), Maserati won it twice.
Currently on offer at the Schaltkulisse showroom in Taufkirchen is one of the 50 road-going examples of the MC12 produced between 2004 and 2005. Registered in June 2006, this particular example has covered a little over 6600km and is offered in superb original condition throughout.
Reprinted below is Schaltkalisse’s description:
Bianco Fuji – Blu Victory
Only 6644km from new
One of 50 road-going homologation examples
Coming under the ownership of Fiat S.p.A. meant Maserati benefitted from much needed funds and synergies, assets they used to create their halo car and probably one of the most successful modern racing cars.
The race version of the MC12 was an absolute success in racing, it won everything: the Vitaphone Racing team secured five consecutive team championships and a sixth of the first season of GT1 in 2010. It also allowed Maserati to win the Manufacturer’s Cup in 2005 and 2007, and six Drivers’ Championships, four in the FIA GT Championship from 2006 to 2009, one for the Italian GT Championship in 2006, and another in the newly formed FIA GT1 class in 2010. It was so successful in fact, that due to a regulation change, that banned cars longer than five meters long, Maserati had to shorten the MC12.
To homologate the race car, Maserati built a total of 50 road cars, the first 25 were long-nose, and the remaining short-noses.
Being now a sister company of Ferrari meant Maserati was able to use the excellent platform of the Enzo to build their MC12. The long and wide design was signed by Frank Stephenson, and with a body so stiff that Maserati was able to make the car a Targa.
The V12 had a power output of 630 horsepower, and was mated to a six-speed Cambiocorsa paddle-shift transmission. An absolute weapon on track, and although sporting extreme dimensions, it feels much smaller once behind the wheel.
Our Maserati MC12 was first registered on the road in June 2006. In 16 years of existence, the car has only travelled 6,644 km, which accounts to less than 300 km per year! Just enough to keep the car exercised and avoid storage damages.
In June 2021, a lot was invested in the car, as it benefitted from a full service and a new clutch by Ferrari and Maserati service partners Formula Automobile in Denmark. Our Maserati presents in a fantastic original condition, and is looking for a new home, where it will be cherished like it deserves to be. After all, this is what automotive royalty looks like.
Being the same thoroughbred type of car as a Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, a Porsche 911 GT1, or a Mclaren F1 GT, which are by now eight-digit cars, the MC12 is one oft he best kept secret of the car collector world and is surprisingly still extremely undervalued. This is our pick for the best investment car of the moment, and probably the most spectacular addition to a car collection as well.
